Sue's Blog

Showing posts with label public utilities board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label public utilities board. Show all posts

Thursday, December 12, 2013

"Minor Regulatory Noise" Expected for Emera

Please read the statement below and give me your opinion on the state of affairs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Talk about being seen as neutered - guess the Public Utilities Board has become a simple waste of money.

Investment thesis: "We view Emera's largely visible capital plan positively in the current interest rate environment allowing for a stock re-rating. Electricity transmission focused endeavours, in particular related to the Nalcor projects, in our view, are the key drivers for the stock in the future. Finally, we expect a minor (yet manageable) amount of regulatory noise mainly in Nova Scotia."

(emphasis added)
To view this comment in context - please click HERE 
 
This is nothing more than a get rich quick for select investors and contractors and will do nothing but cost the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. It would be very difficult to imagine a deal worse than this one.
 
 

Friday, April 13, 2012

Emera - are we the Lipstick on the Pig? Ask Premier Dexter

While Nova Scotia PC's were privatizing Nova Scotia Power in the early 1990's we were busy protecting Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro from it. 

We will talk about that more later but now let's look at Dexter's opinion in 2004. 

The NDP although wanting to reverse privatization in the past - realize now they are stuck. Now Dexter sees this deal as helping to correct the the mess Nova Scotia got itself into. So when Dunderdale holds up NDP Leader Dexter as a supporter of the deal with Emera - she should really put it in context. 

In 2004 when Darrell Dexter was NOT the Premier of Nova Scotia - he had an interesting take on Emera.

Provincial NDP Leader Darrell Dexter spoke for many when he said glossing over the utility's shortcomings was like "putting lipstick on a pig."

This was in context to a significant failure of assets. 

NUPGE added the following:

When privatization occurred in 1992, Nova Scotia Power promised solemnly that no layoffs would result. Within three months, the first round of job cuts took place and three other waves of layoffs have occurred since that time.

What's clear in retrospect is that the only winner privatization has produced is Emera Inc.
The company's revenue grew 22% to $951 million for its last full fiscal year and it reported proudly to shareholders that employee levels had declined 7.7% for the year.

That was 2004 - things continued to deteriorate and in 2007 at that time over 30% increases had occurred since privatization and more followed - over 40% + now. 

One protester from the Halifax Coalition against poverty said the following:

"We are also fighting today against Atlantica. [Nova Scotia Power parent company] Emera's interest in Atlantica is in creating an unrestricted trade zone. The corporation wants government deregulation over issues such as power rates and environmental regulations and trade. To export natural gas and power to a larger market and to drive up the cost to maximize their profits. We know that further deregulation will have only negative effects on low-income Nova Scotians.

"Our demands are basic for this government and to this corporation.

"We demand that Nova Scotia Power be returned to public ownership and that there be no more power rate increases!

"Friends, we all know that a 30 per cent raise in our power rates is not an empty figure -- it means not having heat, lights or being able to cook our food properly.

"Fighting here is personal; we are all fighting for a basic right. We fight against the erosion of public resources and the rise of corporate control.

Said another protester, "Nova Scotia Power has increased rates three times in the last five years. How many Nova Scotians have received corresponding pay raises in that same period?"





























Thursday, April 12, 2012

Conspiracy Theories - Weak Minds - Bad Deals

Lately the buzz words are "conspiracy" "theory".

: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators (Merriam-Webster)

1. a theory that explains an event as being the result of a plot by a covert group or organization; a belief that a particular unexplained event was caused by such a group.

2. the idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of secret plots that are largely unknown to the general public. (Dictionary.com)


As facts continue to flow from the Muskrat Falls - and where those facts cause suspicions of inappropriate, nefarious, or illegal behavior by those with financial and political prowess - the quick response is "conspiracy theory". 

It is human to be curious and it is intelligent to question. To write off legitimate concerns and questions on an important public policy or contract - by affected people as "conspiracy theories" or those questioning as "conspiracy theorists" is dangerous and wrong. Those who are attempting to diminish concerns and theoretical questions are either weak minded, lazy, apathetic, or complicit.

Further this type of admonishment of concerned citizens has resulted in the extension of corporate corruption and crimes costing individuals and entire economies of countries incalculable losses. 

Unfortunately this has also extended to social and human crimes costing incalculable loss of life and the ruination of thousands of otherwise productive lives. 

In Newfoundland and Labrador the victims range from individual boys who were raped and abused by Christian Brothers and others in religious or other organizational authority to society itself where corporate rogues stole the resources of a population who owned them and depended on them for viable existence. 

In our province it also included politicians who directly robbed the treasury for years. 

To sit and believe that these events do not happen - or someone or another is above this behavior is to line yourself up for further abuse. 

If in today's corporate world - one does not expect rather than doubt these types of plots and plans are in the works - then one needs to check their own system of trust. 

The police will tell you and even frequently warn seniors that corrupt individuals or companies seek people who are naturally trustworthy to pull off their scams. They will also confirm that predators will seek vulnerable children and people to perpetrate acts of violence on.

We are now facing the expenditure of billions of dollars to develop a natural resource that is not owned by Danny Williams, Kathy Dunderdale, or Ed Martin but owned by all of us - the people. 

There are corporations and individuals who do not care whatsoever about the advancement of society or the return to you and I as owners - but rather as their fiduciary responsibility dictates - care only about the return for their shareholders or in the case of rogue individuals - their own pockets. 


The question before us - is whether or not this deal on Muskrat Falls with Emera brings the province (us) the best possible return on investment (including employment, environment, royalties) and provides the best energy policy for consumers (us) with respect to cost and reliability of power produced. Us - most importantly - includes the people of Labrador where the resource is located. 


The government by virtually all opinions - is rushing the deal. This is the first sign of trouble and should be questioned extensively. The second sign of trouble is government attempting to control the outputs of reviews but controlling the inputs. The third sign of trouble is people who have had direct influence or involvement in the past or currently regarding the proposed deal also may have personal financial interests in the development or revenues to be accrued by or after the construction of the asset. 

The greed component must never be overlooked when billions of our dollars are involved. Corporate and individual greed has been the driving factor in most white collar crime - particularly over the past 20 years. Globalization, "free" trade, and profits without product has driven corruption to new heights and lobbying quite often is the legal beginning of dastardly deeds. 

Considering our past has included horrific deals on natural resources it is our public duty to question the hell out of every aspect of any new deal which includes using a public resource - particularly a renewable one.

If a politician - talk show host - or business guru accuses well educated (either academically or experience), well-intentioned, interested citizens, or retired experts of being conspiracy theorists - then they too should be questioned regarding their desire to shut down public dialogue. 


The persons responsible for using the term "conspiracy theorists" quite often also insert the following:


"why would any of our politicians, Crown Corp executives, or bureaucrats do a deal if it were so bad for the people?"


Well Sir or Madam - the same could be asked about the Upper Churchill - it still happened. 


Sometimes they are just wrong! Whether at the end of questioning one determined it was not a plan or plot but simply that ignorant people in power did not listen long or hard enough - who cares - as long as we do not repeat the mistakes of our past. 






Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Attention: PROOF of Failed Hydro Projections

Well let's understand our history so we do not repeat mistakes.

In 1990 the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador under Premier Clyde Wells approached the Federal Government with a proposal to develop the Lower Churchill.

In large part the development was to satisfy the need for power on the Island.

The official "secret" document from our government to the feds states, in part:

"The electrical needs of the island are increasing as Newfoundland's business and industry expands and its population grows. Total electrical consumption during the past decade, increased by 42% or at an average annual compound rate of 3.6%. Newfoundland Hydro forecasts that the Island's electrical use during the next several decades will grow at rates in the range of 2.0% - 2.5% annually. 

Current projections suggest that electrical rates in Newfoundland will exceed the Canadian average by 35-40 % in the year 2000 with the pattern of divergence increasing over time unless there is access to Labrador power. Electrical power and energy from Labrador would provide an element of price stability conducive to the sustained expansion of Newfoundland's economy." 

Now let's review what happened:

Well clearly Ed Martin just discovered the need for power in 2010 - he must have missed this information. No wait - that would mean Hydro's projections were way off.

The government then - as with government now is clearly just trying to justify through fear - need and costs of power or they just don't know what they are doing.

There were 576,000 of us then - and as you can see - we grew right?

And industry just went through the roof right?

But by far the best projection from our experts is that our electrical rates would EXCEED the Canadian average by 35-40% by 2000.

Oops - something went terribly wrong there.

Now we are being asked to trust us and our experts.

Back then industrial growth would be generating population growth and all of that would drive power need.

Now Hydro predicts no industrial growth need - but population will grow with no industry and our aging - declining population will use more not less right? This and baseboard heaters are going to drive the need for power.

It is about time our MHA's and media actually research this.

STOP THIS DEAL!

Will the media ask Ed for these documents and projections?


Sunday, April 08, 2012

Dear Mr. Martin...The Need for Power is???

According to Nalcor Leadership Blog - post author - Ed Martin:

Power is needed for the island and Labrador
Nalcor’s subsidiary, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro), has a responsibility to assess and recommend supply options to meet the province’s growing energy needs. This is a function the company has been performing since the 1970s and its predecessors before it. In 2010, Hydro determined new generation was required to meet the growing demand for electricity on the island.

So Mr. Martin let's start here; if we are at such risk of running out of power - why did you only figure that out after you bailed on the Hydro-Quebec possibility?

Second - please tell the people of Newfoundland and Labrador how many times over the past 40 years that Hydro has stated that we would run out of or need power within 5-10 years of the particular statement?


Tuesday, April 03, 2012

PUB did not do its Job? Marshall's take on Democracy!

Excuse me what?

Government is disappointed with what was predictable.

PUB said we need more time and information - and we want to do more public consultation.

Answer by Dunderdale government? NO!

The Public Utilities Board works for the people as our politicians are supposed to.

The PUB wants to do more public consultation and the government says no. Obvious problems and predictable outcome.

Minister Marshall - this morning on a talk-show "The Opposition has its say - the Government gets its way." That's democracy he says.

The government gets its way? What kind of statement is that? Democracy - Minister - means that each MHA - regardless of party affiliation represents their people not you - not Kathy Dunderdale.

How can the Minster predict the outcome of the House of Assembly? How indeed!

Yet another demonstration that democracy is freefalling under Dunderdale's leadership.

We are now reduced to a "democracy" like one would find in quasi-dictatorships. You know the type where they throw in a couple of opposition members to demonstrate that they are an emerging democratic state.

Stop spending money on this project - go into proper public consultation through the PUB.

Stop spending money and start delivering ALL the information.

Stop spending money and release polling results on this project.


 



Muskrat - Premier swimming Forwards and Backwards

We will not have a special debate on Muskrat Falls.

We will have a special debate on Muskrat Falls.

We have done our due diligence on all alternatives.

We will now do due diligence on all alternatives.

Forward - Backward - Forward - Backward

Debate all you want Premier Dunderdale - start at the beginning.

Prove to us that we need more power on the Island.

Tell us why Labrador communities will not be electrified.

This is the first step. Sanction? I don't think so.

Ask Nalcor how many times Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro predicted the need for power on the Island. Tell us how many times it was wrong.

It appears there are members of the Dunderdale government who are not willing to support this project.

This is most always the reason for reversing government's stated steadfast direction.

About time - these MHA's should have demanded this a long time ago. Let's say a few hundred million dollars ago. However - I do commend them for showing guts toward a Leader who does not know what she is doing regarding Muskrat.

Stop this deal! Take a plunge and properly represent the people who elected you.


Monday, April 02, 2012

The Muskrat Stinks!


Navigant = Nalcor = Government

Manitoba Hydro Report = PUB

PUB holds hearings after report and still finds there is not enough information.

Shut the project down!

Wasting half a billion is better than wasting 6 billion.

Better than the other billions - untold - as project fails in the market.

The Island does not need this power.

Labrador needs to be energized - including for significant industrial potential.
 
There are better options for Muskrat  - better deals for Labradorians and generations to come.

This project - Pet Project - is at best a vendetta against Hydro-Quebec and at worst Pork!


Friday, March 16, 2012

Cochrane and Simms do not Control Muskrat Debate!

Over the past couple of weeks some members of the media - commentators, reporters, and pundits appeared to have been dissuading people and politicians alike - from continued opposition to Muskrat Falls.

I have heard statements like - "nothing new" - which of course was the spin being promoted by Dunderdale and company.

I have a question for David Cochrane who carries himself like the head honcho of Newfoundland and Labrador "journalism". Have all the previously noted concerns been resolved?

The problem is that if a question - the same question - goes unanswered (satisfactorily) should one just stop asking?

From where I sit many questions asked from day one - have never been answered. The fact that Kennedy or Dunderdale open mouths and spew rhetoric does not mean an issue is resolved.

We are talking about 6-8 billion dollars of our money, the money of our children and grandchildren; we need to know if this project is the right one.

Some of the Unanswered Concerns:

1. What happens in 2041 and does this project have the potential to harm us in future dealings?

2. The need for power.

3. Alternatives.

4. Lowest Cost Alternative.

5. Labrador benefits.

6. Cheaper power for Nova Scotia.

7. Subsidization by Newfoundland and Labrador ratepayers.

8. The need of a partner.

9. Long-term jobs.

10. Potential for alternative industrial development.

The problem - as I see it - is the media who are demonstrably frustrated by the ongoing debate are those individuals who are not educated enough on the issue to ask the right questions or lack the guts to take on the governing PC's.

I have watched most of Cochrane's material and in my opinion - he lacks information or the desire to really challenge the "facts" the government puts forth.

Randy Simms - in my opinion does not have the knowledge to determine if something regarding the project has been answered satisfactorily.

If they are going to use the media power available to them - they must also appreciate the responsibility that goes with that. I do not see that concern in them - and therefore - in my opinion they are doing the province and its people a disservice.

Now of course I am assuming here that the media will not act like Dunderdale and Kennedy and condemn somebody for speaking up. I do know better however.



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Simple Energy Question Government/Nalcor will NOT answer

Here it is and I send this challenge to all sitting MHA's in all parties and Nalcor Officials.

What happens in 2041?

Please answer this question - you all keep talking about 2041 - what happens?

Please provide the following information

1. What ends in 2041
2. Who owns the assets in 2041 and what assets are involved?
3. What about the water rights?
4. Who owns CFLCo?
5. How are decisions on future contracts regarding Upper Churchill power made?
6. Who sits on the Board of CFLCo?
7. Are there special decisions regarding CFLCo that need a majority of the board?
8. Do Hydro-Quebec representatives on the CFLCo Board have the power to stop future contracts?


Sunday, February 05, 2012

First 5 Questions for the Muskrats

1. If there are overruns of 50% as Manitoba Hydro suggests may happen who pays for them?

2. When did Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro first realise there was a shortage of energy?

3. Did Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro seek new industrial customers/partners for Lower Churchill power in Labrador - if so who and what were the results. If not why not?

4. Why are all independent reviews guided by Nalcor's numbers and projections?

5. Where will Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro raise funds to develop Gull Island?

More to Follow


Monday, November 07, 2011

"Talk with Sue" gets explosive tonight as we take on The Muskrat Falls deal!

At 8 pm Tonight "Talk with Sue" takes on the Muskrat Falls deal. The newest talk show in Newfoundland and Labrador will be explosive tonight. 

Listen to what Joey said, what Joey orated, what Joey promised, what Joey articulated on the Upper Churchill and what he promised on the Lower Churchill.

Let's blow the top off the Muskrat Falls deal and look inside - whether the Premier likes it or not.

Let's look at the whys - the lies - and the ties to this this deal. 

PRESS HERE TO GO TO THE SHOW

If the PC government does not want to talk - so be it. The people will.

Don't miss this revealing and frank discussion on the Muskrat Falls deal. Join the conversation - you might just find yourself outraged by this current crop of MHA's!