Pristine Power wins York Region contract
The controversial power plant, which is expected to create 150 jobs during construction and is scheduled to be in service by the end of 2011, will be used during periods when electricity demand in the region is high and to support intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar.
A joint venture called York Energy Centre LP will build the plant on Dufferin St. in the Township of King, and at 393 megawatts the facility will be slightly larger than the community expected – enough to power 50,000 homes.
"This simple-cycle, natural gas plant addresses the urgent need for clean, reliable and secure power in one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario," said the Ontario Power Authority in a statement. "It will help Ontario close down coal-fired generation by 2014."
The province will purchase electricity from the plant through a 20-year power purchase contract with York Energy Centre, which was the winning bidder out of six proposals.
The Ontario Clean Air Alliance and some local groups opposed the plant, arguing that a much smaller facility could be built if more emphasis in the area was placed on conservation, energy efficiency and the deployment of renewable-energy projects.
Ongoing operation of the plant after construction will require seven full-time employees.
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VICTORIA - British Columbia's NDP government has announced it will freeze BC Hydro rates effective immediately, fulfilling a key election promise.
Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Michelle Mungall says hydro rates have gone up by more than 24 per cent in the last four years and by more than 70 per cent since 2001.
"After years of escalating electricity costs, British Columbians deserve a break on their bills," Mungall said in a news release.
BC Hydro had been approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission to increase the rate by three per cent next year, but Mungall said it will pull back its…
