Preparatory work to allow for the installation of electrical cables between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island will begin this weekend, says Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar.
“”This is the most significant strategic investment in the province since the construction of the Confederation bridge,” said Minister Biggar. “Our government has worked hard to bring this about, and I am pleased that it is now getting underway.”
The work involves pre-trenching on both sides of the Northumberland Strait. This will ensure that no rock obstructions will be encountered in the fall when the two cables are to be installed. This component of the project is expected to take approximately eight weeks. Installation of the cables will begin in mid-October, and they should be operational by the end of the year.
Environmental Impact Assessments have been approved by the governments of Canada, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
The cables will be owned by the Province of Prince Edward Island and will be leased to Maritime Electric. The federal government has also provided financial support for this project.
“The cable interconnection is essential to our security and reliability of supply and to meet our future electricity needs,” said Minister Biggar.