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Energy Futures

Introduction

Wind turbine

Energy plays a large role in the lives of Canadians. Our vast country means that great amounts of energy are used to transport goods, not to mention, the distances we Canadians travel to get around. Because of our climate, we need sizeable amounts of energy to heat or cool our homes. Energy is also an important part of our economy from the number of Canadians employed in the energy sector to the export of energy to other markets. So it makes sense that many Canadians would want to know more about what the future holds in terms of energy supply and demand.

The National Energy Board has a mandate to not only provide Canadians with energy information, but to also monitor the outlook of energy supply and demand in Canadian markets. This is the focus of the Energy Futures Report.

The Report is a comprehensive energy supply and demand outlook. In the past, the Energy Futures Report has taken on many formats and used to be called the Energy Supply and Demand report. In the most recent publication, the report consisted of a medium-term reference case analysis and a long-term sceanrio analysis. The reference case is the most likely case and therefore the most appropriate in the short term. The scenarios are less certain and therefore these are most appropriate in the longer term. The Board is planning to update the reference case of the Energy Futures Report. The update is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2009.

The key objectives of the report are:

  • an unbiased, relevant, standard of reference analysis for parties interested in Canadian energy issues and trends;
  • comprehensive all-energy analysis on supply, demand and its economic, sociopolitical and potentially environmental implications;
  • stimulus for discussion with and amongst stakeholders, both during and after the completion of the report on energy related emerging issues of national importance;
  • information to decision makers of key risks and uncertainties, especially those surrounding energy markets and implications for infrastructure.

Energy Futures Conference 2010

Canada's Energy Future: Infrastructure Changes and Challenges to 2020 - An Energy Market Assessment

2009 Reference Case Scenario: Canadian Energy Demand and Supply to 2020

Stakeholder Input

Final Report and Appendices

Canada's Energy Future - Reference Case &  2030

Report Timeline

There were four phases to this project.

  1. Planning and information gathering (Fall 2005 - Summer 2006)
    This phase included the speaker series presentations, consumer demand panel discussion, and the initial consultation meetings with stakeholders across the country.
  2. Analytical phase (Summer 2006 - Spring 2007)
    During this phase, the information gathered was used as an input into the development of the NEB's reference case and scenarios. There was a second round of consultations where preliminary results were presented for comment.
  3. Delivery phase (Summer - Fall 2007)
    This phase of the report involved the translation, design and printing of the final report.
  4. Final delivery (Fall 2007)
    The Energy Futures Report was released on 15 November 2007.

Stakeholder Input

In advance of the 2007 Energy Futures Report, the NEB was involved in a number of activities to gather information such as an energy speaker series and a cross-Canada tour to speak with energy experts. Much of this information is available to Canadians on this Web site.

Annappolis Royal Tidal Generating Station - Source: Nova Scotia Power Inc.

Final Report and Appendices

6 February 2008 - This edition of Canada's Energy Future includes minor revisions and expanded Appendices. The National Energy Board has issued an Errata for Canada's Energy Future, available on the National Energy Board web site at www.neb-one.gc.ca. Please refer to this Errata for details of revisions. The Board apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these changes.

30 January 2008 - Canada's Energy Future - Reference Case and Scenarios to 2030 - Energy Market Assessment - Errata

Reports

Comment Card - Canada's Energy Future

Media

News Release 07/38 - NEB report says future energy supply ample and will challenge Canadians to make smart energy choices

Presentation - Canada's Energy Future - Reference Case & Scenarios to 2030

2008 Workshop

Send Us Your Comments

We want to hear your thoughts on the Energy Futures Report. Whether it is a response to one of the Speaker Series presentations or your thoughts on the Web site, we want to hear from you. E-mail us at energyfutures@neb-one.gc.ca.

Some of the comments we receive may be posted on this site so please check back regularly to read what others are saying about this report.

NOTE: This tool is designed to facilitate discussion on future energy issues between Canadians. We will not be responding to questions through this site.

 

Date Modified: 2010-07-28

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