U.S./Canada/Mexico Study Will Enhance N. American Electricity Trade

U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Canadian Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal and Mexican Energy Secretary Ernesto Martens today released North America - Regulation Of International Electricity Trade.

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The report, an overview of regulations governing the construction and operation of power lines and the authorization of electricity exports and imports in the three countries, will serve as an important reference document and guide for participants in international electricity trade. It is the third report of the North American Energy Working Group (NAEWG), a group of senior energy officials from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"We are extremely pleased the Working Group has yielded yet another cooperative document in view of the 10 year commemoration of the North American Free Trade Agreement," Secretary Abraham said. "A well functioning and reliable North American grid system is key to our three countries' goals of energy security and economic growth."

The three countries agree the report represents another step in fulfilling the goals of the NAEWG -- to foster communication and cooperation among the three countries on energy-related matters of common interest and to enhance North American energy trade and interconnections, consistent with the goal of sustainable development, while respecting the domestic policies, divisions of jurisdictional authority and existing trade obligations of each country.

At the Summit of the Americas held in Quebec, Canada, in April 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Mexican President Vicente Fox committed to expanding energy trade among the three nations and strengthening the energy market in North America.

Building on this commitment, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources and the Mexican Secretary of Energy agreed to establish the North American Energy Working Group. The Group released its first report, North America -- The Energy Picture, in June and a second report, North American Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling, earlier this month.

In addition to releasing the three reports, the Working Group is examining a broad range of issues, including energy science and technology, natural gas trade and interconnections and critical infrastructure protection.

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