Released on June 10, 2005
A continued commitment to wind power development and proactive management of greenhouse gas emissions are just two of the initiatives highlighted in SaskPower's 2004 Environment Report, which was released today."The scope of activities detailed in SaskPower's Environment Report underlines the corporation's commitment to environmental stewardship – both now and into the future," Minister responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell said. "Many of these activities, such as wind power and promoting energy efficiency among SaskPower customers, are key components of a green and prosperous economy in Saskatchewan."
"SaskPower is committed to protecting our shared environment, while providing our customers with safe, reliable and cost-effective sources of electricity. Our Environment Report gives us the opportunity to tell our customers, stakeholders and shareholders how we're balancing these often competing priorities as part of our commitment to communicating in an open and transparent fashion," SaskPower president and CEO Pat Youzwa said.
"Because of SaskPower's reliance on fossil fuel generation, dealing with greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the corporation," SaskPower Planning, Environment and Regulatory Affairs vice-president Rick Patrick said. "This year's Environment Report details the many research initiatives we are supporting as we search for solutions – an effort that continues despite the lack of detailed federal regulation on the Kyoto Protocol."
SaskPower's environmental achievements noted in its 2004 Environment Report include:
· 150-megawatt wind power project at Rushlake Creek in southwestern Saskatchewan;
· International mercury capture project at Poplar River Power Station in Coronach;
· Three project proposals for the first phase of the Environmentally Preferred Power (EPP) Program;
· Biogas demonstration project constructed near Cudworth;
· Province-wide information campaign on the benefits of energy efficient lighting;
· Second phase of three-year $20-million overhaul of Nipawin Hydroelectric Station completed; and
· Independent audits of SaskPower's Environmental Management System once again confirm the Corporation's registration under the demanding ISO 14001 Standard.
The 2004 Environment Report also includes SaskPower data submitted to the Canadian Electricity Association's Environmental Commitment and Responsibility (ECR) Program. Participating in the ECR program allows SaskPower's environmental activities to be compared on an equal footing with electric utilities in other jurisdictions across Canada.
Copies of the 2004 Environment Report are available from SaskPower by calling 1-800-667-4749 or online at saskpower.com
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For More Information, Contact:
| Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (888)536-0000 Cell: (306)536-2886 |