Hydro issues request for expressions of interest for adding capacity and energy resources to the Newfoundland Island system
July 9, 2025
Today, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the supply of energy and/or capacity to meet the increasing demands of the province’s Island Interconnected System.
In 2024, Hydro filed its 2024 Resource Adequacy Plan with the Public Utilities Board (PUB), which included an in-depth analysis of electricity demand and reliability requirements over the next ten years and provided recommendations for electricity solutions that would continue to deliver least-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible service for customers on the Island. Informing the resource plan is Hydro’s long-term load forecast methodology, which is consistent with utility industry standards and is updated annually.
To help meet Island demand and system requirements, Hydro issued the RFEI for supplying energy and/or capacity, that in combination, can provide for up to 150 megawatts (MW) of firm capacity and up to 500 gigawatts (GWh) of firm energy.
“There is no question we need more electricity, and we must expand the system to be ready for what’s to come. Over the past several years, we have met with many proponents offering energy solutions, and we are pleased to now open this process to continue our evaluation of technically viable energy solutions and move us closer to selecting the best of those options to meet the energy needs of customers in this province.”
Jennifer Williams, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
The RFEI will help gather market information that will support the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) and a Request for Information (RFI) later this year. These processes will help Hydro securing new sources of energy.
Interested parties are encouraged to attend an online information session taking place on July 23, 2025, which will provide more information on the RFEI timeline, process, and the requirements and timing of the subsequent RFP/RFI. For more information, please review the RFEI document on our website.
This RFEI complements Hydro’s proposed capacity solutions—an additional 150 MW unit at the Bay d’Espoir Hydroelectric Generating Facility (BDE Unit 8) and a new approximately 150 MW combustion turbine with renewable fuel capabilities located on the Avalon Peninsula (Avalon CT), which have been submitted to the PUB to be thoroughly and transparently vetted through the regulatory review process. Costs related to any eventual energy and capacity solutions will not be reflected in rates until 2030 or later.
“With oversight from the PUB, and in partnership with current and future energy partners across the province, we will continue to ensure we are making the best, right-sized decisions for our customers.”
Jennifer Williams, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
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