From June 2025 to May 2026, the electricity consumption in Canada prominently featured low-carbon energy sources, with a substantial majority of electricity, about 79%, derived from clean energy. Hydropower was the most significant contributor, responsible for over half of the total electricity generation, while nuclear energy, a critical low-carbon source, added approximately 13%. Wind energy made a meaningful contribution as well, producing over 8% of the total electricity. In contrast, fossil energy accounted for just over one-fifth of the consumption, mainly through gas, which alone constituted 18% of the total. Coal represented a small fraction, contributing less than 3%, and biofuels as well as solar energy provided minimal shares at less than 2% each.

Is Electricity Growing in Canada?

Despite the prevalent use of low-carbon energy, the overall electricity consumption in Canada has seen a decline since its peak in the year 2000. The most recent tally shows 15,731 kWh of consumption per person, a reduction of nearly 4,000 kWh compared to the previous highest record. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has not matched its peak seen in 1996, now being nearly 3,000 kWh shorter per person. This trend of reduced consumption and generation raises concerns, especially given the increased demand for electricity anticipated from ongoing electrification efforts and technological advancements, such as AI and other digital tools, which require robust energy infrastructure.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation in Canada, expanding nuclear energy should be a priority, given its current significant contribution and potential for even larger outputs. For inspiration, Canada can learn from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for around two-thirds of electricity generation. Enhancing wind power, as seen in U.S. states like Iowa and Denmark, where wind contributes over half of their electricity, could also be beneficial. Solar energy, although less prominent in Canada's mix, holds substantial potential. Lessons from regions such as Nevada and California, which have successfully integrated solar to constitute more than 30% of their energy supply, could guide Canada in diversifying and expanding its solar capacity.

History

Historically, Canada's low-carbon electricity narrative has been shaped significantly by hydro and nuclear energy expansion, particularly from the late 1970s through the early 2000s. Noteworthy expansions in hydropower occurred repeatedly in the 1980s and early 2000s, although the sector has recently faced notable reductions, highlighted by dramatic drops in both 2023 and 2024. Nuclear electricity also saw substantial growth in the 1990s and early 2000s, contributing robustly to the low-carbon mix. However, sustained and strategic investment is imperative to revitalize this trajectory. Canada's ongoing commitment to enhancing nuclear and other clean energy systems will be vital to counteract the setbacks in hydropower and ensure a stable, low-carbon future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.