The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)report for the proposed two new underwater electricity cables to the mainland has been filed with regulators.
“This is an important milestone for the cable project, which is the province’s top infrastructure priority,” said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar. “All Islanders are invited to review the document, provide comments, attend open houses, and provide input on the project.”
Over the next few weeks further public consultations will be held in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick to discuss the proposed project and route for the two underwater submarine cables between Borden, P.E.I. and Cape Tormentine, N.B, along with approximately 60 km of new transmission line construction between Cape Tormentine and Memramcook. Construction of a substation extension in Borden is also proposed.
“Initial public and stakeholder meetings have been extremely valuable and the project team is interested in hearing more from the public,” said Kim Horrelt, CEO of the PEI Energy Corporation.
Along with the EIA Report, numerous authorizations and permits for multiple aspects of the proposed project are required.
The EIA Report is available to the public online at www.maritimeelectric.com and will be posted to www.gov.pe.ca/environment/undertakings. Open Houses will occur in October and all are welcome to attend.
If approved, construction would begin in spring 2016. Cable installation would begin in the Northumberland Strait in fall 2016, with final project completion in June 2017. The Province of Prince Edward Island would own the new connection, through the P.E.I Energy Corporation. Maritime Electric would operate the project, as is the case with the existing cables.
A new connection of 360 MW would provide electricity security and allow for future growth. The additional capacity will provide the province more flexibility for power purchase agreements, allowing for larger purchases of electricity when prices are favorable.
The existing connection of two 100 MW lines is almost 40 years old and now operating beyond its design life. With significant increased electricity demand since their installation in 1977, the two cables are unable to ensure a secure energy supply.