NL Hydro File 2024 Resource Adequacy Plan
May 7, 2025
Newfoundland Labrador Hydro filed applications to build the next assets that will continue to serve Island customers with safe, least-cost, and reliable electricity. With lessons of the past in mind, and with the oversight of the Public Utilities Board, we are moving forward with what absolutely and urgently must be done to support system reliability and have supply in place to prepare for load growth.
In 2024, Hydro filed their 2024 Resource Adequacy Plan (2024 Plan) with the Public Utilities Board. This was a continuation of our planning process, which addresses our long-term approach to providing continued lowest cost, reliable service for our customers. The 2024 Plan assessed the integration of new assets, system reliability, and the effects of electrification and decarbonization across various scenarios.
“We know that our customers are counting on us to invest wisely and prudently. As a first step, we have recommended a Minimum Investment Required Expansion Plan,” said the utility.
The plan proposes an additional 150 megawatt (MW) unit at the Bay d’Espoir Hydroelectric Generating Facility (BDE Unit 8) and a new 150 MW combustion turbine with renewable fuel capabilities located on the Avalon Peninsula (Avalon CT) as the preferred, least-cost, environmentally responsible resource options to address capacity needs. The plan also identified wind energy to meet energy needs.
NL Hydro said they have now gathered all the evidence required to support their submission of the 2025 Build Application to the Public Utilities Board for these capacity-focused solutions.
While wind does not form part of Hydro’s 2025 Build Application, they will continue their ongoing analysis and proceed with an Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify potential wind developers and development opportunities later this year.
