Released on February 15, 2005
SaskPower today called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for environmentally low-impact generation projects in the second phase of the Environmentally Preferred Power (EPP) program. With the call, SaskPower is noting some changes to the program that better meet the needs of independent electrical generators in the province.Interested parties will have until Mar. 22nd, 2005 to submit projects that meet the program's environmental criteria and fall within the expanded capacity guidelines of 100 kilowatts (kW) to 25 megawatts (MW). SaskPower will then shortlist those projects that meet the initial criteria and issue a formal Request for Proposals to the project proponents in spring 2005.
"The Environmentally Preferred Power program is an important part of the government's Green Power Portfolio and its commitment to a green and prosperous economy," Minister responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell said. "We have listened to feedback and evaluations from the first phase of the program and have changed it to allow for slightly larger projects."
SaskPower continues to be committed to seeking a total of 45 MW of environmentally preferred generation. Last year, three project proposals totalling approximately 13 MW were selected. The second phase will select the remaining 32 MW. Power Purchase Agreements are currently being negotiated for each of the three first-phase projects.
The EPP program was designed to provide the opportunity for SaskPower to partner with independent power producers to build and operate smaller-scale generation projects. These projects will help SaskPower provide for new load-growth to the year 2010 with environmentally low-impact generation that produces no new greenhouse gas emissions. The program is also a venue to evaluate technologies currently available for smaller-scale generation. Part of the process in implementing the EPP initiative was to listen to what independent power producers were saying, to be flexible and to revise the program where it could be improved.
In addition to the first phase of the EPP program, the Green Power Portfolio includes community energy efficiency pilot projects, last year's expansion of the Cypress Wind Power Facility and SaskPower International's 150 megawatt Rushlake Creek Wind Power Project now under construction in southwest Saskatchewan.
To download the EOI, and to see a public overview of the EPP program, visit http://www.saskpower.com/environment/initiatives/initiatives.shtml
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For More Information, Contact:
| Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306)566-3167 Cell: (888)536-0000 |