Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories sign pact to strengthen electricity grid with nuclear collaboration

Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the reliability of their electricity systems and collaborate on nuclear technologies, Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday.

The MOU prioritizes grid reliability, long-term affordability, and security of electricity systems. The three jurisdictions will establish a framework for collaboration and information-sharing on large-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, and microreactors. They will also work to enhance regional transmission infrastructure and create new and expanded interties to improve electricity flow between all three jurisdictions.

Smith said the partnership can strengthen the connection between their electricity grids and open new opportunities that could lead to affordable power. "Nuclear energy has enormous potential to provide dependable power for our homes and businesses and support the continued growth of our energy sector," she said in a statement Monday.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson noted the significance of the deal given new generation opportunities being examined near the NWT's southern border. "With new generation opportunities close to the NWT's southern border currently being examined, we need to understand what that could mean for us and how we can benefit," Simpson said.

The governments will collaborate on financing approaches, environmental assessment processes, uranium fuel supply and transportation, and nuclear waste management. The move comes as electricity demand grows across Western Canada and northward. Demand for electricity in Alberta increased 2 per cent from 2024 to 2025, driven by higher oilsands production and population growth.

In March 2026, Alberta signed a Partnership Agreement on Transmission Interties with multiple provincial and territorial governments to strengthen grid reliability. Alberta's transmission system currently has three interties with neighbouring jurisdictions — Saskatchewan and British Columbia.