The Canadian government is encouraging Canadians to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles and from fossil-fuel heating systems to electric heat pumps as part of its plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 However, some Canadians are concerned about the impact of this transition. will have on the electrical grid and energy bills.

According to the federal government, more than $400 billion will be needed to replace aging facilities and increase the generation capacity of Canada’s electricity grid to reach net zero emissions by 2035. Without these investments, the system may not be able to handle the pressures of electric heating and cooling systems, electric vehicles and the growing population and economy.

Reports from the International Energy Agency and the Canadian Climate Institute predict that Canada will need to double or triple the capacity of its electricity grid by 2050 to reach its net zero goal. This will require additional battery storage and the ability to meet peak demand for electric vehicles and home heating systems. Failure to meet these requirements could lead to missed climate goals, power outages and other reliability issues.

However, experts believe that it is possible to expand and improve the electrical system. The electrification of transport and domestic heating will be done gradually, giving the system time to adapt. Additionally, government targets make demand growth somewhat predictable. Although there will still be non-electric vehicles on the road in 2036, the electrification trend is already underway and the Canadian system has been able to meet the growing demand so far.

The Canadian Climate Institute report highlights the importance of acting early to reduce costs and foster innovation. Making building improvements, such as insulation, can significantly reduce electricity demand, even with the electrification of heating systems. As for electric vehicles, planners view them as a business opportunity rather than a risk, as they store large amounts of electricity and have flexible charging schedules.

Overall, while the transition to electric vehicles and electric heat pumps will present challenges for the Canadian power grid, experts believe that with the necessary investments and upgrades, it is doable. The government’s goal of achieving a net-zero electricity system by 2035 leaves no room for delay, and early action can help mitigate potential problems. As the electricity system evolves, users will become “prosumers”, actively participating in the production and consumption of electricity.