RAPID/Roadmap/8 (4)
Bulk Transmission Canada Siting and Regulation Overview (8)
Canada Siting and Regulation Overview Process
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8.1 to 8.2 – Does the Developer Seek to Construct and Operate an International Bulk Transmission Line?
In Canada, a bulk transmission developer may need a number of federal approvals from the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) to construct and operate an international bulk transmission line. A developer may need an International Power Line Approval, or a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and/or an International Power Line Permit from CER to construct and operate an international transmission line. At this time CER is proposing new regulations that will impact the above-mentioned permit/approval processes therefore the RAPID Toolkit does not have content specific for these processes. The developer should contact CER and review the Regulatory Side-by-Side – Governing Permitting of Cross-Border Electricity Transmission Between the United States and Canada Guidance for more information.
8.3 to 8.4 – Does the International Bulk Transmission Line Cross Into the United States?
Any person, firm, co-operative, corporation or other entity who operates an electric power transmission facility crossing the border of the United States, for the transmission of electric energy between the United States and a foreign country must have a Presidential Permit. 10 C.F.R. § 205.320. For more information, see:
8.5 to 8.6 – Does the Developer Seek to Export Electricity?
A bulk transmission developer may need an Export Authorization from CER for cross-border exports of electricity from a bulk transmission project. At this time CER is in the process of proposing new export regulations therefore the RAPID Toolkit does not have content specific to the Export Authorization process. A developer seeking to export electricity should contact CER and review the Regulatory Side-by-Side – Governing Permitting of Cross-Border Electricity Transmission Between the United States and Canada Guidance for more information.
8.7 to 8.8 – Does the Province and/or Territory Have a Comprehensive Siting Process for Transmission Facilities?
In Canada, some provinces and/or territories have one or more processes for siting and/or coordinating various reviews and approvals required for constructing and operating a bulk transmission project. These comprehensive siting processes may consider environmental, ecological, scenic, recreational, and historic values of the province and/or territory. Typically, the provincial or territorial public utility authority (e.g., public utility commission) or an energy, power, or siting board consisting of members from several interested provincial/territorial agencies is charged with conducting comprehensive siting reviews. Additionally, the developer must comply with any applicable local siting or zoning ordinances.
Ontario
In Ontario, a bulk developer may need an Electricity Transmission License from the Ontario Energy Board to own or operate a transmission system. For more information, see:
8.9 to 8.10 – Does the Facility Require Approval from a Provincial/Territorial Utility Regulatory Authority?
Depending on the requirements of the particular province or territory, the developer may need to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), or other approval from a provincial or territorial utility regulatory authority such as a public utilities commission. A transmission facility typically needs a CPCN or similar approval if the facility surpasses the specific kilovolt (kV) threshold designated by the province/territory.
Alberta
In Alberta, a bulk transmission developer may need a Transmission Line Permit and License from the Alberta Utilities Commission to construct, extend, alter, or operate a transmission line. Alberta – Hydro and Electric Energy Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. H-16. For more information, see:
British Columbia
In British Columbia, a bulk transmission developer must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the British Columbia Utilities Commission prior to beginning the construction or operation of a public utility plant or system, or an extension of either. Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 473, ss. 45 (1), 46(1). For more information, see:
Ontario
In Ontario, a person (developer) may need an Order Granting Leave to Construct from the Ontario Energy Board to construct or reinforce an electricity transmission line carrying more than 50 kilovolts (kV) that is longer than 2 kilometers or to expand an existing electricity transmission line more than 2 kilometers. S.O. 1998, c. 15, Sched. B, s. 92(1); O. Reg. 161/99, s. 6.2(1)(c). For more information, see:
Yukon
In Yukon, a bulk transmission developer may need an Energy Project Certificate and an Energy Operation Certificate from the Yukon Utilities Board and the Yukon Minister of Justice to construct or operate a regulated transmission line project. Public Utilities Act, R.S.Y. 2002, c.186, s.37-39. For more information, see:
8.11 to 8.13 – Does the Project Require Any Additional Provincial/Territorial Approvals?
In addition to comprehensive siting processes or certificates from a public utility commission, provincial/territorial governments may require additional approvals (e.g., interconnection assessments and approvals) relating to a transmission facility.
New Brunswick
A bulk transmission developer may need a Connection Approval from the New Brunswick – Transmission and System Operator Division to connect a new or modified facility to the Integrated Electricity System (IES) or for approval to make or modify a connection between the IES and a transmission system outside of New Brunswick. For more information, see:
Transmission Connection Approval:
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In New Brunswick, a bulk transmission developer may also need to enter into a Transmission System Agreement with the New Brunswick Power Corporation for the development of a transmission system. For more information, see:
Ontario
In Ontario, a bulk transmission developer may need a Connection Assessment and Approval from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) "to establish or modify a connection to the IESO-controlled grid, including connecting a new or modified transmission facility." IESO Market Manual 2: Market Administration, Part 2.10: Connection and Assessment Approval, p. 3. For more information, see:
Quebec
In Quebec, a bulk transmission developer may need Specific or General Transmission Authorization from the Quebec – Regie de L’energie to build a transmission line. For more information, see:
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