P.E.I. borrows $31M in energy accord refinancing

Charlottowne, PEI - - The Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation has been given cabinet approval to borrow more than $31 million as part of an agreement with Maritime Electric.

The money is being used to refinance debt associated with the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station and the decommissioning of the Dalhousie Thermal Generating Station.

Energy Minister Paula Biggar said it is part of the previous P.E.I. Energy Accord.

The accord was set up in 2010. Under that agreement Maritime Electric lowered electricity rates for Islanders, and in exchange the government signed a loan on behalf of the utility, taking advantage of its borrowing power to get a lower interest rate than the utility could. That accord expired earlier this year, and a new three-year agreement on electrical rates has been set up.

Biggar said the refinancing of the outstanding loan balance of $31.34 million includes the conversion of short-term loans to long-term loans, and a lower rate of interest for the balance.

She said the savings should help to reduce and stabilize electricity rates in the coming years.

Related News

nuclear plant

Explainer: Why nuclear-powered France faces power outage risks

PARIS - France is bracing for possible power outages in the coming days as falling temperatures push up demand while state-controlled nuclear group EDF struggles to bring more production on line.


WHY CAN'T FRANCE MEET DEMAND?
France is one of the most nuclear-powered countries in the world, typically producing over 70% of its electricity with its fleet of 56 reactors and providing about 15% of Europe's total power through exports.

However, EDF (EDF.PA) has had to take a record number of its ageing reactors offline for maintenance this year just as Europe is struggling to cope with cuts in Russian natural…

READ MORE
california impending shortage

California's Next Electricity Headache Is a Looming Shortage

READ MORE

bitcoin screen

Bitcoin mining uses so much electricity that 1 city could curtail facility's power during heat waves

READ MORE

bc hydro rate review

Recommendations from BC Hydro review to keep electricity affordable

READ MORE

Town of Gander forgives $250K debt from local curling club

READ MORE