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News from week of June 22nd - June 29th, 2026
GRID WATCH
Canada's Utility News Roundup
Disclaimer: Grid Watch is an independent publication. Views expressed are author's own and do not reflect the positions of Manitoba Hydro or any other featured utility.
Interties, Load Growth and Nuclear Choices Shape the WeekThis week's edition tracks Ottawa's grid-connectivity push, regional capacity pressures, and the cost debate around new nuclear generation.
In this week's issue...
⚡ Ottawa names five priority intertie projects for federal backing. 🏗️ Large-load queues intensify in Ottawa and Alberta. 🔋 Nuclear, wind and retrofit options face sharper cost scrutiny. 
National HeadlinesEnergy minister names five priority power-line projects for federal backingCBC News, June 27th 2026 Ottawa says it will prioritize federal financial and regulatory support for five intertie projects: Alberta-B.C., Alberta-Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan-Manitoba, P.E.I.-New Brunswick and B.C.-Yukon. Energy Minister Tim Hodgson framed the projects as reliability, affordability and growth measures within Canada's broader goal of doubling electricity supply by 2050. Canada initiates process to list major projects under the Building Canada ActGovernment of Canada, June 24th 2026 The federal government started consultations that could list three projects as national-interest projects: the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Grays Bay Road and Port, and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's deep geological repository. For utilities, the repository decision is the most direct signal, as it supports Canada's long-term nuclear fuel-management pathway. Regional Roundup11 Indigenous-led wind-farm proposals to compete for Manitoba Hydro contractsCBC News, June 24th 2026 Manitoba Hydro has qualified 11 Indigenous-led partnerships to submit proposals for 600 MW of new wind generation by 2035. The projects must connect near eligible substations and proponents are responsible for transmission links. Energy consultants have asked the PUB to scrutinize fixed-rate power purchases and winter capacity value. SaskPower reports annual loss despite $187M grant from CICGlobal News, June 24th 2026 SaskPower reported a $114-million loss for 2025-26 after a $187-million affordability grant from Crown Investments Corporation. The utility said the result reflected carbon-cost obligations and customer affordability measures. The report also noted $1.8 billion in capital spending to modernize, expand and sustain Saskatchewan's electricity system. Data centre progress in Alberta set to speed upCalgary Herald, June 24th 2026 Alberta's data-centre strategy advanced as the AUC approved Greenlight Electricity Centre GP's proposed 1,864-MW gas-fired generation facility in Sturgeon County. The plant is intended to supply provincial power needs and adjacent data centres, while AESO has already seen large prospective load requests tied to advanced computing. 
Policy & PricingData centres lead to a surge in Ottawa grid requestsThe Globe and Mail, June 26th 2026 Hydro Ottawa says 34 large-load projects are seeking connections totalling 1,075 MW, roughly 86 per cent of the utility's average system load. Data centres account for about 60 per cent of the queue. CEO Bryce Conrad said supply-chain delays and rate-setting constraints are complicating the utility's ability to build at the requested pace. IESO seeks renewable generator nominee for Technical PanelIESO, June 25th 2026 Ontario's system operator opened nominations for a Renewable Generator constituency seat on its Technical Panel. The panel advises the IESO board on Market Rule amendments, making the appointment relevant to generator participation, market design and technical-commercial rules as Ontario integrates new resources. Innovation & TransitionOntario's proposed nuclear plants could cost nearly $300-billion, study findsThe Globe and Mail, June 26th 2026 A Power Advisory study supplied to The Globe and Mail estimated Ontario's Bruce C and Wesleyville nuclear proposals could cost $221 billion to $294 billion. The analysis compares that with a lower-cost renewable buildout, while noting transmission, system reliability and resource adequacy assumptions shape the comparison. Seven First Nations sign nuclear reactor ownership deal with Ottawa, OntarioCBC News, June 23rd 2026 Seven Williams Treaties First Nations are set to take an equity stake in one of four small modular reactors at OPG's Darlington New Nuclear Project. Ottawa and Ontario are providing $700 million in loan guarantees, with the first reactor scheduled for completion in 2030. Alberta retrofit supply chain report points to grid-demand reliefPembina Institute, June 25th 2026 A Pembina Institute report argues Alberta can reduce utility costs and electricity-system pressure by scaling whole-building retrofits. The report estimates annual retrofit investment of $2.5 billion could generate $5.8 billion in GDP and 24,000 jobs while reducing demand growth that would otherwise require new generation. Worth NotingYukon welcomes B.C. grid connection support, but winter risks remain. Read More CBC News, June 29th 2026 Nova Scotia regulator clears bidders for first offshore wind licences. Read More CBC News, June 28th 2026 Pembina says intertie priorities need funding and negotiation follow-through. Read More Pembina Institute, June 27th 2026 New Brunswick embraces new nuclear despite NB Power cost caution. Read More CBC News, June 23rd 2026 Enjoying this brief? Share it with a colleague. Subscribe to Grid Watch here |
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Grid Watch | By Action Intelligence Group (AIG) | 421 Mulvey Ave, Winnipeg, MB, Canada | © 2026 Action Intelligence Group. All rights reserved. |
