P.E.I. Electric Cable Project Now Completed

September 7, 2017

Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, have celebrated the completion of the Northumberland Strait Submarine Transmission System project.

The new submarine transmission system—a $142.5-million investment cost-shared by the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island—increases the province’s total electric power capacity to 560 megawatts. It will also contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels by building a cleaner electricity supply that contributes to sustainable economic development.

The project comprises two 180-megawatt underwater cables connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland New Brunswick. Replacing decades-old cables that had a total capacity of 200 megawatts of energy, the cables were officially “plugged in” during today’s energization ceremony.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support this historic infrastructure project which will foster economic growth and strengthen the middle class by creating jobs and reducing energy costs for all Islanders. We continue to invest in projects to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in communities across the country to build a low-carbon economy and sustainable future.”

Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly renewable energy is essential to helping our province stay competitive across the country and around the world. This new electricity connection will lower energy costs for residents and businesses, create jobs, and grow our economy so that we can continue to increase prosperity for all Islanders.”

Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“This Northumberland Strait Submarine Transmission System project is the largest project in our company’s history and we are proud of the world-class installation completed by our project team at Maritime Electric. The two new submarine cables will enhance the reliability of electricity supply for Islanders today and well into the future.”

John Gaudet, CEO, Maritime Electric