N.L. Hydro fast-tracking $120M turbine generator

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is fast-trackingplans to build anew $120-million combustion turbine generator in Holyrood.

The provincial Crown corporation wants to have the new turbine complete by December, as part of its goal to improve the electrical system.

The power generation system came under fire in Januarywhen island-wide power failures occurred at the height of a snowstorm and frigid temperatures, leaving thousands cold and in the dark.

On Tuesday, members of the local media were taken on a tour at the Holyrood facility.

Hydro vice-president Rob Henderson said crews are working seven days a week, up to 12 hours a day to get the engine generator on line in time for winter.

Henderson saidit's about half-way there.

"Having this extra capacity provides an additional level of reserve in the power system for this upcoming winter."

Henderson said the new generator will continue to be used to support the island's power system.

"This particular plant is a peaking plant, an emergency plant that will only be called into operation if necessary because we have issues with other generating facilities or we have an exceptionally high demand on the power system."

The total cost of building the equipment will be factored into monthlypower bills.

Having this extra capacity provides an additional level of reserve in the power system for this upcoming winter.- NL Hydro's Rob Henderson

This fall, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrowill formally apply before the Public Utilities Board for a rate increase.

If the PUB approves the increase, it should result in an increase of one to two per cent on monthly electricity bills.

DarkNL

Back in January during what came to be known as DarkNL, gas turbines inStephenvilleand Mount Pearl were broken and a generator atHolyroodwas running at a one-third capacity.

Rolling blackouts were necessary as crews worked to gradually bring customers back on the grid.