N.L. hydro project help questioned


Electrical Commissioning In Industrial Power Systems

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
Members of a Senate committee are questioning a request from Atlantic Canada for a federal loan guarantee for the central Labrador Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia have asked the federal government for a loan guarantee to help with the $6.2 billion project at Muskrat Falls.

At a federal Senate energy committee hearing in Halifax, B.C. Conservative MP Richard Neufeld said it would be "great" if the federal government would underwrite loans for electrical generation in all provinces.

"Why Nova Scotia doesn't underwrite the $6.2 billion project itself?" he asked.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter responded that the borrowing rate for Ottawa is much lower than it would be for his province.

In November, N.L.'s Crown-owned Nalcor Energy and Nova Scotia's Emera Inc. agreed on a $6.2 billion plan to generate 824 megawatts of power at Muskrat Falls on Labrador's Churchill River.

According to the deal, electricity will be moved first to Newfoundland with much of it later relayed through Nova Scotia by underwater cables.

In February, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale said she expects an answer from Ottawa in March regarding the request for a loan guarantee.

The project to harness power from Muskrat Falls in Labrador was billed by former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams as one of the last large green energy projects in North America.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not make any promises when he visited St. John's in February.

Related News

ACCIONA Energía Launches 280 MW Wind Farm in Alberta

Forty Mile Wind Farm delivers 280 MW of renewable wind power in Alberta, with 49…
View more

Trump's Proposal to Control Ukraine's Nuclear Plants Sparks Controversy

US Control of Ukraine Nuclear Plants sparks debate over ZNPP, Zaporizhzhia, sovereignty, safety, ownership, and…
View more

Ontario Energy minister downplays dispute between auditor, electricity regulator

Ontario IESO Accounting Dispute highlights tensions over public sector accounting standards, auditor general oversight, electricity…
View more

Ontario unveils new tax breaks, subsidized hydro plan to spur economic recovery from COVID-19

Ontario COVID-19 Business Tax Relief outlines permanent Employer Health Tax exemptions, lower Business Education Tax…
View more

EDF and France reach deal on electricity prices-source

EDF Nuclear Power Price Deal sets a 70 euros/MWh reference price, adds consumer protection if…
View more

Australian operator warns of reduced power reserves

Australia Electricity Supply Shortfall highlights AEMO's warning of reduced reserves as coal retirements outpace capacity,…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified