Williams Lake residents can breathe a sigh of relief as a resolution ensures Atlantic Power will remain in operation.
After weeks of negotiating, Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate says BC Hydro, Atlantic Power, and the Provincial government reached a resolution that keeps the Northwest Energy power plant operational.
“ This resolution that supports the continuing operations of the biomass facility in Williams Lake is great news for the community of Williams Lake and the workers who make their living at Northwest Energy,” says Dix.
“ We know the economic benefits of Williams Lake and the surrounding community. We think by working together,  we’ve come to a resolution that’s a win for them and a win for us.”
The agreement addresses what Dix referred to as “key issues” on the existing contract for Atlantic Power. One challenge the facility faced was a shortage of cost effective fibre (wood waste) which is burned as fuel to generate electricity.
The new agreement provides the Williams Lake power plant a number of recommendations for sourcing and managing cost-effective fibre. Additionally, Atlantic Power will adjusted targets for output requirements until the remainder of their exisiting contract, in 2029.
Following the resolution, Atlantic Power has rescinded its termination notice with BC Hydro.
BC Hydro President and CEO, Chris O’Riley said in a news release earlier today “we are pleased with this solution that will see Atlantic Power continue to operate its NW Energy Facility in Williams Lake… We appreciate the ongoing efforts of the working group and look forward to continuing our relationship with Atlantic Power.”
The Atlantic Power facility will remain operating until the contract with BC Hydro ends in 2029. Adrian Dix says afterwards, the parties will have the chances to meet and negotiate another contract that will keep the power plant running in Williams Lake.
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