Minister announces extension to electricity policy review consultations

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews today announced a two week extension to the public consultation process for the province�s electricity policy review. The new deadline for submissions will be June 14, 2002.

Government initiated the electricity policy review in 1998 to examine the structure of the electricity industry, its regulation, the pricing of electricity, how electricity could contribute to the province�s economic development, and future sources of electricity generation that may be available. The public consultation process was announced on March 26, 2002, and has continued over the past two months.

"We have received a number of interesting and informative submissions from the general public during this public consultation process," said Minister Matthews. "I am certain that this extension will encourage further submissions from interested parties and provide our independent consultant, Mr. Wallace Read, with more information for his report."

Minister Matthews stated that this review is only the first stage in a process that will eventually shape the province�s electricity policy.

"This first stage of consultations will help inform future policy choices," said Minister Matthews. "Any substantive policy decisions will only be made after the public is consulted in a manner that ensures full public disclosure. This will occur in future stages of this process."

Minister Matthews reiterated that the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is not an option that will be considered by government. "The privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is not, and will not be, an option examined by government during this process. The people of the province have stated very clearly that they do not support the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and government supports that stance."

Copies of the electricity policy review document and summary document are available on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website. Printed copies are also available from the Department of Mines and Energy. All interested groups and individuals are invited to make a submission.

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777.

2002 05 27                              4:05 p.m.