Newfoundland Power plans to spend C$20.9 million (US$18.66 million) in the next two years to refurbish the 11.2-MW Rattling Brook hydroelectric plant in central Newfoundland Island. Procurement is pending so work can begin in early 2007.
The utility said Oct. 2 the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities approved spending C$18.82 million (US$16.8 million) in 2007. It plans to spend an additional C$2.08 million (US1.86 million) in 2008 for other work at the project, in the community of Norris Arm South.
Newfoundland Power said the approval enables it to begin detailed construction planning and procurement of materials so work can begin on the first portion of the refurbishment as soon as weather permits in early 2007.
Work planned for 2007 includes replacement of a deteriorated woodstave penstock and main valves, and refurbishment of the surge tank. Electrical and mechanical upgrades also are planned, although there are no plans for turbine-generator work.
Rattling Brook, which began operation in 1958, generates about 69.8 gigawatt-hours annually, providing 16.6 percent of Newfoundland Power’s total hydro generation. By refurbishing the project to deliver water to the turbines more efficiently, the utility expects to generate an additional 6.2 GWh. The refurbishment also would add 2.9 MW to the Island Interconnected electrical system.
Civil work tendering planned for 2007
Newfoundland Power said it plans to prepare and execute tenders in 2007 for the work to be carried out in 2008. That is to include replacement of a spillway and an outlet gate, and upgrades to two dams and site access roads in the water storage system.
For information on refurbishment plans, described in Newfoundland Power’s 2007 capital budget application, see the utility’s Internet site, www.newfoundlandpower.com, under �What’s New.�
