Government of Canada Awards Clean Energy Electricity Contract in Alberta
News Release
ENMAX to Supply Electricity to Federal Departments and Agencies in Alberta
March 17, 2017 - Calgary, Alberta - Public Services and Procurement Canada
Ensuring a clean environment for Canadians is a key commitment of the Government of Canada. Improving the air we breathe, to the benefit of all people, can be achieved in part by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada is committed to doing its part by ensuring the use 100% clean electricity by 2025. To support that commitment, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has awarded ENMAX Corporation a contract to supply government departments in Alberta with electricity and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
In addition to using clean power through RECs, the Government of Canada will be able to take advantage of bulk pricing to provide the best value to taxpayers, by buying the electricity needs of 11 federal departments and agencies.
The contract, valued at $131 million, came into effect January 1, 2017 and is for a five-year term, with a one-year option for extension. Through this contract, the Department of National Defence and Environment and Climate Change Canada will purchase Renewable Energy Certificates equal to almost 90% of their electricity usage. Public Services and Procurement Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will obtain Renewable Energy Certificates equal to approximately 85%, 35% and 35% of their electricity, respectively. The remaining departments included in this contract have the option to purchase RECs throughout the contract period, pending availability.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring the best value for Canadians from procurement. Consolidating the purchase of electricity for federal departments in Alberta is an example of how we are working to modernizing procurement practices. In doing so, we are greening our operations, saving money and reducing administrative burden.”
The Honourable Judy M. Foote
Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada
“It is imperative that the Department of National Defence plays a leadership role in reducing our emissions. Under this contract, 90 percent of the department’s electricity consumption in Alberta will come from clean energy sources, which allows us to take a significant step towards greening our military.”
The Honourable Harjit Sajjan
Minister of National Defence
“This contract will enable DND to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to create clean jobs by investing in green infrastructure and clean technology, promoting innovation in natural resource sectors and leading by example. This is yet another example of how Calgary is a leader in Canada in the development of clean and renewable energy resources.”
The Honourable Kent Hehr
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“By buying 90% of our electricity in Alberta from clean sources, we are also one step closer to meeting our 40% greenhouse gas emission reduction target for government. It shows that we’re serious about doing our part to make our environment cleaner and greener for all Canadians.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
“We are proud that the Government of Canada has again chosen ENMAX to power their Alberta operations. ENMAX is well-positioned to provide customized solutions and meet the needs of all our customers, whether big or small. In this case, our team developed a cost-effective package that also delivers on the government’s long-term renewable energy goals. We look forward to advancing these together.”
Gianna Manes
ENMAX President and CEO
Quick Facts
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This bulk electricity contract with ENMAX is the result of a competitive process following a prior 10-year contract that expired at the end of 2016. The previous contract achieved approximately $26 million in cost avoidances and also included clean power purchases by several departments.
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Of the 11 departments included in this contract, National Defence (DND) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) account for more than 75% of all government greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta.
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The participating departments are: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Correctional Service of Canada, Department of National Defence, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Natural Resources Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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Alberta is the only province with a deregulated electricity market which allows for this unique opportunity in Canada.
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Renewable Energy Certificates are purchased to support the generation of electricity using renewable energy sources having low environmental impact, such as wind, solar, water, and biomass.
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Contacts
Annie Trépanier
Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Sarah McMaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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