Deal reached on term sheet to develop Muskrat Falls in Labrador, sources say

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Sources say a deal to finalize a term sheet to develop the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Labrador has been reached.

The deal to build the project, expected to cost more than $6.2 billion, is between the province’s Crown energy company Nalcor and Nova Scotia private utility Emera (TSX:EMA).

Sources tell The Canadian Press that governments for the two provinces are expected to announce details on Tuesday.

The two utilities have a joint plan to harness energy from the lower Churchill River in Labrador and bring it to Newfoundland and the mainland using subsea cables.

The two sides announced a term sheet in November 2010 for the complex project but then missed a one-year deadline and an extension to reach a final agreement as they worked out details.

Newfoundland and Labrador is to hold a political debate this fall before deciding whether to sanction the project.

Under conditions of the term sheet, Nalcor would spend $2.9 billion to build a power generating facility at Muskrat Falls to produce 824 megawatts of electricity.