Maritime Electric energy conservation plan disappoints Green leader

A plan by Maritime Electric to reduce electricity use on Prince Edward Island lacks ambition and long-term vision, says provincial Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker.

The $11-million, five-year plan — currently under consideration by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission — offers rebates for LED lightbulbs, and rebates and incentives on the installation of heat pumps under certain conditions.

Bevan-Baker said the plan does not go far enough.

"What I hear from Maritime Electric is we're going to keep doing what we've been doing for the last however many decades," he said.

"I don't see any ambition, any long-term vision to join the rest of the world and get on board for a renewable energy, clean energy job efficient energy future for Prince Edward Island."

Bevan-Baker suggested Maritime Electric should be doing what the Summerside utility has been doing and install smart meters so cheaper overnight power rates can be offered. He said that would help even out power-use throughout the day, offering a more efficient use of electricity.

Overall, he said, a better-designed conservation strategy is needed if ratepayers are going to avoid having to pay for a second 50-megawatt generator, something the utility says will likely be needed in the next decade.

Maritime Electric says its research shows offering cheaper overnight prices wouldn't likely be enough to avoid needing this extra generation. It estimates there will be $5-million in electricity savings from the five-year, $11-million plan, and peak energy use will be reduced by 10 MW.

Question of the day: What do you think of Maritime Electric's energy conservation plan?