On September 5th, the federal environment minister announced final regulations
designed to reduce emissions from coal-fired electricity
facilities. The objective of the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from
Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations is to
phase out high-emitting coal-fired generation and promote a
transition towards lower or non-emitting types of generation.
The regulations will set performance standards for new
coal-fired units and those that have reached the end of their
useful life. Under the regulations, new units are those that start
producing electricity on or after July 1, 2015. Units at the end of
their useful life are those that have produced electricity for 50
years. Transitional rules apply to plants built before 1986.
Performance standards will come into effect on July 1, 2015.
However, regulated entities will be required to begin reporting
emission levels two years in advance of that date.
