The federal government is investing in an energy project connecting New Brunswick and P.E.I.
Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced $5.9 million for the PEI Energy Corporation to advance the P.E.I.-New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion Project.
The Island relies on transmission connections with New Brunswick to meet much of its electricity demand.
The project would improve the connection by building two 200-megawatt, 138-kilovolt submarine cables along with transmission upgrades and modernization of substations in both provinces.
The federal investment will support engineering studies, marine surveys, environmental assessments, stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, regulatory work and preliminary transmission route and substation design.
The plan would be for construction by 2028.
The project was identified by the federal government earlier this year as one of five priority transmission projects.
“We’re happy to kick-start this project, which is very important for the energy future of Prince Edward Island and a strong reliable energy system here in Prince Edward Island,” P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz said.
Lantz said his province has outpaced the national average in 10 of the last 11 years in terms of economic growth.
“Electricity and energy security is becoming a barrier for us to continue that growth,” he said.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said a strong, resilient energy infrastructure is necessary in the region to help P.E.I. grow, which is also good for New Brunswick.
“We serve as a bit of the energy hub in the Maritimes and so having the right kind of cables that let us wheel the power they need and watch the growth of the renewable sector in P.E.I. and how that’s going to benefit New Brunswickers means that we can deliver affordable reliable sustainable energy to our populations that match their ambitions for their businesses in the world,” Holt said.
The announcement comes as Holt promotes New Brunswick as the Maritime provinces’ energy hub.
In a social media post, the premier said the province has the assets, geography and expertise.
“From strengthening the national electricity grid to building on New Brunswick’s nuclear leadership, to extending Mactaquac’s hydro power,” Holt said.
Holt was meeting with other premiers at this week’s Council of the Federation.
“I’m focused on building partnerships that deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for New Brunswickers, for our neighbours and for Canada.”
