2009

A couple of things for you to remember, carefully chosen from a whole bunch of potential lessons from history, just in case you have already started counting down to "first power" in 2016:

October 6, 2008

New Energy Initiatives for Coastal Labrador Announced During Ministerial Tour of Northern Labrador

The Provincial Government today announced two new energy initiatives in select coastal Labrador communities designed to identify potential alternative energy sources for isolated diesel communities. These programs will assist residents and businesses to conserve energy and better manage their consumption.

"These energy efficiency initiatives will identify technically-sound alternative energy options and useful ways to conserve energy in the communities where these initiatives are taking place," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "The programs will also provide valuable information that can be used in communities all along the Labrador coast. These investments are focused on maximizing our energy resource potential in these communities and assisting property owners to lower their energy costs through reduced consumption."

The initiatives were announced by Minister Dunderdale and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, at a news conference in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The ministers are on a two-day tour of northern Labrador that includes a visit to the Voisey’s Bay mine site. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, will also participate in the tour.

Both projects announced today are being undertaken by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) and will be completed by the end of 2009.

The Provincial Government is spending $500,000 to conduct an alternative energy study and an energy efficiency community pilot project in coastal Labrador communities. The funding is part of the $13 million allocated in Budget 2008 for implementing key Energy Plan initiatives.

And:

May 8, 2006
(Executive Council)
(Natural Resources)

Newfoundland and Labrador will lead Lower Churchill development

In keeping with the provincial government’s agenda of developing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and continuing on the road to self-reliance, Premier Danny Williams announced today the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NLH) will take the lead on the potential development of the Lower Churchill hydroelectric resource. The decision was made following the assessment of the proposals short-listed from the Expressions of Interest and Proposals (EOI process).

...

While Hydro will take the required time to complete due diligence on the feasibility of this project, a planning schedule has been developed that will see a project sanctioning decision by 2009 and potentially first power by 2015.

The Lower Churchill is just around the corner. It always is.