NEWS ARTICLE
Letter to the Guardian
September 30, 2008 — Tom Connor
Editor;
As an consumer of electricity , and an indirect shareholder of Maritime Electric (via Fortis Inc.) I am confused and disappointed.
I am concerned that Maritime Electric after having gained a more positive image of late, is about to compromise it with the involvement in the construction of the objectionable transmission lines.
Apparently, according to the company spokes person, there is no gain to Maritime Electric or any suggestions that this may benefit the consumers with lower rates, nor increased dividends to shareholders.
So the question begs answering, with no benefit to Islanders, but instead with devastating effects on so many and on the landscape, why is the company doing it?
At the suggestion that it be done with under ground installations, Maritime Electric has said ‘it is too expensive’. Well, if it is being done as a favor, it seems that the recipient (Suez Company) has two choices: pay what it costs to do it the proper way or not accept the favor. It should make no difference to Maritime Electric either way.
The Board of Directors of Maritime Electric and the Management have not adequately explained why the Company is fronting this controversial and unacceptable project. Neither has there, for that matter, been information, explanation or invitation to discuss this broadly from our Government in this democracy.
Many issues seem to be out there and I hope that Maritime Electric will advocate for solutions to these, rather than collaborate to thwart the will of the people.
Aside from contravening the Trails Act, there is the undeniable effect on people fearing health risks living peacefully in their homes. Apologies ten to fifteen years from now is not good enough, should it prove to have devastated the health of human beings. (Remember agent orange?)
Suddenly everyone is forced to live with and look at ugly poles and lines marring the landscape.
If there was any benefit to Islanders, one could understand it. But why should so many people be adversely affected, when only a proper investment in underground lines would leave NO effect at all.
Denmark, the country of origin of many of the windmills, buried ALL electrical lines across the whole country in a time span of two years. Therefore we know that technically it is possible, and the excuse of ‘too expensive’ is offensive. If Suez wants the lines, then let them pay the price.
With wind power being perceived by politicians as a panacea, we can expect more requests like this one. To avoid a repetition of this unfortunate situation causing such agony for so many people, the Government should find it politically advantageous to pass a law immediately (including this project) that all transmission lines for transfer of electricity out of the Province must be installed underground. Period.
Otherwise ‘the gentle Island’ and the Confederation Trail will become a forest of windmills, wires and poles, since the greed of off Island interests will never be satisfied, while we offer millions of our own tax money in the attempt.
Islanders deserve better, - but we have to demand it.
Tom Connor
892-3839
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