Sue's Blog

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Sweet as Pie when they want a piece of Ours

Let me remind you what Ontario was saying as they sought Lower Churchill Power. Note the sweetness of the Central Canadian tone as they attempt to suck us dry or bleed us to death. The only difference this time is that they are being "nice" while they do it.

Ontario and Quebec Partner to Propose Major Hydroelectric Project in Labrador

Proposal Would Bring On More Clean, Sustainable Power and Strengthen Inter-Provincial Relations

QUEEN'S PARK – Energy Minister Dwight Duncan today announced that the Ontario government has submitted a joint proposal with Hydro-Québec and SNC-Lavalin to support Newfoundland and Labrador in the development of a major hydroelectric generation project at the Lower Churchill River in Labrador. The proposed project would yield 2,824 megawatts of clean, affordable and sustainable electricity, enough to power almost two million homes.

“I am excited about this opportunity to respond to Newfoundland and Labrador and contribute to the Lower Churchill hydro development,” said Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy. “This initiative demonstrates how our government is working with our neighbours in other provinces to find mutually beneficial solutions and to develop new renewable energy supplies in Canada.”

“ Hydro Quebec is very pleased to partner with Ontario and SNC-Lavalin on this proposal to Newfoundland and Labrador, “ said Thierry Vandal, President of Hydro-Québec Production. “Our joint proposal is technically and financially sound. It offers Newfoundland and Labrador flexibility for the development of the Lower Churchill hydro resource.”

The proposal submitted by Ontario and Hydro-Québec was in response to a Request for Expressions of Interest and Proposals issued by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador in January. The joint proposal would see Ontario and Quebec work with Newfoundland and Labrador to develop the 2, 000-megawatt Gull Island site, and an additional 824 megawatts at Muskrat Falls, both on the Lower Churchill River. Ontario would receive one-third of the total output of the project.

“Our proposal would allow Ontario to benefit from an additional 670 megawatts of sustainable power from the Gull Island site, and an additional 275 megawatts from Muskrat Falls, which is enough electricity to power over 550,000 homes,” Duncan said. “ We believe that our proposal includes options and benefits that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will find attractive, including billions of dollars in construction activity as well as significant direct resource benefits.”

As part of the agreement, Hydro-Québec would also advance construction of a 1,250-megawatt interconnection with Ontario, to be in service by 2009. In addition, Hydro-Québec has indicated a willingness to provide Ontario with 670 megawatts of power by 2011 - which is representative of Ontario’s share of Gull Island’s expected power flows.

“If successful, this proposal would be a major step in enhancing our inter-ties with Quebec, which would strengthen inter-provincial relationships and trade, stimulate economic development, lessen our reliance on fossil generation, reduce greenhouse gases, and enhance Canada’s energy security,” Duncan said.

- 30 -

No comments: