New energy sources only fix for Holyrood plant problems, says minister

How much confidence does the new Liberal government have in the province's electricity system?

Natural Resources ministerSiobhanCoadysaidshe is very concerned about the continuingproblems at theHolyroodgenerating plant.

• Power warning to remain in effect through evening peak hours

She saidthat theaging infrastructure has been struggling to meet increasing power demands in the province.

While maintenance is up to date, Coadytold CBC thattheHolyroodplant breaks down too often.

"I'm concerned that we have an aging asset, that we have an old furnace in our house."

She said the only solutionis to find another way to generate electricity.

"We have to make sure that we have the electricity that the province requires," said Coady.

"We have to get an alternate energycapability into this provincewe have to make sure we do the right things."

She added that the Bay D' Espoir plant, wind energy and the Holyrood plant all come together to make sure customers have what they need.

Hydro issued a "power warning" to its customersWednesday after twounits at the plantwent off-line.

Coady saidit iscritical to ensurepeopleknow what's happening at all timeswhenthereare generation issues andshe's happy with how the warning was communicated tocustomers.

She said the province is exploring alternatives, such as wind and wave power, and Muskrat Fallsis expected to start producing electricity in 2018.