U.S. wind firm loses NAFTA challenge to Ontario power procurement process
by The Canadian Press
Mesa Power will be forced to pay a portion of Canada's $2.95 million legal defence as company's claim falls short
Mesa power filed the claim in 2011 under the North American Free Trade Agreement. PHOTO Harvey McDaniel
OTTAWA—Texas-based Mesa Power has lost its legal challenge under the North American Free Trade Agreement on how Ontario ran its renewable energy bidding process.
The company filed the chapter 11 NAFTA claim in 2011, accusing the province of failing to conduct an open and fair procurement process.
The wind power company, founded by oil and gas tycoon T. Boone Pickens, was claiming damages of $658 million.
Company executive Cole Robertson said in a statement that he thinks the tribunal “got this one wrong,” and is reviewing the decision.
The federal government said in a release that it worked closely with the Ontario government on the case, and welcomed the decision that confirmed Canada was in compliance with its NAFTA obligations.
The government said the tribunal also ruled that Mesa Power should pay the costs of the arbitration and a portion of Canada’s legal defence for a total of $2.95 million.
