$7.9 million for power plant
Energy corporation wants to replace Nunavut's oldest facility
Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Monday, December 16, 2013
AUSUITTUQ/GRISE FIORD
Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) has filed a major project permit application to replace Nunavut's oldest power plant.
Lights flicker and there is not enough electricity in some Grise Fiord homes to power a microwave, officials said as the Qulliq Energy Corporation filed an application for $7.9 million to replace the hamlet's aging power plant. - NNSL file photo
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The company announced Dec. 9 it is seeking approval of $7.9 million in capital project funding to go ahead with the project in Grise Fiord.
If the funding is approved, the power plant design would be completed by the third quarter of the 2014-2015 fiscal year and construction would begin in 2015, with completion slated for early 2017.
Grise Fiord's existing power plant, built in 1963, is in dire need of replacement because the three diesel fuel generating units and emergency unit have serious structural problems.
The community's senior administrative officer, Marty Kuluguqtuq, said it's time for the hamlet to get a more modern power plant.
"We've had some power issues in the past, and more recently," he said. "Residents use more power as the dark season sets in. Some of the houses get less power than others, and sometimes the limited power isn't even enough to make microwaves work properly."
During construction of Grise Fiord's new community centre, Kudlik Construction Ltd. drew a considerable amount of power from the plant, which affected the west side of the community.
Kuluguqtuq said there have also been issues at the airport related to keeping runway lights on and lighting the passenger shelter area.
The hamlet council has agreed the plant can be built a few hundred metres from the current fuel distribution station, and has also agreed to develop the road leading up to the area.
"We're pretty confident that we're able to (build) it in house," Kuluguqtuq said of the road.
"We already have an area set up there for commercial and industrial purposes. All in all we'll be very happy to have a new facility."
The 50-year-old facility, which was designed to operate for 40 years, is on its last legs.
The foundation and superstructure are in need of replacement, according to QEC's executive summary of the application, and have deteriorated because of seasonal flooding.
"The generating units have serious problems requiring frequent changing of parts, due to misalignment and vibration resulting from engine pad deformation; high fuel consumption; and oil leakage resulting from engine block cracks," it adds.
A new school, wellness centre and cultural centre are planned for the near future, the summary states.
With the imminent opening of the hamlet's new community centre, which will house roughly 13 office spaces, Grise Fiord's electricity needs will increase with time.
"We need to rebuild the plant in order to maintain safe, reliable power supply for the community of Grise Fiord," said Peter Ma, QEC's president and CEO, in a news release on Dec. 9.
The major project permit application was filed with Paul Okalik, the minister responsible for QEC.
It was also stated the project would not impact on rates "until the time of QEC's first general rate application following the project coming in-service, which is expected no earlier than the 2016-2017 fiscal year."
