Renewing Relationships for Results: The Canada-U.S. Electricity Partnership - By Robin Yee Manager, OHS, & former U.S. Affairs Advisor, Canadian Electricity Association
A
t first glance, it may seem strange to be reading about the Canada-U.S. electricity relationship in a magazine edition focused on Renewal. After all, the highly positive and mutually beneficial electricity trade and integration relationship between the two countries is a long-standing and stable one. The first transmission line between Canada and the U.S. was put in place over 100 years ago! And ever since, the highly integrated Canada-U.S. electricity grid has powered prosperity by delivering a critical service – reliable, affordable, secure, and increasingly clean electricity – to homes and businesses on both sides of the border. What has made this relationship so successful, though, is in fact renewal.
26
canadian electricity association - THE GRID 2021 | Renewal
Just like a friendship that lasts beyond just one stage in life, the Canada-U.S. electricity relationship has renewed itself many times over, as we have taken on new challenges and opportunities together – from the creation of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to ensure a more reliable system for customers; to working together through the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) on challenges that know no borders, such as those posed by cyber threat actors; to providing mutual assistance in times of need, such as the aftermaths of major storms or wildfires. When winter storms hit the U.S. earlier this year, for example, Canadian electricity companies were ready to assist, sending additional power to U.S. communities that needed it most.
