The Canada connection
A big boost for wholesale electricity wheeling between Canada and the United States could be the consolidation and final approval of the Western Regional Transmission Association (WRTA), expected later this year, and the Northwest Regional Transmission Association (NWRTA). WRTA culd become the first US regional transmission group (RTG) approved by the ederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Several US utilities and independent energy players would be joined in this pioneering RTG by western Canadian firms - a major advance for Canada-US electricity cooperation and competition. Curently, British Columbia and Alberta are leading Canada toward open transmission access and wholesale electricity wheeling. WRTA and other RTGs may even become vehicles for greater inter-utility coopertion and open access within Canada. The opportunities for participation in Canada/US transmission groups seem likely, but there are still issues to resolve - including the unknown shape of the US electric industry as it changes. As these uncertainties are worked through both Canadian and US companies may find new opportunities in cross border power sales.
- OSTI ID:
- 83417
- Journal Information:
- Independent Energy, Journal Name: Independent Energy Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 25; ISSN 1043-7320; ISSN IDPEEW
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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