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Reid disappointed that no draft energy plan released for
public discussion November 10, 2005
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he is disappointed that government has
released another discussion paper on the development of an energy plan,
while ignoring previous consultations that were held with stakeholders in
2002 and 2003. Reid says he was expecting the release of a draft copy of
government’s long-awaited energy plan, a plan the Premier said he had since
2003, for discussion and public input. "I was extremely disappointed that the Premier has once again delayed the release of his much-touted energy plan," said Mr. Reid. "While in Opposition, the Premier continuously stated that he had a plan to address the energy needs of industrial customers and energy users in this province. Today, all that was released was another discussion document, no draft plan and no details as to the direction government plans to take. If the Premier wanted to save some time, he should look at the report of Mr. Wallace Read, former President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, who conducted these consultations in 2002 and 2003 and compiled a detailed report. Provincewide consultations took place at that time and stakeholders were consulted. Instead, the Premier will duplicate this process and delay the development and release of this plan for an indefinite period of time. "As the number of energy issues facing the people of this province continues to rise and become more prevalent, it is time government took action. This government has already refused to address the taxation issues on the high price of gas and electricity; the price of oil to power the Holyrood generating plant continues to drive up the price of electricity; and Abitibi Consolidated has announced they will close their Stephenville Mill unless their power costs can be lowered. These are just a few of the immediate issues facing the people of this province and this government has done nothing in their first two years of office to address these concerns. Why the delay? "I cannot understand why the Premier has delayed this process for over two years. It was originally thought that the information gathered by Mr. Read would form the basis of what was needed for the completion of a draft report. It was thought a draft plan would be released for discussion outlining government’s preferred direction. Unfortunately, the Premier seems content to once again delay the development of this plan at a time when it is most needed."
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