Sooner or Later? Net-Zero Power Grids on the Prairies
In a world of high electricity prices and decarbonization, public discourse about Canada’s electrical power grids seems to generate a lot more heat than light. Conflicts between Ottawa and provincial premiers over net-zero targets are creating confusion for investors, system operators, as well as individual and industrial consumers. The result of the amped-up rhetoric: an overload of misinformation and misconceptions. Join Prairie Sky’s latest webinar to hear the experts wade through the competing narratives, explain the inter-related policy pathways underway, and outline the uncertainties that lie ahead. Are compromise solutions possible, or does further conflict and delay mean investors, power producers, and consumers are in for a shock?
Our exclusive panelists include:
Tim Eckel, (Retired) SaskPower Vice-President
Tim Eckel retired in late 2023 from a lengthy career at SaskPower. His most recent role was Vice-President, Energy Transition and Asset Management at SaskPower, after previously serving as Vice-President, Asset Management, Planning & Sustainability since 2017. He has close to 40 years of experience in numerous areas within SaskPower, including Distribution, Transmission and Customer Services.
He holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Regina. He is a professional engineer and member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Mr. Eckel recently received the ICD.D Designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Mr. Eckel is currently the Saskatchewan representative on the Canada Electricity Advisory Council and a Director on the Sherwood Co-op Board.
Whitney Issik, Senior Strategy Advisor, Prairie Sky Strategy
Whitney Issik is an experienced political and business leader. Most recently, she concluded a term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Glenmore. First elected in 2019, over her four years in government she served as Chief Whip, Associate Minister for the Status of Women, and the Minister of Environment and Parks.
Evan Wilson, Vice President of Policy, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
As CanREA’s Vice President of Policy—Western Canada and National Affairs, Evan Wilson leads on policy files with both the Federal government and governments in Western Canada.
He previously served as CanREA’s Senior Director, Policy & Government Affairs and as Senior Director of Western Canada for CanREA, and as Regional Director, Prairies for the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). Prior to joining CanWEA, he worked with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association and with Global Public Affairs on transportation and energy files. Evan has an MA in Political Science from the University of Calgary. He is based in Calgary.
Ben Thibault, Senior Strategy Advisor, Prairie Sky Strategy
Ben Thibault joined Prairie Sky Strategy in 2021 as Senior Strategy Advisor where he applies his expertise in renewable energy and environment, energy, climate and electricity policy to provide strategic policy analysis and insights, government relations, and market intelligence advice to renewable energy and cleantech clients across Canada, the US and overseas.
For more information please email info@prairieskystrategy.ca.
