REPORT
Responsible Utility Regulation and the Energy Transition A comparative review of provincial utility board mandates and rules for interveningJuly 20, 2026About the report
Canada is in the midst of an energy system transition, with governments at all levels aiming to achieve net zero by 2050. Utility regulatory boards and public-interest intervenors are critical to enabling this but are not yet sufficiently positioned to do so.
Responsible Utility Regulation and the Energy Transition provides a comparative review of provincial utility board mandates and rules for intervening. Through a jurisdictional scan of provincial legislation, rules, and processes, the report provides recommendations to enable just, reasonable, and responsible regulation that complements policy change.
Authors
James Gaede
Director of Research
Key report findings
Canadian regulatory regimes lack the mandates or intervenor support needed for a net-zero transition. British Columbia is most aligned, followed by Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Energy transition-related objectives are less institutionalized in policy, meaning new governments can dismantle them with relative ease.
