The three Maritime provinces have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore regional co-operation on electricity systems. In a joint news release, the provinces say they will work with Natural Resources Canada to develop a Maritime Regional Resource and Transmission Road Map to identify opportunities for co-ordination across: The goal is to improve affordability, optimize planning and investments, and strengthen system efficiency and resilience. “A more connected Maritime electricity system will lower costs for households and improve grid reliability across our region. It’s co-operative federalism in action – working together across jurisdictions to deliver lasting benefits for Maritimers and all Canadians,” said Dominic LeBlanc, federal minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, in the release. Maritime electricity systems are currently interconnected but operate as distinct provincially-regulated systems. The provinces say they will explore the pros and cons of a potential Maritime Independent Electricity System Operator. A deputy minister steering committee – with input from New Brunswick Power, Nova Scotia Power, Maritime Electric and IESO Nova Scotia – will oversee the work. Its goal will be to focus on actions that can be advanced within existing structures, while considering “longer-term options that may require policy, governance or legislative changes.” Prince Edward Island - New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion Project The federal government is spending $5.9 million to help advance a proposed electricity transmission expansion between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick as part of a broader effort to strengthen Canada’s power grid. The funding, announced by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, will support early-stage planning, engineering and environmental work for the Prince Edward Island–New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion Project, which is expected to be construction-ready by 2028. “New Brunswick is the Maritimes’ energy hub. Securing and strengthening our electricity interties with PEI will help us build a cleaner, more affordable, reliable and resilient electricity system for our entire region and country,” said New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt in a news release from the federal government. The money will go towards building two new 200-megawatt, 138-kilovolt submarine cables, transmission upgrades and modernization of substations in both provinces. “Prince Edward Island relies on transmission connections with New Brunswick to meet much of its electricity demand,” reads the release. “Once complete, this project will improve regional reliability, help the Maritimes meet future electricity demand and contribute to a stronger, more connected electricity system for Atlantic Canada.” P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz says reliable energy is the foundation of a strong economy. “By investing in critical infrastructure today, Prince Edward Island is preparing for future growth and increasing energy demand. This project will help create a stronger, more resilient energy system that Islanders, businesses and communities can count on for generations,” said Lantz in the release. According to the release, Canada has one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world, with about 80 per cent of its electricity generated from clean sources. With national electricity demand expected to double by 2050, the federal government says investment in infrastructure is essential to the country’s energy security, economic growth and long-term climate competitiveness. The money for the project comes from Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, which supports grid modernization, energy storage and non-emitting electricity generation projects. The Prince Edward Island–New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion is one of five priority transmission projects identified by the Government of Canada at the 2026 Energy and Mines Minister’s Meeting.
