ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The president of Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown energy corporation says he is surprised and disappointed at the tone of an environmental assessment that concluded the utility has not proven the need for the proposed $6.2-billion Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.
Ed Martin says he is troubled by recommendations that suggest there be more discussions about alternatives to Muskrat Falls and Gull Island to supply the province's energy needs.
Martin says he firmly believes that the $6.2 billion dollar Muskrat Falls proposal is the best choice, given Nalcor's extensive analysis of the options.
However, he says the utility remains open to other ideas, noting that two independent reviews are underway as they seek to get the project approved.
Martin says the utility is working on a full response to the technical and environmental issues raised in the report.
Under the conditions of a term sheet announced last year to develop the project, Nalcor Energy would spend $2.9 billion to build a power generating facility at Muskrat Falls capable of producing 824 megawatts of electricity.
A transmission link from Labrador to Newfoundland would cost $2.1 billion, $600 million of which would be provided by Nova Scotia-based private utility Emera (TSX:EMA).
