Major shake up at Labrador’s troubled Muskrat Falls hydro megaproject
by Ruth Davenport, The Canadian Press
Former Fortis president to take reins at over-budget, $9.2 billion project
Construction of the cofferdam at Muskrat Falls. The major infrastructure project is currently behind-schedule and over-budget. PHOTO: Nalcore Energy
ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—The newly appointed head of the company leading the troubled $9.2 billion Muskrat Falls hydro project in Labrador says reviewing the development will be an immediate priority.
Premier Dwight Ball announced April 21 that former Fortis Inc., president Stan Marshall will take over as president and CEO of Crown corporation Nalcor after Ed Martin’s abrupt resignation Wednesday.
Marshall said he would launch an immediate review of the company and the over-budget, behind-schedule megaproject.
“When these things get off track, it’s a very poor sign, they tend to go from bad to worse,” he said. “So we need to find out where this thing really is…I am concerned, very much. I’ve had concerns about Muskrat Falls from the beginning.”
Executive heading Labrador’s massive Muskrat Falls hydro project resigns
The Liberals, who won power last fall after 12 years of Progressive Conservative rule, have pledged to tighten oversight of Muskrat Falls, Nalcor’s major venture.
First power, which was originally to be generated by 2017, is now delayed until sometime in 2018.
Nalcor has most recently estimated its costs at just over $7.6 billion while Emera’s are almost $1.6 billion.
A recent interim report by EY—formerly Ernst and Young—found problems with oversight. It also said Nalcor’s cost and timeline forecasts last September were “not reasonable.”
Marshall wouldn’t say whether stopping the project is a possibility.
“There’s always a point in any project where the cost of going forward is not worth it…hard to say,” he said.
Ball praised Marshall’s 35-year record with Fortis, and defended the decision to appoint him without a formal search process.
“I think not accepting Mr. Marshall to lead the company at this point would not have been the right decision for me,” said Ball. “I think the evidence is really in the experience he’s had in his own career.”
Ball says a further announcement is coming regarding Wednesday night’s resignation of the remaining Nalcor board members.
