NLIS 11
June 23, 2000
(Mines and Energy)

Minister responds to Opposition critic�s claims

Mines and Energy Minister Paul Dicks rejected claims by Opposition member John Ottenheimer that government deceived the people of the province in reference to the province�s future energy requirements, noting that Mr. Ottenheimer claims the premier said that 1,000 MW was required in the next several years. Minister Dicks stated: " The 1,000 MW of electricity capacity to be made available to the province from the Labrador Hydro Project was to meet energy requirements on the island and Labrador over the next 40 years. Specifically this included 200 MW for future domestic and industrial use in Labrador and 800 MW to meet future demand growth on the island and replace 500 MW of oil fired generating capacity at Holyrood."

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro have projected additional generation capacity requirements to meet short term demand growth on the island to 2006/7 to be approximately 100 MW.

The minister noted: "Ideally over the long term the infeed option is the desirable option for the island. However, as stated previously federal financing is not forthcoming at this time and the burden of financing the $2.2 billion project is too onerous for the province".

Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709)729-4890.

2000 06 23 6:45 p.m.