Canada: SaskPower has received approval from the Canada Energy Regulator to build and operate two international power lines connecting Saskatchewan with the United States.
The project, linked to SaskPower’s agreement with the Southwest Power Pool, will increase shared transmission capacity from 150 MW to 650 MW. SaskPower signed a 20-year agreement with the regional transmission organisation in 2022, allowing Saskatchewan to receive up to 650 MW of power from the US. The company may also explore exporting excess electricity to the US in future.
The proposed lines will connect the Tableland Switching Station, located about 15 km southwest of Estevan, to the Saskatchewan–North Dakota border. SaskPower will build two six-kilometre power lines on the Canadian side, while Basin Electric Power Cooperative will construct around 180 km transmission infrastructure in the United States.
SaskPower said the project will strengthen grid reliability, improve emergency support, support power imports and create future export opportunities.
Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for SaskPower, described the transmission infrastructure as important for energy security and economic growth in Saskatchewan.
SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya said increasing interconnection with the Southwest Power Pool would improve resilience and flexibility for both electricity grids, helping balance supply and demand across regions.
According to SaskPower, the regulator’s approval confirms that engagement and rightsholder consultation since 2023, as well as environmental and project design considerations, have been reviewed.
Basin Electric received its US presidential permit for the cross-border construction in May. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the project planned to enter service in 2027.
Source: 980 CJME
