Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro

Service Region

For many rural communities across Newfoundland & Labrador, diesel generating stations are the sole source of electricity generation, as it is the most affordable, reliable option for firm supply in more remote areas. Hydro owns and operates 23 remote diesel generating stations and distribution systems throughout our province, serving 4500 customers. Due to the increased costs of diesel generation, customers have their rates subsidized, the cost of which is absorbed by the island and Labrador interconnected customers. 

Seven of these generating stations are on the island portion of the province, two of which are no longer isolated but work to provide backup power for the island grid if needed. Another 16 diesel generating stations are located in Labrador, which following the coastline from North to South. This number also includes the diesel plant in Natuashish that NLH operates on behalf of Mushuau Innu First Nation. 

Generation

NL Hydro generates and distributes the power in each of its isolated communities; in these communities it is the only source of firm power. This requires approximately 18 million liters of diesel fuel annually. In order to maximize reliability each generating station has at least 3 generators, with some having 4 or 5 depending on the load. The units are dispatched automatically using automation software that maximizes fuel economy and cost savings. We have approximately 80 generators in our fleet which range in size from 40kW to 2.5MW. 

Renewable Energy

Through partnerships with Indigenous groups, and local Independent Power Producers "IPP's" Hydro is advancing renewable generation in communities that rely on diesel generation. To date, there are renewable energy projects in 10 of the 23 communities with sources including solar, battery, wind and mini hydro. NL Hydro purchases energy from the IPP through a power purchase agreement. Hydro is continuing to seek opportunities to work with IPP to reduce to purchase renewable energy and reduce the total diesel fuel requirements within these communities.