The provincial government has amended legislation which requires that electrical utilities purchase a minimum of 15 per cent of their needs from renewable sources, says Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar.
"The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 was established to encourage the development of renewable energy sources, and that goal has been achieved," said Minister Biggar. "Prince Edward Island now generates 25 per cent of its electricity needs from wind energy, the highest percentage of any jurisdiction in North America."
Amendments to the Renewable Energy Act were passed by the Legislative Assembly last July.
With the legislative requirement removed, the provincial government will now be able to increase the sale of renewable energy credits, generating more revenues for the province. The credits are purchased by businesses to mitigate the impact of their greenhouse gas emissions.
The Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Maritime Electric for the sale of wind energy.
The minister said that the provincial government, through a new energy strategy, remains committed to increasing the supply of energy from renewable sources. The study is now underway and is focussed on energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy sources and the supply of energy at fair prices.
"The provincial government has made significant progress in the development of wind energy, and will continue to evaluate other sources including biomass, solar and tidal power," said Minister Biggar.
