There is no question Thunder Bay will have the energy it needs when it needs it, says Ontario's Energy Minister.
In a conference call with media Wednesday afternoon, Minister Bob Chiarelli discussed the Liberal government's long-term energy plan, which has projected energy costs rising 2.8 per cent over 20 years.
Despite an announcement last month that the Thunder Bay Generating Station will be converted to burn advanced biomass by 2015, the region's energy task force last week said they believe the region will need more power, especially with a potential mining boom.
According to their numbers, 75,000 tonnes would be needed in cold weather and 120,000 in droughts just to meet the region's current energy needs.
However, Chiarelli said he didn't agree with that statement and the mining companies aren't complaining.
"They know what our program is for transmission and generation. They know it's going to be there when they need it," he said, noting that in addition to the generating station, in five years the area will also have access to power from the east-west transmission line.
Chiarelli also said the province is in negotiations with Cliffs Natural Resources about an accommodation in the energy rate for the Ring of Fire.
