December 2015 Energy Use Down 6.8% YOY Due to Warmer Temperatures

March 2 2016

Canada’s demand for electricity totalled 49.5 million megawatt hours (MWh) in December, down 6.8% from the same month in 2014. Unseasonably warm weather in most of the country contributed to the decline in demand. Lower demand pushed generation down 6.5% to 53.9 million MWh, the lowest level for a month of December since 2003. Exports of electricity to the United States also declined year over year in December, falling 3.1% to 5.2 million MWh. This was the first year-over-year decrease in exports of electricity since October 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much of the decline in exports reflects lower shipments from Quebec and Ontario as eastern U.S. states reported their warmest December temperatures in recorded history, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Exports from British Columbia tempered the decline, rising 34.4%.

Meanwhile, imports from the United States also decreased in December, totalling 0.8 million MWh.

Demand for electricity in Quebec was down 11.0% to 18.5 million MWh, the lowest level for a month of December in 14 years. Warmer weather contributed to the decline, as the province has a high proportion of electric heating. Similarly, generation levels within the province decreased 10.2% to 17.7 million MWh.

Alberta and Ontario also contributed significantly to the decline in national demand. In Alberta, demand fell 9.4% to 5.5 million MWh, contributing to a 9.9% decline in generation. Demand for electricity in Ontario decreased 4.9% to 10.9 million MWh.

Canadian electricity generation and demand down in 2015

On an annual basis, Canada generated 592.8 million MWh of electricity in 2015, down 1.2% from 2014. Five of the eight generation sources recorded lower output in 2015. However, hydro, internal combustion and solar generating stations all posted gains.

Demand for electricity declined 3.5% to 534.2 million MWh in 2015. Canada delivered 67.1 million MWh of electricity to the United States, up 14.1% from the previous year, while imports fell by nearly a third to 8.7 million MWh.

Source: Statistics Canada, www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/160226/dq160226a-eng.htm.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    uly 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…

  • Clarification from ESA on Labour Mobility Updates Between Provinces

    Clarification from ESA on Labour Mobility Updates Between Provinces

    July 14, 2025 Effective July 1st, 2025, ESA implemented changes required under the Bill 2Protect Ontario Through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025 and the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, introduced by the Government of Ontario. These legislative updates aim to reduce interprovincial barriers and support the mobility of qualified tradespeople across Canada. Out of Province Master Electrician… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…