Maritime Electric applying to export power to United States

Maritime Electric has applied to renew its permit to export electricity to the United States.

The National Energy Board made that application public through a recent newspaper ad, asking for the views of Islanders when it comes to selling power to the U.S. The utility has held a permit to do so for the past decade, but never used it.

Maritime Electric spokespersonKim Griffin said it's about being prepared.

"For us, it's very much just an enabler, we have a licence if there's that opportunity," said Griffin.

She added the idea would only gain momentum if there is an excess of wind generated power, which is currently not the case on P.E.I.

"Currently, we're using all the wind on P.E.I that we can, 25 per cent of current wind is part of Maritime Electric's energy mix," said Griffin. "It's an important part, we think we can take more, that's something we're interested to do as well."

Griffin said much will depend on the province's new energy strategy, which was due out in July. It is anticipated there will be a heightened commitment to wind generated power.

But Griffin said for now, this is "simply a license renewal" and that Maritime Electric is not actively pursuing the idea of selling power to the U.S.

The deadline to contact the National Energy Board on this application is Sept. 13.

If the permit is approved, it would be valid for 10 years.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS| Facebook page PEI Jobs gets picked up by government
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS| Repairs reduce P.E.I. wind farm production