Prince Edward Island is facing a growing energy demand that is putting pressure on its power system, prompting the City of Summerside to advocate for increased electricity generation to address the issue.
During a recent meeting with MLAs, officials from the P.E.I. Energy Corporation and Summerside Electric expressed concerns about the potential electricity shortage in New Brunswick by 2028 due to rising demand. This shortage could impact P.E.I. unless the province boosts its energy production.
Summerside Mayor Dan Kutcher emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The time is ticking. It’s already 2026, and 2027-28 is around the corner. The time is really short.”
Currently, P.E.I.’s power grid relies heavily on two submarine cables connecting the island to the mainland and electricity purchased from New Brunswick Power. While Summerside Electric generates 60% of its electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind, it still depends on Maritime Electric for power purchased from New Brunswick.
A recent power disruption caused by a failure at a Maritime Electric substation near Summerside highlighted the need for increased energy security. Kutcher stressed the importance of direct access to the underwater cables from New Brunswick without relying on Maritime Electric.
Summerside Electric’s senior utility engineer, Garrett Webster, underscored the need for more diesel and cleaner generators to meet the rising energy demand in the city. He called for legislative changes to enable Summerside to generate and distribute more power within P.E.I.
Maritime Electric is considering purchasing combustion turbines, and Summerside is pushing for a seat at the decision-making table. Kutcher likened the city to a team player eager to contribute more to the energy solution for the entire island.
Gordon MacFadyen, CEO of the P.E.I. Energy Corporation, highlighted the strain on the energy system due to population growth and electrification, leading to a significant increase in peak loads. He emphasized the importance of a balanced energy mix and educating Islanders on efficient electricity usage.
Green MLA Peter Bevan-Baker raised concerns about legislative barriers limiting electricity production in P.E.I. compared to Nova Scotia. He advocated for a more distributed energy model that allows communities and non-profits to generate renewable energy, requiring legislative reform.
MacFadyen agreed with the need for a shift towards renewable energy sources and emphasized the importance of legislative changes to enable a more inclusive energy system. These reforms may be addressed in the province’s upcoming energy strategy.
The City of Summerside is preparing to outline legislative recommendations to enhance its power generation and distribution capabilities on P.E.I., with support from PC MLA Tyler DesRoches, who intends to push for the necessary changes.