Kruger's Corner Brook Pulp and Paper in Newfoundland donates power to grid, adjusting newsprint production to help utilities meet unusually high energy demand caused by cold temperatures

Audrey Dixon

LOS ANGELES , January 3, 2014 (Industry Intelligence) – Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. has been using its own generator to provide power to Newfoundland as bitterly cold temperatures sweep the province, putting a strain on energy supplies, The Gulf News reported on Jan. 3.

Temperatures in Newfoundland and Labrador have been colder than normal, creating unusually high use of power for heating, particularly on the province’s island portion. Parts of Corner Brook and the surrounding area saw a power outage Thursday evening as power providers attempted to balance the unsustainable demand.

Newfoundland Power Inc. has appealed to customers to help manage electricity demand by anticipating rotating power outages, the Gulf News reported.

Meanwhile, the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper mill, which generates most of its own power, is at times giving up to 60% of its power supply to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro for the grid while reducing the amount of energy the mill itself consumes.

The mill has had to reduce its newsprint production, shutting down one machine during the hours where province sees its highest power consumption.

Although there has been no impact on employment at the mill, its General Manager Ric Tull noted that, while the company wants to help as much as possible, it cannot continue to provide power to the grid indefinitely without impacting on its paper business.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is owned by Montreal, Quebec-based Kruger Inc.

The primary source of this article is The Gulf News, Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, on Jan. 3, 2014.

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