Maritime Provinces, Federal Government to Explore Electricity Co-operation, System Integration
July 23, 2026
Maritime provinces are at a pivotal moment in their energy transition, with each province committed to ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity systems for its citizens.
The provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore whether greater regional co-operation could improve affordability, optimize planning and investments, and strengthen system efficiency and resilience in the future. Natural Resources Canada is also a partner.
Over the past five years, energy costs in Atlantic Canada have increased significantly, outpacing growth in median household incomes and GDP. At the same time, system constraints are now limiting economic development and productivity, and the capital required to maintain reliability and advance decarbonization has grown. Under the new MOU, the three Maritime systems co-ordinating as one could mean lower costs for Maritime families and businesses, better reliability during inclement weather or demand spikes, and the ability to attract the capital investment our economy needs. This first-of-a-kind-in-Canada approach is a significant step toward strengthening the region’s long-term energy security and economic competitiveness and could unlock renewable development, improve system flexibility and reduce investment duplication.
Over the coming months, they will work together to develop an initial Maritime Regional Resource and Transmission Road Map identifying opportunities for co-ordination across generation, transmission, demand-side resources and emerging energy resources. They will also deliver a preliminary cost-benefit analysis of enhanced regional planning and operational co-ordination, including options for a Maritime Independent Electricity System Operator. More detailed planning and recommendations will follow next spring.
The work will be overseen by a deputy minister steering committee. Input will also be sought from New Brunswick Power, Nova Scotia Power, Maritime Electric and IESO Nova Scotia through a separate committee.
Quick Facts:
- Maritime electricity systems are interconnected though they operate as distinct provincially regulated systems
- examples of regional co-operation include outage response and transmission access arrangements, as well as the new Nova Scotia-New Brunswick transmission intertie and a partnership between New Brunswick Power and IESO Nova Scotia on a new natural gas plant in New Brunswick
