Energy experts have warned that Canada's electricity grid faces significant risks due to escalating extreme weather phenomena, amid delays in infrastructure upgrades and increasing energy demand.

Increasing Climate Risks

According to statements by Rebecca Jensen, CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association, severe heatwaves, floods, and fires are rapidly threatening the reliability of electricity supplies.

“These events are no longer exceptional but have become a recurring pattern, and the current grid does not keep pace with the scale of the challenge,” says Jensen.

Tangible Consequences

Canada has witnessed in recent years:

Strong wind storms in Ontario and Quebec that cut power to hundreds of thousands of homes.

Large-scale forest fires in British Columbia and Alberta that caused severe damage to stations and distribution lines.

Record heatwaves that raised demand for air conditioning and cooling to unprecedented levels.

High Costs and Delayed Plans

A report from the Canadian Electricity Association indicated that grid upgrades and strengthening resilience may require investments worth billions of dollars, including:

Reinforcing transmission and distribution lines to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Developing renewable energy systems and smart storage grids.

Building new lines to meet the increased demand from electric vehicles and low-emission homes.

Calls for Urgent Action

Frank Oberl, the association’s vice president, confirmed that delays in addressing vulnerabilities could lead to severe consequences.

“We need a comprehensive plan to accelerate infrastructure upgrades.. any delay will multiply costs and threaten energy security.”

 Government Demands

Experts have called on the federal government and provincial governments to develop an urgent national strategy to strengthen the grid and ensure continuity of supplies, especially with the intensifying climate change and increasing reliance on electricity for transport and heating.

Jensen said:

“Citizens expect reliable and safe electricity.. time is running out before climate risks turn into ongoing crises.”