Northwestern Ontario Hydro project approved for Crown land
EAR FALLS, ONTARIO - A new 3.2 megawatt hydroelectric project has been given provincial approval on a Crown land site in northwestern Ontario.
Energy developer Horizon Hydro plans to build a water power plant at Ear Falls, pending a positive environmental assessment and public review process.
Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay, who made the announcement, says the proposal for a site on the Troutlake River has the potential to contribute to the region's prosperity.
It's Horizon's second small hydro development in Ontario, says company president Ian Baines. "We are pleased to show that smaller, low head plants, such as this project and our similarly sized Bala project project in the Muskokas, can make a contribution to our green futureÂ…."
Currently, there are 35 waterpower site release applications in various stages of provincial review and approval. The land is leased to successful proponents by the ministry.
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ST JOHNS - Most people who pay electricity bills will get a one-time credit as early as July.
The provincial government on Thursday outlined a new directive to the Public Utilities Board to provide a one-time credit for customers whose electricity rates are affected by the price of oil.
Electricity customers who are not a part of the Labrador interconnected system, including those using diesel on the north coast of Labrador, will receive the credit.
The credit, announced at a press conference Thursday morning, will come from the rate stabilization fund, which has an estimated surplus of about $50 million because low oil…