Economic Impact of a National East-West Electricity Transmission System
Published by:
David Suzuki Foundation
Authored by:
Robin Somerville
Climate solutions renewable energy
As Canada moves away from fossil fuel energy end-uses and toward clean electricity, a large-scale build-out of new electricity infrastructure and upgrades is needed. Building new electricity interties between provinces is an important part of that broader work that can lead to lower energy bills, more reliable electricity systems, and better integration of renewables like wind and solar.
This study explores the economic and employment benefits of one particular scenario that sees $30.6 billion to build new transmission interties between provinces by 2035. Additionally, this study looks at the specific economic and employment benefits to Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors if the major inputs for these projects come from Canadian materials and components.