More Clean Waterpower Energy Secured for Ratepayers
The Ontario Power Authority's Hydroelectric Contract Initiative continues to ensure that cost-effective hydroelectricity is available to meet the needs of Ontarians.
TORONTO, June 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Trent Energy Inc. today celebrated the grand opening in Peterborough of the Stanley Adamson Powerhouse, a hydroelectric project developed by Trent Energy, a subsidiary of Peterborough Utilities Inc., together with Trent University. This marks the redevelopment and expansion of a hydroelectric facility that has been in operation since 1921.
The redevelopment and expansion project was enabled by the Ontario Power Authority's Hydroelectric Contract Initiative (HCI), a program to negotiate new contracts for qualified existing Ontario hydroelectric generation facilities, as part of the province's commitment to increase its supply of clean, renewable generation.
Located on the Otonabee River, the Stanley Adamson Powerhouse was contracted under the HCI program in June 2010, which gave the developer the certainty to make investments in the facility, increasing its capacity from 1.6 megawatts (MW) to approximately 3.9 MW. The facility has a 20-year contract term, beginning this month.
The redevelopment project included the replacement of the original generating equipment (circa 1890 and 1920), a restored historic powerhouse to accommodate the updated equipment, and the replacement of the mechanical and electrical station services.
To date, there have been three other successful redevelopment and expansion projects completed under the HCI program: Bracebridge Falls Generating Station, Wilson's Falls Generating Station and Casselman Generating Station. Combined, these projects represent approximately 9.8 MW of reliable, clean, local and naturally recurring energy, and are expected to produce enough electricity each year to power about 4,400 homes.
As of the end of Q1 2013, the OPA holds 47 HCI contracts with hydroelectric projects across the province, representing 1,088 MW of clean, renewable energy. The OPA holds a total of 114 contracts for waterpower projects, representing 2,384 MW in total, from a variety of procurement programs, including the Feed-in Tariff Program, the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program and the Renewable Energy Supply procurement. There is Aboriginal participation in 1,033 MW of hydroelectric generation projects.
More information about the OPA's hydroelectric contracts initiative is available from the OPA website at www.powerauthority.on.ca/hci.
Quotes:
"This contract is good for Trent Energy, it's good for Peterborough, and it's good for Ontario electricity ratepayers. Through this and other similar contracts, we're gaining generating flexibility and creating a set of complementary options for economically producing the electricity Ontarians need. Securing these hydroelectric sources also supports Ontario's goal of eliminating coal-fired generation by the end of 2014—the single biggest climate change initiative in Canada."
Colin Andersen, CEO, Ontario Power Authority
"Hydroelectric facilities here in Peterborough, and around the province, have been serving Ontarians for over a century. Today's announcement ensures that Trent Energy will continue to provide Ontario with clean, reliable, affordable electricity for the next 100 years."
Minister of Energy Bob Chiarelli
"The completion of upgrades and the re-opening of the Stanley Adamson Generating Station really showcases what Peterborough is capable of. The innovation on display here is producing clean, reliable and affordable power. This project continues to build on Peterborough Riding's potential to be an economic powerhouse in Eastern Ontario."
Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough
"The HCI program was the catalyst to allow for the revitalization of this sustainable, community-based project. Without it, this project would not have happened."
John Wynsma, Vice-President, Generation, Peterborough Utilities Inc.
The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its key areas of focus are planning the power system for the long term, leading and coordinating conservation initiatives across the province, and ensuring the development of needed generation resources.
SOURCE: Ontario Power Authority
Media Contact:
Tim Butters, Ontario Power Authority: 416-969-6307 / Toll Free: 1-800-797-9604
[email protected]
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