A local advocacy group in Prince Edward Island is pushing for increased focus on renewable energy solutions to meet the province’s electricity needs. Energy Democracy Now! has sought to intervene in Maritime Electric’s plan to invest nearly $500 million in expanding electricity generation on the island, specifically by adding two 50-megawatt combustion turbines.
Darcie Lanthier, a board director at Energy Democracy Now!, emphasized the importance of transitioning to net-zero emissions by 2040 and raised concerns about the utility’s reliance on fossil fuel generators. Lanthier highlighted the potential for more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives such as battery storage systems.
Maritime Electric initially proposed a $427 million investment in fossil fuel-powered generating capacity, but later considered acquiring combustion turbines due to grid capacity concerns. The utility expressed the need to bolster local power generation to prevent potential grid overloads during peak demand periods.
Green MLA Peter Bevan-Baker, another intervenor in the process, criticized the utility’s approach, advocating for more modern and sustainable energy solutions. Bevan-Baker stressed the importance of exploring cheaper and more reliable options that align with global trends moving away from outdated technologies.
Despite concerns about rising electricity rates and consumer burdens, Maritime Electric defended its plan as necessary for ensuring stable power supply amid changing energy consumption patterns. However, members of the public, including Jill MacIntyre, expressed dissatisfaction with the potential rate hikes and questioned the distribution of costs to consumers.
Energy Democracy Now! plans to hold additional town hall meetings and launch an advertising campaign to engage the community further in advocating for cleaner and more cost-effective energy solutions.
