NLIS 3
July 10, 2002
(Mines and Energy)
(Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs)
 

Ministers discuss PUB recommendations with Labrador West delegation

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews and Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernest McLean today met with several groups from the Labrador West area to discuss the recent Public Utilities Board (PUB) order to implement uniform rates for the electricity users on the Labrador interconnected system.

Minister Matthews stated that the delegation provided a comprehensive overview of issues that were of common concern to all stakeholder groups represented at the meeting, however, government could not intervene in the process.

"The PUB is an independent, quasi-judicial board mandated to ensure that rates are fair for all residents of the province," said Minister Matthews. "In this case, the PUB has instructed Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to equalize rates in western Labrador and in 2003 to present a five-year plan to levelize rates across the interconnected system in Labrador.

"I have taken the concerns raised today under advisement and I have assured the group that government will provide a response in a timely manner."

Current average rates in Labrador West range between 1.5 and 2.0 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is compared with 3.8 cents/kWh in the Lake Melville region of Labrador.

Minister McLean said that he was pleased with the constructive dialogue that took place. "The meeting was very productive and various viewpoints were brought forward that were very informative. Government will review their presentation in the coming days and provide a response in the near future."

Media contact:

Darrell Mercer, Mines and Energy, (709) 729-5777
Bert Pomeroy, Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 896-8668

2002 07 10                                2:20 p.m.


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