DCN ARCHIVES

September 29, 2006

Power struggle heats up over hydro

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.

It’s in Canada’s best interest to support development of Labrador’s Lower Churchill Falls project over hydroelectric projects in Quebec, said Premier Danny Williams.

“The more we can spread out our energy supply means that we won’t be totally dependent on Quebec for energy, which given the volatility of the politics in Quebec, could be a very, very sensitive situation in the years to come,” he said.

Quebec is developing hydroelectric projects in the five rivers area in the Lower North Shore region, just south of Labrador. Hydro-Quebec says the draft design for its 1,500-megawatt Romaine project, which is in the most advanced stages, will be finished this fall.

A final decision on the feasibility of building the Lower Churchill Falls project, estimated to cost $6 billion to $9 billion, will be made by 2009. If the project is given the go-ahead, the earliest it could produce power is 2015.

CANADIAN PRESS

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