Power grids aren’t something that often cross my mind. For most Canadians, turning on the lights, charging phones and the refrigerator working don’t get a second thought.
However, increases to electricity demand could mean that Canadians will lose access to reliable electricity if supply is not increased in step.
But first of all, what’s a grid and why does it matter?
There are three parts to the power grid system: generation, transmission and distribution.
The generation comes from primary sources and must be continuous. Think hydroelectric dams, gas plants, and solar/wind farms.
The lines that transfer said electricity from the generators elsewhere are the transmission portion of the power grid. Electricity transmission is an extremely complex business due to the sheer volume of electricity that gets transported each day and the long distances it must travel between plants, substations, and consumers.
Distribution, the last part of the system, is how electricity gets to our homes and offices so we can have lights, hot water, appliances, and Netflix. If you’ve ever seen or paid an Enmax or BC Hydro bill, you’ve interacted with a distributor.
Why is energy demand increasing? In short, it’s because of a rising population, a growing economy, and increased energy usage from everything from AI to critical minerals development.
And this isn’t a future problem – it’s a problem government and industry must address now. At this very moment, around 200,000 Canadians don’t have reliable access to electricity.
Current and future increases in electricity demand are putting a strain on electricity grids across the country, meaning Canada must act to increase supply.
On May 14, 2026, the government announced its plan to ensure that all Canadians have access to reliable and affordable electricity. The federal government’s plan is guided by four main pillars:
Build. Connect. Train. Make (manufacture).
Build – More project approvals quicker. That’s the name of the game. The Major Projects Office is a key example of how the federal government is already seeking to achieve this.
Connect – Currently, it is easier for power to be traded to the United States than to be traded across Canada. Canada must bolster its transmission system. A strong Canada starts with strong cross-Canadian energy connections.
Train – There must be enough skilled labor for this whole plan to work. This project will create
130,000 high paying jobs by 2050. Construction workers, electrical engineers, accountants, truck drivers – the list goes on.
Make – Make what? Make our future. Referring to taking responsibility for our own future.
Specifically designing and making more tech and components right here in Canada. Exploring how we will grow domestic manufacturing will enable Canada to be less dependent on other countries.
Our electricity grid needs to be expanded. Canada has the tools to do so and now we have a plan to make it happen. What’s next? Put the plan to action.
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