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The U.S. and Canadian electric power grids are connected by dozens of transmission lines from New England to the Pacific Northwest. The interconnected North American power grid enables two-way trading and benefits both Canada and the United States with enhanced electric reliability, increased environmental (i.e., lower carbon and air pollution) and economic benefits (i.e., affordability), security, and resilience to increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The two countries have worked together to improve service through markets, international regulatory bodies and various bilateral engagements. Both nations have prioritized climate change mitigation, leading to greater action by provinces, states, cities and businesses and a growing demand for clean electricity.

Connecting more low-carbon electricity (i.e., wind, solar, nuclear and hydro) on both sides of the border with additional transmission capacity can increase trade and enable a more efficient build out of clean electricity infrastructure, helping ensure each country achieves its clean energy goals even more affordably and reliably. Due to the comparatively clean mix of Canadian electricity, increased trade could assist the United States as well as individual states and cities in achieving their clean energy goals. Furthermore, the inherent storage capability of Canadian hydropower can help states integrate greater quantities of intermittent renewable power.