NB Power is inviting municipalities, co-operatives and not-for profit organizations to participate in a new program to integrate small-scale renewable energy projects onto the provincial power grid.
These groups, known as local entities, are asked to submit plans to NB Power under the Community Renewable Energy - Local Entities Opportunity, which is the second phase of the government's Locally-Owned Renewable Energy Small Scale (LORESS) Program. Another Request for Expressions of Interest was released in January 2016 for the first phase for the Aboriginal businesses.
"These small-scale renewable projects will allow these organizations to develop, implement and manage their own energy projects in their communities while helping NB Power meet its energy demand," said Gaëtan Thomas, CEO and president of NB Power. "This collaboration is an important one as we all have a role to play in the future of our energy market."
The program allows for the production of 40 megawatts of electricity from renewable resources like hydro, biomass, wind and solar energy. A maximum of 20 megawatts can be owned by one or more local entity, or 40 megawatts can be owned by two or more local entities if they are located on the same site. The generation will be added to the transmission system at 69 KV or above.
"We are proud to have taken an important step in creating the conditions for sustainable economic development in New Brunswick and its local entities through this new and innovative renewable energy program," said Energy and Resource Development Minister Rick Doucet. "Through a diversified approach to growing the energy sector, we are laying a solid foundation to meet our goals of job creation and seeing 40 per cent of energy generated in the province come from renewables by 2020."
The program ensures broader inclusion and participation of diverse organizations in the energy sector and is intended to create business opportunities, jobs and expertise.
NB Power, along with the Department of Energy and Resource Development, will hold five public information sessions to give potential proponents an opportunity to ask questions about the program and the process for submitting proposals. Dates and locations of the sessions will be made available at a later date.
Details about the program and NB Power's request for expression of interest can be obtained from the New Brunswick Opportunities Network website.
Local entities are invited to submit their proposals by 3 p.m. on April 28. Questions can be emailed to alltenders@nbpower.com or sent by fax to 506-458-4089.
