Letter to the Editor
Editor,
I would like to clarify some of the statements and misconceptions that were stated in recent letters to the editor on December 19, 2019, including: ‘New Resident’s Thoughts on Pumped Storage Proposal’ by Ric Riordon; ‘Pumped Storage Facility Will Never Pay For Itself’ by Paul Wehrle, Major (ret) BSc RMC; ‘Pumped Storage Will Not Reduce CO2’ by Stephen Carr; and ‘Response to TC Energy’s Letter to the Editor’ by Dan White.
I’d like to start by outlining that this proposed project would reduce CO2 emissions by storing available electricity and releasing it back to the power grid during periods of high demand, typically replacing gas-fired power generation with emission-free energy. The reduced gas fired generation achieved through this process would benefit the environment by helping Ontario and Canada reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 500,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of removing 150,000 cars off of Ontario’s roads.
Secondly, pumped storage will allow Ontarians to gain maximum value from their energy system by storing electricity that is currently sold at a loss or often wasted at times of low demand and supplying it back to the system at times of need. TC Energy will carry the cost of constructing the facility and will recoup those costs during the operation of the facility through long-term commercial arrangements with the government of Ontario. The net financial benefit for Ontario ratepayers over the lifespan of the facility is estimated to be $12.1 billion.
Finally, the Ontario electrical authority forecasts a 2,000 to 3,000 megawatt (MW) peak power supply shortage in Ontario in the future largely as a result of the retirement of the 3,100 MW Pickering Nuclear Generating Station in the mid-2020s. The proposed pumped storage project would provide a long-term solution to address part of this supply shortage.
We firmly believe this proposed pumped storage energy facility provides an economically sound and environmentally responsible method for reducing Ontarians carbon footprint, while allowing Ontario maximize the value of its electricity system.
We want to ensure everyone interested in this proposed Pumped Storage Project that we are committed to communicating with the community. In addition to our open houses, we will also be sharing project details and updates on our website at TCEnergy.com/PumpedStorage.
Thank you.
John Mikkelsen
Project Manager and Director, TC Energy
