Lobbyists prove influential in RI energy debate
At least $400,000 has been spent on lobbying this year by corporations with a stake in the debate as lawmakers hash out deals between power developers, energy suppliers and labor unions.
That's double the amount spent on such lobbying in 2005. That was before Governor Don Carcieri set a goal of providing 20 percent of the state's electricity needs through renewable resources.
Some Rhode Island lawmakers, including Senator J. Michael Lenihan, an East Greenwich Democrat, say work by lobbyists helps them make an educated vote on complicated legislation.
But others, such as Rep. Laurence Ehrhardt, a North Kingstown Republican, object to what they say are closed-door compromises and last-minute deal-making.
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Maritime Link sends first electricity between Newfoundland, Nova Scotia
HALIFAX - For the first time, electricity has been sent between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia through the new Maritime Link.
The 500-megawatt transmission line — which connects Newfoundland to the North American energy grid for the first time — was tested Friday.
"This changes not only the energy options for Newfoundland and Labrador but also for Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada," said Rick Janega, the CEO of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador, which owns the link.
"It's an historic event in our eyes, one that transforms the electricity system in our region forever."
'On time and on budget'
It will eventually carry power from the Muskrat Falls hydro…
