Nova Scotia Power is eyeing expansion of its electricity transmission system between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The utility says a new 345-kilovolt power line costing $200 million will be needed within a decade to improve the stability and reliability of the power system in both provinces.
Nova Scotia Power, in a report filed with the Utility and Review Board on June 30, says land must be acquired and studies conducted.
The report says the power company is seeking review board approval to spend $4.7 million on acquiring rights-of-way in northern Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Power says a new power line may be necessary to import and export electricity as more power will be generated from renewable sources.
"Anticipated changes in generation in Nova Scotia such as increased wind power may require reinforcement of the provincial (power transmission system)," the company says.
"Proposed large-scale generation developments outside of Nova Scotia, if pursued, also could provide material benefits for Nova Scotia Power customers which would justify the addition of a second (power line). Within the next decade, another (line) will become necessary."
Patty Faith, a spokeswoman for Nova Scotia Power, said a route for the proposed new power line has not been chosen and a breakdown of costs has not been calculated.
"It is very, very preliminary at this stage," she said.
At present, the electrical systems of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are connected by three overhead transmission lines — a 345-kV line from Onslow to Memramcook, N.B., and two 138-kV lines from Springhill to Memramcook.
But more capacity will be needed if large-scale electricity-generating developments outside the province, such as Lower Churchill Falls in Newfoundland and Point Lepreau 2 in New Brunswick, proceed.
Power from these projects would help Nova Scotia Power meet provincial government targets for generating electricity from renewable sources.
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