Power and Utilities

A group view of an electric tower.

Global energy demand, particularly for low or zero-emitting electricity resources, is on the rise, whereas Canadian energy markets face only moderate or gradual economic growth. While this creates opportunities to supply North American markets, it comes with the need to provide cleaner energy through more nuclear and renewable power and more natural gas. This shifting demand poses several challenges for industry participants to innovate, update infrastructure and meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets.

Electricity markets in Canada are now facing an accelerating pace of change. Traditional business models are evolving, and innovation is driving the transformation and digitization of the industry. Technology, such as AI and application of blockchain infrastructure, is enabling distribution grid operators to actively manage embedded resources and to respond to outages and changes in demand more quickly. Operators’ efforts are focused on more effective energy storage and demand response opportunities and challenges, as well as seamlessly connecting existing systems with new power sources. The competitive landscape is also seeing the expansion of distributed energy resources.

Alongside these developments, Canada’s complex federal, provincial and territorial regulatory landscape requires the navigation of numerous regulations, both in-force and pending. Changes typically focus on tightening environmental mandates driven by the Government of Canada’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

How we can help

Osler’s top-tier team of power and utilities legal professionals — our Power Group is ranked Band 1 in Chambers Canada, one of the world’s leading legal directories — have represented Canadian, U.S. and international clients on many of the highest profile transactions and projects in the electricity sector. Our unparalleled transactional and commercial experience ensures our legal advisors have a cutting edge understanding of the relevant issues and the latest developments. Osler also has a dominant litigation and dispute resolution presence in the industry, acting for large utilities across the country in such areas as employment matters and class actions.

At Osler, our lawyers understand the complexities of the regulatory frameworks and policy issues facing power generators using every fuel source, including natural gas, wind, hydro, biomass, biogas, geothermal, solar, nuclear, oil and coal. Our team advises on the procurement, financing, construction and development of major power projects, including generation, transmission and distribution, as well as high-profile transactions and regulatory matters, for both the public and private sectors and domestic and international clients.

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  • Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Energy: Power (Band 1); Energy: Provincial Regulatory – Alberta (Band 1); Energy: Provincial Regulatory – Ontario
    • "They provide high-level strategic advice, as well as detailed technical legal advice, and provide a seamless service across all relevant practice areas."
  • Chambers Canada Awards 2020: Named "Projects & Energy Law Firm of the Year”
  • Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Energy: Power (Band 1)
    • "Osler’s highly regarded energy group has played an integral role in advising clients in many of the most significant and complex transactions and projects involving Canadian energy companies at home and abroad."
  • The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Energy: Electricity (Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario)
  • The Legal 500: Recognized in Energy: Power (Tier 1)