The government of Prince Edward Island is calling on all Islanders to have their say on the province’s future energy plans by taking part in public consultations that will lead to a new provincial energy strategy.
Today the government released a discussion document looking at options for the development of energy in the province and setting the scene for a public dialogue on an enhanced energy strategy. At the centre of the discussion will be consideration of energy security, environmental sustainability and economic development.
“Islanders have long relied on imported energy - both petroleum and electricity. Today though we are seeing that there are significant economic risks involved with too much reliance on imported energy, and significant environmental consequences to overuse of fossil fuels. This process will involve all Islanders in setting a course for economic development that protects the environment and creates economic opportunity for this province,” said George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
The Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy Discussion Document is available online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/energystrategy and through the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
Public consultations on a Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy will be held in coming weeks and recommendations for an energy strategy are expected in late summer 2008.
Meetings, to be led by MRSB Consulting, are tentatively scheduled for:
May 13 - Charlottetown
May 14 - Tignish
May 15 - Kensington
May 20 - Montague
May 21 - Summerside
Written submissions relating to the energy strategy discussion can be made on-line at energystrategy@gov.pe.ca or through the mail to :
Energy Strategy
Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
C1A 7N8
The last province-wide plan for energy development was formulated in 2004 when the province released an Energy Framework and Renewable Energy Strategy.
“The last energy strategy helped guide this province’s investments in wind energy and helped us attract private developers to build wind capacity and grow what has become a profitable and environmentally beneficial energy source for Prince Edward Island. There are new energy opportunities on the horizon, including enhanced energy efficiency and the emerging area of biofuels. These public discussions will help government plan the Island’s energy future in a way that Islanders support,” said Minister Webster.