Electric Power Consumption

Electricity is a necessity for most consumers and businesses. As a result, electricity consumption is historically stable, growing steadily as the population and the economy expands. Electric power consumption dipped sharply in 2009, mostly due to a sharp decline in industrial electricity consumption during the recession. Industrial facilities and factories typically reduce production when the economy is performing poorly, thereby lowering industrial electric power consumption during recessions. This was also seen in 2016, as the Canadian economy still hurting from steep declines in global commodity prices. Regardless, households require lighting, heating and appliances even during downturns, resulting in stable consumer demand for electricity. Demand was reduced 1.6% in 2020, as the world coped with the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing, nonessential business restrictions and stay-at-home orders.

Electric power consumption picked back up swiftly in 2022 as Canada was able to reopen its economy and facilities operated at full capacity. Despite Canada’s effort to reduce consumption, electric power consumption continued to grow during 2023 and 2024. Advancements in digital technology infrastructure and demand for data centers are examples of many reasons as to why consumption continues to grow. In 2025, consumption will increase 2.1%.