Global energy systems are pivoting toward electricity. This transformation – the electrotech revolution – is driven by rapid technological advances and falling costs for technologies that produce and use electricity. The question for Canada is: are we prepared for this opportunity?
To understand where we stand, Electrifying Canada commissioned Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, our knowledge partner, to examine the evidence. In Forecasting Canada’s Electricity Future, Dunsky reviewed provincial electricity demand forecasts. The report finds these forecasts almost unanimously anticipate significant demand growth across the country. Even the most conservative composite shows a 62% increase in electricity demand nationally by 2050.
We have not seen this pace of demand growth in a generation.
Dunsky’s review also suggests forecasts may be underestimating future demand, as most do not fully capture new demand drivers from rapid electrotech advances and growing electricity-intensive industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing.
Canada cannot afford to be caught unprepared for this electricity future.
Prioritizing actions that enable provinces to grow their electricity systems faster is a near-term necessity for economic growth and affordability, not just a long-term climate goal. Decision makers must accelerate strategies to support electricity infrastructure expansion to ensure competitiveness and prosperity – and to secure Canada’s place in the electrotech future.
Electrifying Canada is committed to working with leaders to ensure Canada plans and builds new electricity infrastructure at the pace required for a prosperous and competitive economy. See the report for more information.
