Where's the Energy Plan?

As every day passes Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should be more concerned about the absence of the promised energy plan.

The Lower Churchill in Labrador is among the best remaining hydro potentials in Canada - if not the best. It has the potential to put Labrador at the fore of industrial development - in a "greener" economy.

Planning to export this power is paramount to gross negligence - and could be worse in the long-run than the Upper Churchill contract.

Sue's Blog has been posting articles and papers of others and my own research for months. It demonstrates that Lower Churchill Power can be the economic catalyst this province needs to lead economic and employment growth.

The latest news - I spoke of on Randy Simms Open Line this morning - is another reason to question the Premier and his wisdom on Lower Churchill development.

Say no to the export of this liquid gold.

Here's the info on the Conference as published by the Conference Board of Canada
Canada's National Power Markets Conference
When, Where

Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto

How will Canada's power markets evolve, and what are the key issues for the future?

The Electricity Conservation & Supply Task Force reported recently that Ontario faces an electricity supply shortfall, the effects of which could be felt as early as this year. Power demand in Ontario is expected to rise from 24,000 to more than 30,000 megawatts by 2020. At the same time, about two-thirds of the province's existing electricity generating capacity will reach the end of its operating life, and the province's substantial coal-fired generating assets are to be shut down. It has been estimated that a private sector investment of $25 to $40 billion in generation capacity is needed for Ontario during the next 15 years, but uncertainty related to stalled deregulation plans has left investors sitting on the sidelines.

Ontario's integrated power system plan is in development, addressing issues such as generation, transmission, distribution, demand management, and supply mix direction. How will the generating capacity of Ontario's coal-fired facilities be replaced? How will Ontario's power procurement process evolve?

British Columbia's supply and demand picture is also becoming a concern. Consumption is on the rise, increasing the supply/demand gap. British Columbia is a net importer of power, and recently imported approximately 14% of its annual power requirements. The last significant power project developed was a 250 megawatt facility in the early 90s. There is substantial power development potential in B.C., including a large supply of coal and natural gas, and undeveloped hydro, wind, and biomass options. B.C.'s power development opportunities need to be reviewed and assessed in conjunction with conventional and independent power producers.

Trade between Alberta and British Columbia is an ongoing story. Is it possible to have an east - west grid? Is the market working? Is the operation of the interconnection between Alberta and British Columbia effective for the market?

Newfoundland continues development of its hydro facilities at Churchill Falls. Ontario is a key market for this production, but transmission access through Quebec is an outstanding issue. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro also has wind and natural gas generation prospects, and a "gas to wires" strategy may be an option.

Nationally, the questions include market access, new capacity development, and potential capital investment sources. New emissions targets will also have a significant impact, and supply and demand imbalances will continue to be a challenge. Demand side management will also have a significant impact on power consumption and supply requirements.

Learn about the evolving issues nationally and by jurisdiction, and discuss potential strategies to help you address today's opportunities and Canada's future needs.

Join the industry experts to examine the challenges that Canada faces in the years ahead to meet its power supply needs. Enhance your understanding of the issues, and discuss solutions for the continued development of the power markets in Canada. Participate in the dialogue on practical solutions with major consumers, producers, and distributors from industry, and the public and private sectors.