N.L. Hydro official refutes claims backup turbine not up to snuff

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro's chief operating officer says a 100-megawatt combustion turbine being installed at the corporation's Holyrood site is "like new" and was thoroughly inspected before it was purchased at a cost of $120 million.

Scott Crosbie commented in response to claims this week by critic Danny Dumaresque that Hydro made a mistake by purchasing the used generator.

Dumaresque suggested the turbine, which will be used as a backup power source, wasn't properly inspected and its computer system may be obsolete.

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Crosbie said while the generator was assembled within the last six years, it's in great shape.

He said the unit still has two years left on its warranty, was properly stored and is in mint condition.

"If you want to put it in the context of a car again, it's like in January and February when a lot of us go out to car lots, and we're looking for last year's model? Still new, still has warranty," said Crosbie.

He added that the equipment was thoroughly inspected before it was bought.

Hydro investing heavily into power grid

Dumaresque is a former Liberal MHA and vocal critic of Hydro. He also previously served on Hydro's board of directors.

He believes the island portion of the province could be facing another #DarkNL this winter, similar to the rolling blackouts that left thousands without power during an especially cold stretch of winter in January.

Hydro officials have indicated the Dec. 6 target to bring the backup generator online is "under pressure," but Crosbie says the delay will be days rather than weeks.    
    
The backup turbine is part of a wider effort by Hydro to ensure the province's electrical grid is ready this winter, and is part of a $260-million investment into the system.

Hydro officials are expected to provide an update on its winter readiness strategy in the coming days.