VARDY UPSET PUB YIELDS TO NALCOR OVER DARKNL REVIEW

Guest Post Written by David Vardy

PUB INVESTIGATION INTO SUPPLY ISSUES AND POWER OUTAGES

Dark NL sparked an investigation by the PUB into the reliability of our power system, an investigation which is going into its fourth year. It has received little media coverage, despite its great importance.

On January 20, 2017 the Public Utilities Board (PUB) issued an Order, P.U. 2(2017), striking down expert evidence filed by the Grand River Keeper Labrador (GRK), a registered intervenor. The Order is part of the PUB’s investigation into supply issues and power outages which they announced on January 17, 2014. The investigation covers matters relating to the reliability and availability of power both before and after interconnection with Muskrat Falls and was prompted by a number of power outages which took place in 2013 and early 2014. The Board’s Order has the effect of removing expert evidence relating to two major risks to the power system from further consideration during the investigation into the supply of power. The purpose of this post is to recommend solutions to this problem.

"HATS OFF!" TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD

Full Report Supply Issues and Power Outgages.....Phase One Report September 29, 2016

It is rare that any Report conducted by Government, or any its Agencies, is so straightforward that it requires no interpretation or commentary. The Public Utilities Board has just released its FINAL Phase One Report on what led to the outages - now inscribed in history as #DARKNL - and who is responsible. This Blog has frequently reported on the PUB's work as well as on the Reports of The Liberty Consulting Group - the PUB's Consultant. I have reprinted the Board's short conclusion here and I have added a very brief note at the end. It is truly an eye-opener as to how poorly "state-owned enterprises" (SOES) like Nalcor, of which NL Hydro is  a subsidiary, are run.