Responsible Decisions for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians

Premier Announces Independent Review of Electricity System

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that an independent review will take place to look at the current electricity system in Newfoundland and Labrador – how it operates, is managed and regulated as the province moves from an isolated system to an interconnected system.

“I know the last several days have been challenging for residents of our province and have raised some larger questions as to the reliability of our electricity system and the regulatory system within which it functions. I want people of this province to have the confidence in our system that I do. To that end, over the next six weeks my government will work to draft terms of reference and identify an independent body to conduct a review that will look at the operation, management and regulation of our system to ensure a smooth transition into an interconnected system in 2017.”
- The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Premier added that the Public Utilities Board has a mandated role to play in this process and she looks forward to the process unfolding as it should.

“The PUB, through their review, will provide clarity on what happened over the last week and the events leading up to that. I have every confidence in the board fulfilling their duty. However, what I have heard from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is they have bigger questions and we want to answer those questions and restore confidence.”
- Premier Dunderdale

Over the next six weeks, through the Department of Natural Resources, terms of reference for the independent review will be drafted and made public and an independent body will be chosen to conduct the review.

“We have every confidence in our electricity system and its ability to bring us to 2017 when we will have an interconnected system. Our government consistently, however, reinforces our government’s expert opinions with the expertise and analysis of outside sources. That is precisely what we are doing here.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• An independent review will be conducted to look at the current electricity system in Newfoundland and Labrador – how it operates, is managed and is regulated as the province moves from an isolated system to an interconnected system.
• Terms of reference will be drafted and made public and an independent body will be chosen to conduct the review over the next six weeks.

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2013 01 09            1:40 p.m.