Minister Noel announces electricity policy forums

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel today announced the dates for additional public forums to discuss provincial electricity policy.  These forums will be held at the Holiday Inn, Corner Brook on Wednesday, August 13, and at the Mount Peyton Hotel, Grand Falls-Windsor on Thursday, August 14. Both events begin at 7:30 p.m.

This public consultation follows the release of the Electricity Policy Review document in March 2002, and the release of Wallace Read�s consultation report in April 2003 summarizing submissions made during the Electricity Policy Review process carried out last year.

"The first forum held in St. John�s earlier this year was very informative and productive," said Minister Noel.  "I look forward to hearing the thoughts and ideas of other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as the Department of Mines and Energy continues to move forward in drafting an electricity policy for our province."

Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks regarding additional dates and locations throughout the province where public forums will be held to discuss electricity policy.

Information on provincial electricity issues is available on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/mines&en/industry/policyreview/.  Printed copies are also available from the Department of Mines and Energy.

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

2003 08 08                                      11:55 a.m.