Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening electricity grid reliability, exploring nuclear energy, and supporting economic development.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two provinces and the territory comes at a time when electricity demand is on the rise across Western and Northern Canada.
The agreement emphasizes the importance of strengthening the security, reliability, and long-term affordability of electricity systems, evaluating nuclear technologies as a potential source of carbon-neutral electricity, and exploring ways to improve electricity transmission, according to a joint press release.
The partnership is intended to support reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity systems while enabling economic development and strengthening regional energy security, the governments said.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe described the agreement as a “significant milestone.”
“Reliable and affordable electricity is essential to economic growth and energy security,” he said in the press release. “By partnering with Alberta and the Northwest Territories, we can explore opportunities to advance nuclear energy, strengthen regional transmission connections and support the long-term resiliency of our electricity systems.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said collaboration with Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories could strengthen connections between their electricity grids and create opportunities for additional electricity trade across the region.
“Alberta’s economy is growing, and we need more reliable power to keep that growth going,” Smith said. “Nuclear energy has enormous potential to provide dependable power for our homes and businesses and support the continued growth of our energy sector.”
The MOU establishes a framework for the three jurisdictions to collaborate and share information on nuclear generation technologies, including large-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors and microreactors. The governments will also explore enhanced transmission infrastructure, including new and expanded interties between Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
The three governments will collaborate on priorities including nuclear reactor technology selection and development, financing approaches, environmental assessment processes, regulatory and federal approval pathways, uranium fuel supply and transportation, and nuclear waste management.
The parties will also examine electricity system needs and opportunities for enhanced transmission infrastructure.
The governments said stronger regional interconnections could support a variety of generation technologies, including nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, natural gas and battery storage, and could improve regional electricity reliability, energy security and costs.
Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson said the agreement should “create real opportunities for the North.”
“With new generation opportunities close to the Northwest Territories’ southern border currently being examined, we need to understand what that could mean for us and how we can benefit,” he said in a press release. “This agreement will help us work with our neighbours, share information and explore potential grid connections, while positioning the Northwest Territories to take advantage of new energy opportunities in the region.”
Alberta and Saskatchewan have previously partnered on energy initiatives. The provinces signed an MOU in 2024 to advance the development of nuclear generation, industrial decarbonization, and grid capabilities.
Alberta and Saskatchewan have also participated in broader efforts to improve electricity transmission between provinces and territories. In March 2026, the governments signed the Interprovincial-territorial Partnership Agreement on Transmission Interties, along with several other provinces and territories.
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