July 23, 2026 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Natural Resources Canada
Canada's economy and security depend on reliable, affordable electricity, and national electricity demand is expected to double by 2050. To seize this moment, the Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to build an interconnected electricity grid that can underpin Canadian energy security, affordability and competitiveness for the long run.
To build a stronger Maritime grid, today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $5.9 million for PEI Energy Corporation to advance the Prince Edward Island-New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion Project. This investment supports engineering studies, marine surveys, environmental assessments, stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, regulatory work and preliminary transmission route and substation design - laying the groundwork for construction by 2028.
Prince Edward Island relies on transmission connections with New Brunswick to meet much of its electricity demand. The project would strengthen this connection by building two new 200-megawatt, 138-kilovolt submarine cables and undertaking transmission upgrades and the modernization of substations in both provinces. Once complete, this project will improve regional reliability, help the Maritimes meet future electricity demand and contribute to a stronger, more connected electricity system for Atlantic Canada.
This investment follows the Government of Canada identifying the Prince Edward Island-New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion as one of five priority transmission projects at this year's Energy and Mines Minister's Meeting in June 2026. The project is aligned with the Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy, which was referred to the Major Projects Office in May 2026, and supports the objectives of the federal government's forthcoming National Electricity Strategy.
Transmission projects like this one are critical to our mission to build one economy out of thirteen, be our own best customer and catalyze billions of dollars in investment. The federal government is committed to partnering with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and utilities to build a connected, secure, affordable energy system for Canadians in Atlantic Canada and across the country.
