PEI to charge wind energy royalty
The royalty will apply to electricity that is exported. Maritime Electric, the province's main utility, is looking to see a further 130 megawatts capacity built, with 100 megawatts for export. Under the proposal that would mean $1.5 million annually for the provincial government.
Richard Hornung, president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, told CBC News this is a first in Canada.
"I would imagine that this is an attempt within Prince Edward Island to ensure that there's a sharing of benefits associated with export of wind," said Hornung.
He said it's another example of PEI breaking new ground in terms of wind export.
Jamie Ballem, a former provincial energy minister and consultant for the German company NewEn, said that company is interested in building a 100-megawatt wind project in Anglo Tignish, in the far west of the Island. Ballem said the details of the request for proposals are not available, and he can't say if the price being offered for this new wind energy will be enough to cover the costs of development and the new royalty payment.
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Canada to spend $2M on study to improve Atlantic region's electricity grid
HALIFAX - The federal government will spend $2 million on an engineering study to improve the Atlantic region's electricity grid.
The study was announced Friday at a news conference held by 10 federal and provincial politicians at a meeting of the Atlantic Growth Strategy in Halifax
The technical review will identify the most important transmission projects including inter-provincial ties needed to move electricity across the region.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said the results are expected in July.
Provinces will apply to the federal government for funding to build the infrastructure. Utilities in each province will be expected to pay some portion of the…
