Exporting Power: The Eastern Canadian Way
While British Columbia festers in the rhetoric of the export vs import debate, two other Canadian Provinces have completed a historic transmission agreement to facilitate the export of electricity to the United States.
Quebec and Newfoundland announced today that Quebec has agreed to allow Newfoundland's Nalcor Energy to transport or "wheel" its excess electricity (generated by the Upper Churchill Hydroelectric station) through Hydro-Quebec's power lines to the Canada-U.S. Border, where Emera Energy Inc. (a Nova Scotia Power subsidiary) will market the Newfoundland born electrons to the Americans for profit.
This is being called "historic" because never before has Quebec permitted Newfoundland to transmit its own power through Quebec. What I see as historic is a Canadian Province publicly celebrating its excess green renewable energy and the prospect of exporting it to the Americans. No wonder, the 5 year deal is expected to generate between $40 and $80 million per year for Newfoundland. That will certainly keep the energy costs down at home.
My thoughts on the local export debate. Exporting its natural resources has been the backbone of this Province for as long as it's been around. Be it trees, coal, fish or natural gas (just to name a few), British Columbia has a enjoyed great many riches on the harvesting and export of its incredible natural endowment. Now, we have growing U.S. demand for our green electricity and the idea of developing and exporting this renewable natural resource is upsetting to some people? This just doesn't make sense, and is undeniably hypocritical. I suggest that we answer the call by developing our renewable energy resources, we keep what we need and sell the rest to the Americans. Simple, straightforward and the British Columbia way.
