A local advocacy group in Prince Edward Island is pushing for increased focus on renewable energy solutions to enhance the province’s electricity supply reliability. Energy Democracy Now! has sought intervenor status in the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission’s evaluation of Maritime Electric’s proposal to invest nearly half a billion dollars in expanding power generation on the island.
The utility’s application to IRAC involves the addition of two 50-megawatt combustion turbines, a move that has raised concerns among community members. Darcie Lanthier, a director at Energy Democracy Now!, emphasized the inconsistency of such a plan with the province’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Lanthier highlighted the cost-effectiveness of cleaner energy alternatives like battery storage over fossil fuel generators.
Maritime Electric initially planned to allocate $427 million for the construction of 150 MW of predominantly fossil-fueled generating capacity. The utility justified this decision by citing the need to prevent grid overload during peak demand periods, especially with the increasing adoption of heat pumps as an alternative to furnace oil for home heating.
Green MLA Peter Bevan-Baker, another intervenor applicant, criticized the utility’s reliance on outdated technologies and urged for exploring more affordable and sustainable energy solutions. He emphasized the importance of transitioning towards renewable energy sources to reduce costs and enhance energy independence.
Despite Maritime Electric’s assertion that the grid capacity must be expanded promptly to avoid potential power shortages, critics like Bevan-Baker and Lanthier advocate for smarter energy management strategies involving renewables and advanced pricing mechanisms. They argue that a transition to cleaner energy options would not only be more environmentally friendly but also economically advantageous for Islanders.
The proposed plan by Maritime Electric to increase electricity rates by 10% to cover the initial costs faced backlash from residents like Jill MacIntyre, who expressed concerns over the financial burden placed on consumers. MacIntyre highlighted the disparity in cost-sharing between consumers and the utility company, questioning the fairness of passing on the expenses to customers.
Looking ahead, Energy Democracy Now! plans to engage more with the community through additional town hall meetings and an upcoming advertising campaign. The group aims to raise awareness and advocate for sustainable energy solutions that align with the province’s environmental goals and residents’ interests.