Innergex, the company operating the new hydro-electric power plant at Whistler Blackcomb, which will meet 100% of the resort’s energy needs, has announced that it has started commercial operation of its Fitzsimmons Creek power plant, located between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Fitzsimmons Creek’s installed capacity is 7.5 MW and its estimated yearly energy output is 33,000 MW-hr, equivalent to the annual power consumed by Whistler Blackcomb ski area. Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex said, “BC Hydro must be congratulated for its Standing Offer Program, which allows fully permitted small renewable energy projects to move forward to the construction phase, as was the case with Fitzsimmons Creek. This program, well planned and well managed, encourages independent producers to invest in renewable energy projects, which helps the province attain its environmental policy objectives”.
According to Whistler Blackcomb’s Arthur DeJong, Mountain Planning and Environment Resource Manager, “The Fitzsimmons renewable energy power facility is a success story built on perseverance, purpose, and community partnership.” An agreement with the Government of Canada has also been signed for Fitzsimmons Creek through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power Program, which will provide an incentive of $10 per MW-hr of electricity produced over the first ten years of commercial operation. “The ecoENERGY Program has already made possible the development of renewable energy projects which might not have been possible otherwise. We encourage the Government of Canada to continue supporting renewable energy,” explains Michel Construction of Fitzsimmons Creek began in July 2008 and was completed in January 2010 ahead of schedule and within budget ($33.2 million). www.innergex.com
