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What is a GRA?

What is a GRA?

16 10 , 2015

Newfoundland Power is a regulated utility. From time to time, we file what is referred to in the regulatory world as a General Rate Application (or GRA for short!) with the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities (PUB). What this really means is that we will “open our books” for a full review of the Company’s costs as well as customer electricity rates.

We understand that the cost of electricity matters to you along with receiving reliable electricity service…this matters to us too. That’s why we work hard to minimize the impact on rates while balancing the need to improve and maintain the provincial electricity system. In fact, we are pleased to report that we have been able to control our operating costs at a rate that is below inflation.

Today we filed a 2016-2017 GRA as ordered by the PUB proposing an average rate increase of 3.1% effective July 1, 2016. Although we are focused on managing our costs, there continues to be upward pressure on various costs associated with the delivery of electricity. For example, we purchase 93% of the power we supply to you from Hydro. Increased cost of supply accounts for a portion of this rate increase. Continued investment in the electricity system and establishing a fair and reasonable return on this investment are other components of this proposed rate change.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the 2016-2017 GRA, check it out HERE!

The Power of Life Project: Investing in Cancer Care Across the Province

The Power of Life Project: Investing in Cancer Care Across the Province

15 10 , 2015

The Power of Life Project, our joint initiative with the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, has continued to generously support cancer patients across the province.

Thanks to your support, our enthusiastic employees, and the generosity of our customer donors we’re able to make a real difference in cancer care right here at home. Newfoundland Power’s corporate charity, The Power of Life Project, has raised more than $3 million since its inception in 2002.

Here are some of our recent accomplishments:

  • $45,000 raised during our Provincial Hard Hat Drive;
  • launched the Let Hope Ring campaign, which involved unveiling a Bell of Hope in cancer treatment facilities across province;
  • $35,500 raised through employee-driven fundraising including our annual golf tournaments in Stephenville and Clarenville, and a kitchen party and softball tournament in St. John’s;
  • automatic blood pressure monitor for the Chemotherapy Room in Carbonear;
  • chemotherapy recliner, family waiting chairs, weight scales and a television for the Chemotherapy Room in Burin;
  • equipment for the 4 North A Cancer Unit at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s;
  • furnishings for the Tele-oncology Room at the Cancer Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor;
  • automatic blood pressure monitor for the Chemotherapy Room in Port Aux Basques;
  • tele-oncology equipment in Gander and Stephenville;
  • sponsorship for children with cancer attending Camp Delight;
  • ongoing contributions to the Patient and Family Support Fund; and,
  • a custom stocked Toy Box for each child undergoing radiation treatment at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre.
It’s Energy Efficiency Week: Ask an Energy Expert

It’s Energy Efficiency Week: Ask an Energy Expert

06 10 , 2015

It’s Energy Efficiency Week and it’s all about you and your questions. With winter on the way it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can save energy and money.

What information do you need to make your home or business more energy efficient? From October 3 to 9, you can use #EEWeekNL on Facebook and Twitter to ask our takeCHARGE Energy Experts all your energy efficiency questions. Plus, you can chat with our Energy Experts LIVE via Twitter and Facebook between 10-11am and 7-8pm, October 8. We’ve received some great questions so far including:

  • How do I find the right light bulb?
  • Should I set all my thermostats on the same temperature?
  • What are the benefits of a heat pump?
  • What rebates are available if I heat my home with oil?

What do YOU want to know? It’s all available at TakeChargeNL.ca. Can’t find what you are looking for? Just ask. We are here to help. We look forward to talking energy efficiency with you this week and all year-round.

Are you a Landlord or Property Manager?

Are you a Landlord or Property Manager?

24 09 , 2015

Landlords and property management companies can manage the electricity service provided to their rental units by signing a Landlord Agreement. Landlords may sign an agreement authorizing Newfoundland Power to automatically transfer responsibility for the service to the landlord when a tenant moves out. This ensures the electricity remains on at the property and is available immediately for a new tenant. The application fee for the Landlord is waived under this agreement. Alternatively the Landlord can opt to disconnect the power at the property between tenants, but a fee will be charged upon reconnection.

When you register your properties on a Landlord Agreement we will notify you when:

  • a new tenant requests service (moves in);
  • a tenant requests a final read (moves out);
  • the electricity service is disconnected due to an outstanding issue with a tenant; and,
  • the electricity service is reconnected following resolution of the issue.

Get to Know Your Electricity Distributor!

21 09 , 2015

Newfoundland Power is the distributor of electricity for 87% of customers in Newfoundland and Labrador.  In a nutshell, we are the poles and wires company and we are so proud to have served you for 130 years! (That’s right, we are one of the oldest utilities in all of North America.)  Here’s a few interesting facts about your electricity provider:

  • Newfoundland Power (NP) purchases 93% of the energy it distributes from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.  (Hydro makes the power, NP distributes it.)  We do generate a small amount of power (7%) ourselves.NL-POWER-5
  • There are approximately 260,000 Newfoundland Power customers.
  • About 650 employees ranging from Power Line Technicians to Engineers to Customer Service Representatives serve you every day.
  • In our service territory, we have 12,000 km of transmission and distribution lines.  That’s the same distance as driving from St. John’s to Port aux Basques 13 times!
  • We have 300,000 poles, 130 substations, 23 hydroelectric generating plants and 4 thermal generating plants.
  • Every year we purchase about $110 million in goods and services, with nearly 80% being purchased locally.