With the rising energy demand, projections suggest that Canada will have to increase its electricity generation three to six times faster than in the previous decade⁴. To support this growth, the transmission and distribution grid will need to expand, become more flexible to accommodate renewable and low-emission energy sources, and get more resilient to adverse impacts of climate change.

The Canadian Electrical Code, Part III, and other CSA Group standards and research are vital in helping to ensure the safety and reliability of Canada’s electrical power distribution, transmission, and communication infrastructure, addressing:

• electrical protection, safety, maintenance, interconnection, and design criteria for electrical supply and telecommunication systems
• adaptation to changes in climatic conditions to improve electrical infrastructure resiliency
• changing electricity demand and the expansion of intermittent renewable generation and electrification of heating and transportation sectors
• mitigation of cybersecurity risks related to supply chain and vendors

The standards forming the Canadian Electrical Code, Part III, many of them active for more than 80 years, specify the minimum requirements for electrical power distribution, transmission and communication systems, in support of public safety and reliability of service. These standards are critical resources for electric and communication utilities. They are referenced in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I and federal and provincial regulations, including International and Interprovincial Power Line Damage Prevention Regulations – Authorizations, Minor Works Order, Wire Crossing and Proximities Regulations, Ontario Regulation 22/04: Electrical Distribution Safety, Canadian Navigable Waters Act, and Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.