Wind farm to benefit from ecoENERGY program

SHELBURNE, ONTARIO - Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. announced that it has signed a Contribution Agreement with the Government of Canada for funding under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program for phase II of the Melancthon EcoPower Centre.

The Melancthon EcoPower Centre, located in Melancthon and Amaranth Townships near Shelburne, Ontario, two hours northwest of Toronto, is 100% owned and operated by Canadian Hydro and consists of two phases. Together, both phases of the Melancthon EcoPower Centre are expected to generate 545 GWh, providing enough renewable power to supply approximately 70,000 average Canadian homes.

The 67.5 MW phase I achieved commercial operations on March 4, 2006 and receives $10 per MWh for 10 years from Natural Resources Canada. The 132 MW phase II reached commercial operation on November 30, 2008 and will receive a $10 per MWh incentive for 10 years under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

"Our support for the Melancthon Wind Farm demonstrates our Government's commitment to increase the supply of clean, renewable energy for Canadians," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. "This investment strengthens our goal of having 90 per cent of Canada's electricity derived from non-emitting sources by 2020, while ensuring that the clean energy produced is delivered to Canadians at competitive prices."

"Canadian Hydro thanks the Government of Canada for its support of renewable energy through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program," said John Keating, CEO of Canadian Hydro. "This program is an important part of supporting the development of renewable energy in Canada at a level that allows Canadian renewable energy to compete with other incentives worldwide. We encourage the Government of Canada to extend the program beyond its current capacity to support continued future growth."

Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. is committed to Building a Sustainable Future. The Company is the largest and most diversified developer, owner and operator of 20 renewable power generation facilities in Canada totaling net 496 MW of capacity in operation, 385 MW in and nearing construction and 1,632 MW in development. The renewable generation portfolio is diversified across three technologies (water, wind and biomass) in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. This portfolio is unique in Canada as all facilities are certified, or slated for certification, under Environment Canada's EcoLogo Program.

Businesses, municipalities, institutions and organizations are eligible to apply for funding under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program. The initiative provides $1.48 billion to increase Canada's supply of clean electricity from renewable sources such as wind, biomass, low-impact hydro, geothermal, solar photovoltaic and ocean energy. It will encourage the production of up to 4,000 megawatts of new electricity from renewable energy sources - enough electricity to power about one million homes.