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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Manitoba Hydro scales back rate increase next year
WINNIPEG - Manitoba Hydro is scaling back its rate hike request for next year, instead of the annual 7.9 per cent hikes the Crown corporation previously said it would need until 2023-24 to address debt.
Hydro is asking the Public Utilities Board for a 3.5 per cent rate increase next year, which would take effect on April 1.
In last week's application, Hydro said its new board is reviewing the corporation's financial picture. Once that is complete, the utility expects to submit a new multi-year rate application in late 2019 that addresses the organization's long-term future.
"It's too speculative at this point to discuss any possible future rate increases," spokesperson Bruce…
