Carney launches National Electricity Strategy to double Canada’s power grid by 2050
National Electricity Strategy aims to expand clean energy, connect grids, and lower long-term energy costs
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a forthcoming National Electricity Strategy aimed at doubling Canada’s electricity grid capacity by 2050 as the federal government responds to rising energy demand, global instability, and the transition toward electrification.
The strategy, unveiled Wednesday in Ottawa, will focus on expanding clean electricity generation, modernizing transmission infrastructure, strengthening interprovincial grid connections, and training more skilled trades workers to support the buildout.
Federal officials say consultations are now underway with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, utilities, labour groups, and industry stakeholders.
Canada preparing for major electricity demand growth
The federal government says electricity demand in Canada is expected to double by 2050 as industries, transportation systems, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and homes increasingly rely on electricity.
Carney described electricity as central to Canada’s future energy security and economic competitiveness.
“With our new National Electricity Strategy, we will build at scale and speed to double our grid and power Canada strong with clean, affordable, reliable energy for all generations,” Carney said in a statement.
Canada currently generates approximately 80 per cent of its electricity from non-emitting sources and maintains some of the lowest electricity costs in the G7.
With our new National Electricity Strategy, we will power Canada strong with clean, affordable, reliable energy. pic.twitter.com/jLUcFMcGBn
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 14, 2026
Four pillars of the National Electricity Strategy
According to the federal government, the strategy will focus on four major areas:
1. Expanding electricity generation and infrastructure
The plan calls for large-scale investments in:
- Electricity generation
- Transmission lines
- Energy storage
- Distribution systems
- Grid modernization
Federal officials say financing options will be explored to spread costs over time while maintaining affordability.
2. Connecting provincial and territorial grids
The government plans to strengthen East-West-North electricity interties to improve reliability and reduce infrastructure duplication between provinces and territories.
A new Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy will also be referred to the Major Projects Office.
3. Expanding the skilled trades workforce
The strategy estimates Canada will require more than 130,000 additional skilled workers by 2050 to build and maintain the future electricity system.
The initiative builds on the recently announced Team Canada Strong skilled trades program.
4. Growing Canadian manufacturing capacity
Ottawa also plans to increase domestic manufacturing of electricity infrastructure and clean energy technologies to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Major projects already underway
The federal government highlighted several projects currently advancing through the Major Projects Office, including:
- Darlington New Nuclear project in Ontario
- Taltson Hydro Expansion in the Northwest Territories
- Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project in Nunavut
- North Coast Transmission Line in British Columbia
- Wind West project in Nova Scotia
The strategy also includes expanded support for household energy retrofits and heat pump installations aimed at lowering long-term energy costs.
Federal projections suggest the strategy could generate up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050 while reducing total energy costs for many Canadian households.
Energy security and economic competitiveness
The announcement comes amid heightened global energy concerns tied to geopolitical instability, trade uncertainty, and climate-related challenges.
Federal ministers framed electricity infrastructure as both an economic and national security priority.
The government also confirmed it intends to adjust clean electricity regulations to allow additional flexibility, including continued use of natural gas where necessary to maintain reliability and affordability during the energy transition.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office (pm.gc.ca)
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