Power cable deal not nailed down: Opposition asks why

A formal agreement has not been put in place yet to build two new electricity cables between P.E.I. and the mainland and the Opposition Progressive Conservatives want to know why.            

The cost of the cables is estimated at $150 million.

In March, the federal government announced it would pay $50 million, with the province and possibly Maritime Electric paying some as well.

• New P.E.I. power cable funding announced

But, so far, the deal hasn't been put into writing.

Energy Minister Paula Biggar says that's because the federal government has changed how much it plans to contribute.

"The original discussion started out as 50/50," said Biggar.

"So we'll be continuing those discussions on so that it's a project that will be beneficial to all Islanders. It's the top priority for our government in terms of energy."

The new cables will have a total capacity of 360 MW, replacing the two 100 MW lines currently running under the Northumberland Strait. The current cables are 38 years old and have a maximum life expectancy of 50 years.