Federal Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss all Federal policies which enable the renewables industry, in addition to strategies to accelerate optimal wind, solar and storage adoption which could be mandated at the Federal level. Large files this year included the Federal budget, Clean Electricity Regulations, Investment Tax Credits, Pan-Canadian Grid Council, Regional Energy and Resource Tables, and the Greener Homes Grant. We use the thoughts shared in this forum as the basis for our federal government lobbying efforts.
British Columbia Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss all BC policies related to the renewables industry, in addition to strategies to enable optimal wind, solar and storage adoption in BC. BC Hydro stated that the province requires 3,000 GWh/year starting in 2028 and has recently announced the opening of the RPF process. The province is expected to have multiple Calls for Power going forward. Through this network, CanREA will work collaboratively with Clean Energy BC and support the work already underway. We use the thoughts shared in this forum as the basis for our BC lobbying efforts.
Alberta Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss all Alberta policies related to the renewables industry, in addition to strategies to enable optimal wind, solar and storage adoption in Alberta. Large files this year included the Transmission Regulation Review, TIER Review, Alberta’s Hydrogen Road Map, Alberta’s Energy Storage Road Map, Red Tape Reduction, and Net-Zero Pathways Report. We use the thoughts shared in this forum as the basis for our Alberta lobbying efforts.
Saskatchewan + Manitoba Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss all Saskatchewan and Manitoba policies related to the renewables industry, in addition to strategies to enable optimal wind, solar and storage adoption in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Major activities in Saskatchewan this year have included lobbying SaskPower regarding decarbonizing their generation fleet, working with them to ensure fair and competitive renewable energy procurements, and engaging on the future supply plan of Saskatchewan. Manitoba Hydro has recently released their first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines the goal of increasing the province's capacity by almost 10 GW. The IRP expressly states that wind energy will help achieve this growth. We use the thoughts shared in this forum as the basis for our Saskatchewan and Manitoba lobbying efforts.
Ontario Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss policy and regulatory matters pertaining to wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in Ontario. Key priorities at present are the IESO Long-Term RFP procurements, opportunities for corporate procurement of renewable energy, opportunities for re-powering and expansion of existing wind and solar facilities, and DER interconnections and solar net metering.
Quebec Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss all Québec policies related to the renewables industry, in addition to strategies to enable optimal wind, solar and storage adoption in Québec. Key activities this year have included advocating for fair and competitive energy generation procurements and advising on Quebec’s new regulatory framework in order to improve energy production and optimize the grid. We use the thoughts shared in this forum as the basis for our Québec lobbying efforts.
Atlantic Network
This network meets for monthly calls to discuss all Nova Scotia policies related to the renewables industry, in addition to strategies to enable optimal wind, solar and storage adoption in Nova Scotia, and across Atlantic Canada. Key files over the past year have included procurement optimization with the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables and advising on the roll out of the Green Choice program. We use the thoughts shared in this forum as the basis for our Atlantic lobbying efforts.
Ontario Acoustics Working Group
This working group is dedicated to assessing and advocating for favourable siting provisions as they pertain to acoustics regulations for wind projects and hybrid projects in Ontario. This working group does not currently have a consistent meeting schedule, instead opting to gather on an as-needed basis.
Ontario Wildlife Working Group
This working group is dedicated to assessing and advocating for favourable siting provisions as they pertain to wildlife regulations for wind projects in Ontario. Recently, this has revolved around raptor mortality monitoring. This working group does not have a consistent meeting schedule, instead opting to gather on an as-needed basis.
Federal Budget / ITC Working Group
When it was first created in 2022, this working group helped to shape advocacy points on Investment Tax Credits (ITCs), with the goal of remaining competitive with the US market amid the release of their Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This advocacy ultimately resulted in the Federal ITCs announced in the 2023 Federal Budget. Following the budget announcement, the ITC working group has evolved into a forum advocating for clarity, and optimized conditions within the parameters of these tax credits. This group will also support CanREA's feedback on the development of the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) program. This group meets on an as-needed basis.
Alberta Transmission Regulation Engagement Working Group
This working group was created to gather feedback and draft responses concerning Alberta Energy’s Transmission Regulation Engagement. This engagement proposed several changes to existing transmission systems which would significantly impact developers, including changes to permit NWS in the planning process, to the Generating Unit Owner’s Contribution and Section 15 exemptions. The Transmission Regulation working group offers a forum for developing and presenting a renewable energy industry position as part of the engagement. This group meets on an as-needed basis.
Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) Working Group
In 2022, the Federal Government announced their commitment to creating a set of Clean Electricity Regulations (CER; formerly CES) as part of their Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP). These regulations would create limits and attach financial penalties for emissions produced by fossil fuel electricity generation and aim to help us reach a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. This group discusses the proposed regulations and provides feedback to the federal government in order to optimize outcomes for the renewables sector. This group meets on an as-needed basis.
Quebec Regulatory Framework Working Group
Quebec is committed to achieving a net-zero economy by 2050, requiring a significant increase in renewable energy production. This group discusses potential regulatory and legislative solutions to create increased electricity generation for the grid within Quebec’s legislative framework. Key discussion topics include the policy surrounding corporate PPAs, net invoicing, and economic value assessments for our technologies which may result in favourable legislation.
Alberta Bat Conservation Working Group
This working group is developing recommendations for wind turbine related bat conservation, as we work with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas on their existing risk management framework. This group currently meets monthly.
Operators Network
The Operators Network is a member-driven group that provides space to discuss operational issues from construction to decommissioning. This group is focused on technical, safety, and personnel issues and engages in market participation through grid integration discussions. It discusses technical issues such as active and reactive power control that support market participation rather than the market rules themselves. This historically has meant best practices, standards, technical operation topics, etc. The network has three relevant committees that focus on: 1) EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), 2) Workforce Development
Operators Network Committees
- Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Committee
This group will meet virtually and bimonthly to create an opportunity for health and safety professionals to discuss relevant health and safety challenges and share solutions through a trusted network. This group collaborates to develop resources to be utilized in the workplace on topics such as ergonomics and human factors, worker safety, and operational best practices.
- Workforce Development Committee
This group will meet virtually and bimonthly to provide an opportunity for individuals involved in workforce development within the renewable energy industry to discuss their current challenges and successes. This group discusses topics related to the hiring, recruitment, and retention of skilled workers and collaborates on projects to promote career awareness and reduce barriers to career entry in the renewable energy industry.