All-Maritime Smart Grid?

Could smart power grid unite Maritime market?
Published Monday January 18th, 2010
The Telegraph-Journal

A pilot project involving electrical utilities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island could be the prelude to a regional renewable energy strategy. It will test a lynch-pin technology - the so-called "smart grid."

All three provinces depend on burning fossil fuels, and each is interested in wind power. But since the wind doesn't blow at constant force, other power plants need to be brought on line when the wind turbines aren't turning.

A "smart" electrical grid allows two-way communication about changes in electrical supply. The pilot project will test technology that could encourage consumers to adjust their power use to the amount of electricity available. This would reduce the cost of supplying additional power.

This trial run will see how well the technology works with 750 buildings in four Maritime communities. The project is being led by NB Power, with the participation of Saint John Energy, Nova Scotia Power and Maritime Electric, which serves customers on P.E.I. It may be the most extensive experiment in energy efficiency undertaken in this region.

What makes the project of particular interest is its place in the debate over regional energy policy. While some people define the issue in terms of Maritime partnership versus partnership with Quebec, the options aren't so limited.

Hydro-Québec is holding discussions with P.E.I. and has expressed interest in expanding New Brunswick's grid connection to Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has given up on the idea of building an underwater cable to the United States, seemingly opening the door to serious discussions.

A regional smart grid could allow all three Maritime provinces to benefit from Quebec's surplus hydro power, while encouraging the development of domestic wind farms, tidal power and other renewables - the core of a new East Coast energy industry.

That's an energy alternative worth exploring.