The Official Opposition is urging Premier Tony Wakeham to work with the Atlantic provinces and the federal government to lower electricity costs and strengthen the region’s energy future, rather than sit on the sidelines.
The recently announced MOU between Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is focused on improving regional energy cooperation, addressing electricity affordability, and strengthening transmission infrastructure.
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians spent the winter worried about rising electricity bills and the high cost of living. Electricity affordability is one of the biggest issues facing families, and the Conservatives campaigned on making life more affordable. Now, when there’s a regional initiative aimed at addressing exactly that, Premier Wakeham says his government has other priorities,” says Opposition Leader John Hogan.
While other Atlantic provinces are working with Ottawa to lower electricity costs and strengthen their energy systems, Newfoundland and Labrador is absent from the table despite being one of the region’s largest clean energy producers.
Taking part in discussions on regional electricity infrastructure and affordability could also strengthen our province’s position as negotiations continue with Quebec on the Churchill River and as we explore future transmission opportunities.
“The Premier himself points to increased transmission capacity and future exports as priorities. That makes it even harder to understand why his government would choose not to be part of conversations about the very regional grid that carries our power to Atlantic Canada and could play an even greater role in the years ahead” says Energy and Mines Critic, Fred Hutton.
We urge Premier Wakeham to make sure Newfoundland and Labrador has a seat at the table. Our province cannot afford to miss opportunities that could lower electricity costs for families, strengthen our energy sector, and put Newfoundland and Labrador in the strongest possible position for future energy opportunities.
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