Market Snapshot: 2015 a Record-Setting Year for Canadian Electricity Exports

Market Snapshot: 2015 a Record-Setting Year for Canadian Electricity Exports

Canadian electricity exports surpassed previous records in 2015, with net export volumes of almost 60 terawatt hours (TW.h) and net export revenues of $2.8 billion.

Increasing exports and decreasing imports pushed the volume of 2015 net exports over the previous 52 TW.h record set in 2013. Imports from the U.S. fell below 9 TW.h in 2015, the lowest amount in almost 20 years. Exports surpassed 68 TW.h, a 17% increase over 2014. Overall, Canada’s net electricity exports increased by over 14 TW.h and were 30% higher in 2015 than in 2014.

Canada also earned 20% more in net revenue (i.e., income from exports minus the cost of the imports) in 2015 compared to 2014. In fact, 2015 net revenues surpassed the previous record of $2.5 billion set in 2008.

Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia (B.C.) account for more than 95% of Canadian electricity export volumes. More than half of the 2015 increase in net exports can be attributed to a 7.4 TW.h increase in net exports from B.C., which also strategically buys and sells electricity to maximize revenue. Aside from BC, the other main contributor to increased Canadian net exports was Ontario, which added 3.6 TW.h.

Several factors led to the 2015 increase in Canadian exports. Droughts in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and California reduced hydro generation in these areas, while cold temperatures in the U.S. Northeast increased demand for electricity in that region. Relatively high U.S. prices compared to Canadian prices also supported increased exports.

Source: National Energy Board, https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/snpsht/2016/03-03lctrctxprt-eng.html.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene