December Power Consumption Down 5.1% Year Over Year

Energy Power Stats

Canada consumed 53.8 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in December 2014, 5.1% less than the same month in 2013. The decline was driven by above average temperatures in Quebec. Nova Scotia also experienced a significant drop in the demand for electricity. Year over year, electric power generation in Canada fell 3.4% year over year to 58.3 million MWh. Exports to the United States totalled 5.4 million MWh in December, 12.0% higher than the previous year, while imports shed more than a quarter of their volume to total 0.8 million MWh.

Chart 1: Electricity generation and consumption

The affect of unseasonably warmer weather in Quebec was evident in provincial demand for electricity, which totalled 20.8 million MWh for the month, 10.5% below December 2013 levels. The average temperature in Quebec, where most homes use electric heating, was more than four degrees Celsius higher than the previous year. With the decline in demand, electric power generation in the province fell 9.0% to 19.7 million MWh on lower hydro generation levels. 

Nova Scotia also experienced a significant drop in the demand for electricity, falling 14.1% year over year to 1.0 million MWh in December. Like demand, generation also declined to 1.0 million MWh, a 15.0% reduction over December 2013 levels. The bulk of the decline came from steam-conventional generation, which fell 20.9% to 0.7 million MWh. Some of the loss was mitigated by increased wind and hydro generation. 

Electricity generation down in 2014

On an annual basis, Canada generated 600.5 million MWh of electricity in 2014, 1.7% less than in 2013. In 2014, six of the nine generation categories recorded reduced output, while tidal, solar and nuclear generation each posted gains. 

Demand for electricity edged down 0.8% to 554.6 million MWh in 2014. Canada shipped 58.8 million MWh of electricity to the United States, 5.4% less than the previous year, while imports rose 20.0% to 12.8 million MWh. This was the largest increase in imports since 2006 and the first gain since 2010. 

Source: Statistics Canada, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150226/dq150226d-eng.htm?cmp=mstatcan.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    March 13, 2025 There is a need and an opportunity for Canada to strengthen energy security and affordability for all Canadians. Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions across the country. By increasing the scale and pace of building retrofits, we can make homes and buildings more energy-efficient and improve reliability in units.  The federal… Read More…

  • Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    March 13, 2025 CBC has reported that BC Hydro is excluding Tesla products from their EV charger incentive program. However, products purchased prior to March 12 will still be eligible. “As of March 12, Tesla chargers, energy storage batteries and inverters are not eligible for rebates, according to B.C. Hydro. Those who have purchased or… Read More…

  • Acuity Rebrands and Introduces New Corporate Identity

    Acuity Rebrands and Introduces New Corporate Identity

    March 13, 2025 Acuity Brands, Inc.’s corporate name is changing from Acuity Brands, Inc. to Acuity Inc. effective March 26, 2025. Acuity will continue to operate through two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), formerly Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG). They will continue trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “AYI”. “Acuity is positioned for long term growth…. Read More…

  • IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    March 7, 2025 IDEAL Electrical was the first company to obtain a patent to make and sell wire connectors in the United States 96 years ago this month – and today IDEAL® announces a modern look for the brand, which captures the company’s spirit of relentless innovation and the optimistic future of the electrical trade. … Read More…