IESO Nova Scotia will be holding open houses at the West River Fire Hall and Eureka Fire Hall on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, respectively. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /Matthew BambrickArticle contentPICTOU COUNTY – New electrical generation options are being explored in Salt Springs and Marshdale.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn Oct. 16, IESO Nova Scotia announced in a news release, new exploration into foundational electricity generation in Pictou County. Two locations are now being considered for the construction of new facilities, which are designed to provide an alternative to coal. Article contentArticle contentArticle content“Under Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan, coal plants are soon closing, and renewable energy is significantly increasing,” said Johnny Johnston, the president and chief executive officer of IESO Nova Scotia. “We need fast-acting generation that acts as a counterbalance to changing winds, and ultimately provides fast, stable, and affordable electricity.”Article contentIESO Nova Scotia is a new independent, non-profit organization that has been tasked with the planning and reliable operation of the province’s bulk electricity systems. They will be assuming responsibilities from Nova Scotia Power and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, spending the next 18 months planning and managing the electrical grid in a phased approach. Article content“The goal of the project is to make sure Nova Scotians have access to affordable electricity when they need it,” said Cathy MacIsaac, representing IESO Nova Scotia. “All potential project operators will be required to outline local community economic and job benefits. For example, construction is expected to produce 100 to 125 short-term employment opportunities, with operations generating 10 to 15 long-term positions.”Article contentArticle contentThe generation that would result from this project is designed to clean electricity that provides support when renewables like wind and solar power are unable to meet demands. The two sites being considered are designed to be in proximity to the natural gas pipeline operated in Pictou County, in the communities of Salt Springs and Marshdale.Article content“There’s always going to be some concerns from the community,” said Robert Parker, Warden for the Municipality of Pictou County. “We need to have some of the bigger questions answered, such as how local water will be affected during development. We don’t want community members to worry about this project, and we certainly want to get off of coal for environmental reasons. But, at the same time, we have people working there, so we have been pushing hard to make sure they still have a job once the project is finished.”Article contentMacIsaac says IESO plans to engage with the broader community via open houses, written communication, online, and through a community liaison committee that will be established at a later point. Article contentAn open house will be held on Nov. 12 at the West River Fire Hall, and on Nov. 13 at the Eureka Fire Hall, both from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The successful proponent to build, own, and operate these new facilities will be announced by IESO by the summer of 2026.Article contentAnyone with questions can also reach out to IESO Nova Scotia’s dedicated email, community@ieso-ns.ca, or find project information at www.ieso-ns.ca. Article content Municipality of Pictou County Warden Robert Parker speaking during a public meeting in River John last spring. Parker says when it comes to big projects being proposed, there will always be some concerns from the communities impacted. Photo by File /The NewsArticle content
New electrical generation options being explored in Pictou County
