An Overview of How Canada’s CFR Credit Prices Work

Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) went into effect July of 2023, giving owners of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations the opportunity to earn rebates on their reduced carbon emissions. Understanding how CFR credit prices work is key to maximizing your earnings.

This article provides an overview of Canada's CFR credits and how the credit pricing system works.

Earning Credits Through the Clean Fuel Regulations

The CFR employs a market-based approach to encourage the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector. It does this by requiring fuel producers and importers to incorporate cleaner fuels into their operations. Fuel providers who don’t meet the targeted reductions – typically producers of gas and diesel – must purchase carbon credits from those who have surpassed the reduction targets in order to offset their deficits.

Although owners of EV charging stations are considered fuel producers, electricity is below the targeted emissions reductions. This allows EV charging station owners to earn credits for every metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) their charging stations prevent from being emitted. Selling these credits to other fuel producers provides an additional source of revenue to charging station owners.

Navigating CFR Credit Prices

CFR credit prices are influenced by the supply-and-demand of credits. Prices fluctuate based on the demand of fuel producers above the targeted emissions, and the supply of credits generated from producers below the targeted emissions.

Every year, the benchmark for allowable CO2e in fuels decreases, prompting more fuel producers to purchase credits to meet compliance standards. As more fuel producers look to purchase credits to comply with the CFR mandates, the value of these credits rises. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that CFR credit prices will continuously increase. Strategic timing and understanding market trends are crucial for maximizing the returns on your credits.

Maximizing the Value of Your CFR Credits

The value of CFR credits fluctuates on a daily basis, prompting most fuel producers in a deficit to only purchase credits in bulk. For EV charging station owners, partnering with third-party credit aggregators like Smart Charging Technologies (SCT) can be integral to maximizing the value of your credits. At SCT, we sell bulk credits through our Smart Rebates program at the highest price, minimizing the impact of fluctuations from the ever-changing market.

Additionally, SCT performs in-person audits of your facility, so you can be sure that all of your eligible equipment is being accounted for and you never miss an opportunity to generate credits.

Learn more about maximizing your credits through Canada’s CFR: Maximizing the Benefits of Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations for Your Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

By understanding and effectively navigating the CFR credit market, owners of EV charging stations can maximize their financial gains through the program. Contact us to learn how to get started with the CFR and begin generating credits today.