Windstream calls for an end to politically-motivated moratorium; urges Premier Wynne to come clean with taxpayers

TORONTO, March 1, 2017 /CNW/ - For the third time, Windstream Energy LLC ("Windstream") updated its required Project Description to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) regarding its 300 MW offshore wind project on Wolfe Island Shoals near Kingston, Ontario.

In support of Windstream's recent submission, Windstream has included 47 environmental and technical studies that have been undertaken over the last six years by internationally renowned experts, many of whom are routinely retained by the Ontario government. The results of the 47 studies contradict public comments from the Ontario government regarding the rationale for the continuation of the 2011 moratorium on offshore wind power projects – a moratorium that was the subject of Windstream's recent $28 million NAFTA tribunal award. 

Windstream's studies have not identified any impacts that the $5.2B 300 MW Wolfe Island Shoals wind project would have on Lake Ontario.  Windstream's third Project Update under the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) process furthers Windstream's commitment to upholding its counterparty obligations to the Feed-in Tariff contract with the Ontario government. The recent ruling by an arbitral tribunal of the NAFTA confirmed that Windstream's contract is valid and in force.  To date, Windstream has not received any response from the MOECC to either previous Project Description submissions (October 8, 2010 and January 27, 2012 respectively) and is calling on the MOECC to respond in writing to their third submission.

"We are once again extremely frustrated by the actions of the Ontario government," said David Mars, Director of Windstream Energy. "Our most recent Project Update outlines 47 studies, undertaken at our own cost by internationally renowned experts, which do not identify any adverse environmental impact.  This contradicts public comments by the Premier and multiple Energy and Environmental Ministers who have used the need for studies as a rationale for continuing their moratorium.  It is very clear that after six years, the only reason the government is continuing the moratorium is for political convenience.  We are calling on the Ontario government to be transparent with the public.  They should immediately release a complete list of studies they are undertaking, a timeline to completion, and their rationale for this excessive continuation of the moratorium."

For more information regarding Windstream's studies visit www.windstreamenergy.ca

About Windstream Energy LLC

Windstream Energy LLC is the sole owner of the Windstream Wolfe Island Shoals Wind Energy Project, a 300 MW offshore wind power project in eastern Lake Ontario. Windstream Energy LLC is the owner of the largest Ontario Feed-In-Tariff contract. Its investors are a New York City-based investment group with extensive experience developing and operating energy infrastructure projects in both onshore and offshore environments.

SOURCE Windstream Energy

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