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Winter 2010
1 CEOon assetmanagement
5 Rare plantsof the limestone barrons
11 Significant investments power communities
10 Drilling for oil on the province’s west coast
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet2
Winter 2010
Winter 2010
1 CEOon assetmanagement
5 Rare plantsof the limestone barrons
11 Significant investments power communities
10 Drilling for oil on the province’s west coast
Outlet is Nalcor Energy’s corporate magazine.
It’s published by Corporate Communication & Shareholder Relations semi-annually.
For more information, to provide feedback or submit articles or ideas, contact
us at 709.737.1446 or email [email protected].
Front Cover
Nalcor Energy is an asset intensive company with almost $2 billion in assets. Nalcor’s
asset management plan considers the holistic, cradle-to-grave, lifecycle view on how
we manage our assets. In this photo, Ingemar Dean, Jonathan Rose, Cecil Dyke and
James Hoskins work on power lines, which are a critical element of Nalcor’s assets.
NALCOR ENERGY
Core Values
A proud, diverse energy company, whose people are
committed to building a bright future for
Newfoundland and Labrador, unified by our core values.
Accountability
Holding ourselves responsible for our actions and performance
Open Communication
Fostering an environment where information moves freely in a timely manner
Safety
Relentless commitment to protecting ourselves, our colleagues and our community
Honesty and Trust
Being sincere in everything we say and do
Teamwork
Sharing our ideas in an open and supportive manner to achieve excellence
Leadership
Empowering individuals to help, guide and inspire others
Respect and Dignity
Appreciating the individuality of others by our words and actions
Contents
CEO onAsset Management
Safety
Environment
Business Excellence
People
Community
Highlights
1
2
5
8
13
18
20
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 1
CEO on Asset Management
Q. What do you mean by asset
management?
A. When we first started this process, one
of the first steps we took was developing
a common definition for asset
management. Our definition is “asset
management is the comprehensive
management of asset requirements,
planning, procurement, operations,
maintenance, and evaluation in terms of
life extension or rehabilitation,
replacement or retirement to achieve
maximum value for the stakeholders
based on the required standard of
service to current and future
generations.”
Generally, asset management is the
holistic, cradle-to-grave, lifecycle view on
how we manage our assets. It covers all
the steps and standards from acquiring
the asset to its eventual retirement or
replacement. The process also includes
the five key elements of the asset
management framework: long-term
asset planning; short-term planning;
work execution; operations; and support
services.
Ed Martin
President and CEO, Nalcor Energy
Q. Why is asset management so
important to Nalcor Energy?
A. Nalcor Energy is an asset intensive
company with almost $2 billion in assets.
Managing these assets properly is critical.
We need to know the condition of our
key assets and how they are performing
to ensure continued reliability or drive
maintenance or replacement. We want
our key stakeholders to understand and
have confidence in the quality and
integrity of our asset management
approach. This will allow them to support
or approve the investments required to
meet service and customer expectations.
We also want to ensure that critical assets
don’t fail unexpectedly and are
maintained, renewed and replaced as
appropriate and critical parts are always
available when needed.
Q. Aren’t we already doing asset
management?
A. By virtue of our operational success to
date, we definitely have been doing asset
management. We have some excellent
practices in place that we’re building on.
Our asset management plan is
documenting a comprehensive approach
and best practices as well as providing
consistency across all areas of the
company. If you move anywhere within
Nalcor Energy, the fundamental processes
of asset management should be no
different. This allows us to leverage
available knowledge and skills across all
business units, especially in highly
specialized technical areas.
We also have significantly aging assets in
our electricity business in particular. Our
asset management processes are critical
to continue to provide safe and reliable
power from our base businesses. Another
factor we considered is our aging
workforce. We have a high percentage of
retirements coming over the next five to
ten years. These employees have built our
business, grown with it over the years and
have vast knowledge of our assets. We
have to document this knowledge to a
standard process.
Q. What does asset management look
like if we’re doing it well?
A. Our vision is to have a standardized
asset management system with all
elements of the plan seamlessly
integrated across every Nalcor Energy
company with everyone understanding
the standards of service expected from
our assets.
Q. How does asset management fit
relative to safety?
A. Safety is our license to operate. No
matter what we do, safety will continue to
be our number one focus. It’s important
to understand that safety and asset
management are closely related and one
supports the other. For example, our
commitment to safety can drive the
choice of what asset we purchase, it can
impact when and how we complete work
on an asset; and safe operating standards
F or the third year, relatives of
Nalcor Energy employees and
retirees responded to the call for
submissions to the 2010 Safety Calendar
art contest. The contest was open to
children, grandchildren, nieces,
nephews and siblings of employees
and retirees of Nalcor Energy between
the ages of 5-15.
“It’s impressive to see the safety topics
that the children have explored through
their artwork,” said Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey, Employee Communications
Advisor, Corporate Communication and
Shareholder Relations, Nalcor Energy.
“Safety is clearly important to our
employees’ children.”
The 60 submissions represented a wide
range of situations where safety must be
a priority from emergency preparedness
to water and boating safety.
Sarah Churchill, Safety Analyst, Safety
and Health Department, Newfoundland
and Labrador Hydro, a Nalcor Energy
company was on the selection
committee. “Our goal is to keep our
employees safe and to drive home the
message of ‘Think Safety First’,” said
Churchill. “To see that the children and
grandchildren of our employees are
sharing such important safety messages,
demonstrates that our employees are
bringing the message home.”
Selecting just 12 entries for the calendar
was a challenge, but after evaluating all
the entries 12 submissions were
selected, to appear in the 2010 Safety
Calendar. To receive a calendar, contact
Please take an opportunity to review the
safety messages in the calendar as well
as the personal safety tips for seniors
inside the back cover.
Inspiring safety through art
Month Theme Child’s Name - Age Employee’s (R) NameJanuary Emergency preparedness Emily Bennett - 8 Gilbert Bennett
February Ice safety Karley Slade - 13 Jeffrey Slade
March Falls at home Melanie Ball - 5 Dale Ball
April Electrical safety Melissa Drachler - 8 Martin and Christine Drachler
David Hodder (R)
May Campfire safety Heidi Jackson - 11 James Hoskins
June Safety in the woods Jenna Walsh - 7 Karen Walsh
July Boating safety Caitlyn Crosbie - 12 Scott Crosbie
August Bike safety Jillian Collier - 6 Murray Collier
September School bus safety Brady Hoskins - 10 James Hoskins
October Halloween safety Kali Morgan - 12 Loretta Morgan
November Working safely at home Liam Roberts - 5 William Stuckless
December Christmas safety Chelsea Newman - 12 Gerry Newman
Retiree (R)
Safety Calendar 2010
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet2
will always drive how we operate an
asset.
I also understand that our drive to be a safety
leader requires a lot of energy and attention
from everyone. I truly believe our safety
journey will be helped by asset management
- if I didn’t believe this, I wouldn’t be leading
asset management now.
Q. How do recent organizational
changes impact asset management?
A. We’ve taken our existing organization
and made some adjustments to reflect
what asset management excellence looks
like. We are achieving consistency across
the board through the use of a common,
company-wide framework; consistent
organizational structures; and common
titling of all key positions. We are also
providing a clear definition and
understanding of asset management
accountabilities between operations,
corporate asset management functions
and engineering services. As well, we are
providing clarity between the five key
elements of long-term planning; short-
term planning scheduling; work
execution; operations; and support
services. Once we have good people
understanding exactly what they have to
deliver, we can stand back because
they’re going to do a great job.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to
add regarding asset management?
A. Nalcor Energy is a great organization
and this process is improving our
business and setting us on the path to
world-class asset management. We’ve
done a lot of work over the past year
designing and implementing this plan.
We know what to do, and we’re making
that happen and I think that’s going to
bode extremely well for us.
CEO on Asset Management / Safety
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 3
Safety
Terry LeDrew accepts the Eastern Canadian Boilermaker’s Award for safety.
L-R Jason McInnis, Boilermaker National Director Health and Safety; Ed Power,
International VP - Eastern Canada; Terry Ledrew, Plant Manager, Holyrood;
and Kent Oliver, International Representative and Director of Eastern
Canadian Tripartite.
Safety is the number one priority
for Nalcor Energy employees, and
dedication to this priority is
clearly demonstrated at the Holyrood
Generating Station. This plant, operated
by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro,
a Nalcor Energy company, is a critical
generating asset in the province. In
August, employees in Holyrood were
awarded the Eastern Canadian
Boilermaker’s Award in the owner
category for the Safe Workplace
Observation Program (SWOP).
“Employees at Holyrood are committed
to safety and Nalcor’s journey to
achieving world-class safety results,”
said Ron LeDrew, Emergency Response
Coordinator. “The strong safety culture
and care for each other’s well being is
evident throughout the plant. SWOP is
an important element of our safety
program for our employees and
contractors.”
SWOP is a corporate safety initiative,
which encourages reporting and fixing
safety-related observations to make the
workplace safer and prevent major
incidents. The program has led to
dramatically increased reporting and
facilitated essential safety dialogue at
every level of the company. At Nalcor,
the belief is that reporting an unsafe
condition or behavior demonstrates
concern for co-workers’ well being, as
well as an individual’s own safety.
Ed Martin, President and CEO of Nalcor
Energy, offered his congratulations to
the employees at the plant. “They
exemplify the importance and value of
safety in our company,” he said. “The
plant has over one million hours of
work without a lost-time incident – a
significant accomplishment.”
Terry LeDrew, Manager of the Holyrood
plant, attended the sixth annual
Boilermaker Eastern Canadian Tripartite
Conference in Collingwood, Ontario
where he presented to the group on
SWOP and Holyrood’s participation in
the program. He also acknowledged
the support and nomination by Alstom
Power, a primary contractor of
boilermakers at the plant. “They did so
to acknowledge the support and efforts
that we as a plant owner are
implementing in the workplace to
address safety concerns,” said LeDrew.
“This means a lot to us as Alstom is the
primary contractor who employs
boilermakers at our site and has for over
ten years.” The award was selected by
participants at the conference via
ballot.
The Tripartite goal is to better align
owners, contractors and boilermakers
such that all parties are working
together and share a common
objective of delivering top-quality
work, on budget and on schedule with
world-class safety and environmental
performance. Terry LeDrew worked
with the Boilermaker’s union
throughout the year as a member of
their safety committee with other
owners, contractors and union
representatives whom are focused on
improving overall safety performance in
the industry.
Holyrood receives national safety award
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet4
Safety
Evolving safety at Nalcor EnergySuperintendent, Energy Control Centre
with Hydro. The clarity around roles and
responsibilities supports Nalcor’s Internal
Responsibility System. Additional
enhancements include: an improved
verification process; greater consistency
between work protection types; a test
tag to highlight testing is in progress;
and multiple certification levels.
“Moving to one code means language
consistency at all levels and improves
communication and coordination,” said
Butler. “It also contributes to a common
approach to worker safety and facilitates
a flexible organizational structure.” The
new code is also CSA Z460 compliant
and is focused on continual
improvement.
The new code will be implemented
within Hydro by January 2010 and all
employees who have some connection
with the code will be trained. This
includes approximately 400 Hydro
employees by the end of 2009. The
Churchill Falls implementation and
training will take place by the second
quarter of 2010. Implementation in other
Nalcor Energy companies will follow as
appropriate. Refresher training is also
planned on a regular basis to ensure
employees remain current on the code
and new employees receive training and
are also well-versed on this important
safety element.
The next step after all companies have
adopted the code is the implementation
of application software corporate-wide to
make all forms electronic further
strengthening compliance with the Work
Protection Code and enabling continued
safe practices at Nalcor Energy.
Safety within any company is a
series of systems, processes,
practices and people. At Nalcor
Energy, the company approaches safety
in a consistent and progressive manner
taking each element and ensuring
excellence in that area. This past year, the
company focused on a number of areas
but one in particular, the Work Protection
Code (WPC), was given a full court press
to ensure a consistent and common
approach in all Nalcor Energy companies.
The code helps create a consistently safe
work environment that eliminates or
controls hazards. In 2009, the code was
updated and enhanced from the former
subsidiary-focused codes to a broader
based model that can be practically
applied across all Nalcor Energy
companies.
Until now there were two separate and
distinct codes: one for Newfoundland and
Labrador Hydro, a Nalcor Energy company,
and another for Nalcor’s operations in
Churchill Falls. In a quest to create a
consistent approach across the company,
both codes have been consolidated. In
2008, the new WPC was piloted at Hydro’s
Holyrood Generating Station, and was
received with good results and positive
feedback from employees.
Bern Conway, a planner at Holyrood was
the lead in implementing the new code.
“Employees recognize that
implementing the new code in Holyrood
elevated safety to the next level,” said
Conway. “The benefits of an improved,
consistent code will assist in moving this
company along its safety journey.”
Like the existing code, the new one
strives to create an isolated and de-
energized work area under a complex
group lockout system. However in
comparison to the existing code, “the
new code offers many advantages
including: improved and more thorough
documentation; a better process for
managing temporary de-energization;
and clarity around roles and
responsibilities,” explained Bob Butler,
An employee locks and tags a system to improve safety for the employees under
his responsibility.
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 5
Environment
On the limestone barrens of the
Great Northern Peninsula (GNP),
Arctic-alpine plants flourish
producing mounded jewels in a
kaleidoscope of colours. The coastal
limestone barrens, which extend from the
Table Point Ecological Reserve near
Belburns to Burnt Cape Ecological
Reserve near Raleigh comprise just two
per cent of the island of Newfoundland,
and yet are a hotspot for biodiversity
within the province – no less than 22
provincially-rare plants grow here.
“Protection of these rare plant species while
operating and maintaining transmission
and distribution lines on the GNP is
important to Newfoundland and Labrador
Hydro as part of our legal, social and
environmental responsibilities,” said Frank Rickets, Manager of Environmental Services
with Hydro’s parent company Nalcor Energy.
Hydro first engaged in rare plant surveys
on distribution lines in this area in 2000.
By 2006, a program was established to
The limestone barrens are home to
three endemic plants; species that are
found nowhere else on earth. These
plants are Long’s braya (Braya longii), Fernald’s braya (B. fernaldii) and
pictured here, the barrens willow
(Salix jejuna). (photo courtesy of MUN Botanical Garden)
(image courtesy of MUN Botanical Garden)
Rare plants of the limestone barrensEx situ collections are used for
experimentation and for reintroduction
trials at suitable sites. They are invaluable
as a failsafe in the event the natural
populations become extinct in the wild
and for public education about these
species.
“With the help of Hydro, MUN Botanical
Garden has housed examples of each
collection in our alpine house and are
creating interpretive storyboards in the
Visitor Centre,” said Boland. “Several
plants of barrens willow are also growing
in our newly constructed crevice garden.
This feature is also home to other native
limestone barren species, providing a
wonderful opportunity for visitors to see
a piece of our natural legacy.”
This article was co-authored by Todd
Boland, Research Horticulturist, Memorial
University of Newfoundland Botanical
Garden.
assess all lines on the GNP for the
presence of rare plants.
“Since 2007, nearly all poles, travel routes
and distribution line structures
associated with exposed limestone have
been assessed for species at risk,” said
Wayne Lidster, Hydro’s Environmental
Coordinator with Environmental
Services. “Any work on a structure where
rare plants have been identified must be
well planned in advance of completing
the work.”
Hydro is extending its commitment to
protecting species of the limestone
barrens through its partnership with
Memorial University of Newfoundland
(MUN) Botanical Garden, by providing
financial support and guidance to their
efforts to develop a recovery plan for
these species. Recovery plans are an
important part of Provincial and
Federal legislation for the protection
and preservation of rare plant species,
and MUN Botanical Garden has taken a
lead role in developing a plan
specifically for rare plants on the
limestone barrens.
“Supporting a recovery plan provides a
meaningful opportunity for Hydro to
interact with stakeholders,” said Ricketts.
“It also allows us to better understand
their concerns and activities associated
with rare plants on the Great Northern
Peninsula.”
Todd Boland is a Research Horticulturist
with MUN Botanical Garden. He explains
that while conservation of the rare plant
species in their native habitat is a top
priority, Botanical Garden, with the
support of Hydro, has been involved in
off-site (or ex situ) conservation.
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet6
Dawn Dunn, Energy Efficiency CoordinatorDawn coordinates logistics, maintains the
information management system for all
of the takeCHARGE programs and
initiatives and supports the team overall.
Simone Kielley, Energy Efficiency ManagerAs the team lead, Simone provides
strategic direction and the
coordination for all the takeCHARGE
initiatives. She maintains partner
relations, supports regulatory
reporting and helps connect the
external takeCHARGE initiatives to the
internal company efficiency efforts.
Brad Coady, Industrial Energy Efficiency EngineerBrad is the lead for the design,
implementation, evaluation and
reporting of the industrial program. He
works with Hydro’s industrial customers
and engineering firms on the delivery of
the program.
Elaine Cole, Energy Efficiency AdvisorCommunity outreach, education and
awareness is Elaine’s focus. Working to
inform customers and employees on
energy efficiency programs and
technologies.
Wade Lucas, Energy Efficiency AnalystOn the technical side, Wade conducts
energy modelling, market research and
assists with training and
communications materials.
Barry Brophy, Energy Efficiency AdvisorBarry coordinates and helps implement
strategies to improve the company’s
internal efficiency efforts.
Meet the team behind takeCHARGE
takeCHARGE celebrates its first birthday
O n November 13, 2009,
takeCHARGE turned one. In
2008, Newfoundland and
Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland
Power launched the partnership and
brand, takeCHARGE – Saving Energy
Starts Here! This program provides
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with
rebates, information and tools to assist
them in using energy wisely and
encourages people to takeCHARGE and
take action in their homes and businesses
to reduce their energy usage.
Over the past year takeCHARGE launched
a new website, ran contests, launched the
Energy Savers Rebate Programs and
developed “how-to” videos to show
electricity consumers how to save energy
and money.
It’s been a busy and exciting year for
takeCHARGE. The most significant
initiative over the past year is the launch
of the Energy Savers Rebate Programs in
June. “Energy Savers rebates reflect our
continued commitment to electricity
consumers to help them save energy,
save money and help the environment,”
said Simone Kielley, Hydro’s Energy
Efficiency Manager. “These new rebate
programs provide customers with money
back when they make wise energy
choices in their homes when it comes to
insulation, thermostats and ENERGY
STAR® windows.”
Celebrate takeCHARGE’s first birthday by
learning what you can do at home and
work to save energy. Visit takechargenl.ca
today!
Environment
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 7
Environment
Energy conservation becoming a way of life
Hydro’s Energy Efficiency Pilot Project in Port Hope Simpson and Hopedale provided residents and business owners
hands-on advice and energy efficiency tools to help them reduce energy consumption.
Sitting around a kitchen table to talk
about energy efficiency may not
be how you spend your afternoon,
but over 320 home and 27 business
owners in coastal Labrador recently did
just that.
In 2009 with funding from the
Department of Natural Resources,
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, a
Nalcor Energy company, conducted an
Energy Efficiency Pilot Project in Port
Hope Simpson and Hopedale. The pilot
project was designed to provide residents
and business owners in these two
diesel-powered communities in Labrador
with hands-on advice and energy
efficiency tools to help them reduce their
energy consumption.
“The main objective of the Energy
Efficiency Pilot Project was to help
customers take action today to conserve
energy now and into the future,
regardless of their energy source,” said
Simone Kielley, Hydro’s Energy Efficiency
Manager. “Through a hands-on approach
we provided customers with the
information and technology to reduce
their energy usage which can help them
save money.”
As the delivery agent of the project,
Conservation Corps NL was on the
ground in each community hiring and
training an energy conservation team.
Each team went out into their community
to talk to home and business owners
about their energy usage. They
conducted energy walkthroughs and
provided people with an energy
conservation technology kit and a
“kitchen table” workshop. When meeting
with the home and business owners, the
team discussed how making simple
changes and installing the items in their
conservation kits could help them save
energy and money without affecting
their comfort or convenience.
These walkthroughs and workshops
identified opportunities for
improvements in energy efficiency
and also helped increase the level of
energy conservation knowledge within
the communities. Participation in both
communities was overwhelming with
more than 80 per cent of homes and
businesses in Hopedale and 95 per cent
in Port Hope Simpson taking part in
the energy walkthroughs. The high
participation level in both communities
clearly shows that energy efficiency is
a topic people are eager to learn more
about.
“I’m extremely pleased with the success
of this pilot project. People in these two
communities have taken charge of their
energy usage, learned how to conserve
energy and taken the first step by
implementing energy saving
technologies into their homes,” said
Kielley. “This pilot project has given
these two communities the information
and tools they need to use energy
wisely.”
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet8
Business Excellence
Russell Murphy, engineering student
for Nalcor Energy’s Lower Churchill
Project, examines a core rock sample
during a land-based drilling field
program at Shoal Cove on the
Newfoundland side of the Strait of
Belle Isle. This program will help
Project engineers determine the most
viable routing for crossing the Strait.
T he Labrador – Island Transmission
Link Project, which was
registered for environmental
assessment in January 2009, is a key
component of the provincial Energy
Plan. The Link will provide reliable and
sustainable electricity by displacing
fossil fuel generation at Hydro’s
Holyrood Generating Station. It would
also lay the groundwork for future
interconnection of Newfoundland and
Labrador to the North American
electricity system via a potential
maritime transmission link.
The current 800 megawatt (MW) design
has the capacity to be increased by a
further 1000 MW, without changes to the
operating voltage or overhead
transmission lines.
A significant element of the Labrador –
Island Transmission Link plan is the
necessity to transport electricity across
Strait of Belle Isle, which is approximately
18kms at its narrowest point. Engineering
analysis in the area has focused on two
potential methods of crossing: a
combination of partial tunneling and
laying the cables on the ocean floor or
fully tunneling under the Strait.
Gilbert Bennett, Vice President of the
Lower Churchill Project explained, “The
Strait of Belle Isle has a unique marine
environment for transmission crossing,
including the occurrence of icebergs and
pack ice, as well as seabed characteristics
and rock formations. I’m confident with
the caliber of our project engineering
and the data we’ve gathered from the
field studies, we’ll be able to determine
the best way to cross the Strait.”
During the fall of 2009, extensive field work
was conducted in the Strait of Belle Isle to
gain further knowledge about the crossing.
The information and data gathered
through current and future field
programs will help better understand the
Strait rounding out knowledge of the
ocean floor and how to best get power
across it. Once this is known, the Project
team will be able to determine which of
the two crossing options is most viable.
Prior to beginning work in the area, the
Lower Churchill Project team consulted
with regional economic development
boards, fisher groups, government bodies
and municipal representatives. The
consultations provided an opportunity for
information sharing and feedback was
obtained on the offshore seismic, onshore
drilling and marine environmental field
work being planned in the area. This
feedback was very useful and helped with
the final scope of work.
Marine Seismic Program
As part of the assessment for the Labrador
– Island Transmission Link, one of the field
programs that took place this fall was a
high-resolution engineering seismic
survey. From September 11 until October
13, contractor Fugro Jacques Geosurveys
Inc., with the participation of Lower
Churchill Project team members,
conducted offshore seismic investigations
from the vessel M.V. Anticosti. Additional
near-shore geophysical work was
performed using the vessel M.V. Cansea.
The crew of the M.V. Anticosti acquired
data from high-resolution seismic lines
which will be used to analyze the rock
formations across the Strait. The primary
focus will be locating faults and weak
zones in the sedimentary rock layers under
the sea. The M.V. Cansea, a smaller inshore
boat, gathered seabed data in areas near
the shoreline that were too shallow for the
larger M.V. Anticosti to reach.
Despite facing Newfoundland and
Labrador sea conditions and strong,
unpredictable currents, the program was
completed successfully and the surveys
from the area will provide the data needed
on seabed and sub-seabed geology.
Getting it Strait:LCP field programs help determine the best route for transmission across the Strait of Belle Isle
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 9
Business Excellence
Land-based Drilling Program
Other members of the Lower Churchill
Project team were based onshore
throughout the fall and into the early
winter months conducting land-based
geological investigations on both sides of
the Strait. The program consisted of
near-shore diamond core-drilling to
retrieve core rock samples, and of special
water pressure testing to determine the
permeability of the rock formations.
In total, five holes were drilled and
tested. The drilling occurred on the
Newfoundland side at Savage Cove,
Shoal Cove and Green Island Cove. On
the Labrador side, holes are at Fox Cove
and Point Amour.
The information gathered from the
drilling investigations will be used to
further understand and describe the
characteristics of the rock formations in
the area including their permeability and
composition. It will also be used to help
identify faults in the region.
Marine Environmental Program
Environmental field studies in the Strait of
Belle Isle have also included marine flora,
fauna and habitat survey work along the
proposed submarine cable corridors. In
2008, a vessel-based underwater video
system was used to survey approximately
80 per cent of the corridors. In October
2009, dive crews worked from a local
“I’m confident that with the caliber of engineering on the Project and the field studies we have taken part in, we will be able to determine the best way to cross the Strait.” - Gilbert Bennett
fishing vessel to gather additional
underwater video footage for the remaining
20 per cent in the shallow inshore areas off
Mistaken Cove and Yankee Point. The video
is currently being analyzed to identify and
quantify marine flora, fauna and habitat
types in that area, for eventual use in the
Environmental Impact Statement for the
transmission link. It will also provide
additional marine information along the
proposed cable corridors in the shallow,
inshore area on the Newfoundland side.
A video co-produced by Nalcor Energy and the
Department of Natural Resources entitled
Newfoundland & Labrador: Innovation in
Renewable Energy discusses the Lower
Churchill Project and the Labrador-Island
Transmission Link. To view it and get a better
understanding of Nalcor’s planning for the
Strait crossing, please visit Nalcor’s website:
nalcorenergy.com.
Nalcor Energy - Lower Churchill
Project team members were
atop the Long Range Mountains
on the Northern Peninsula in October
2009.
The Long Range Mountains are
characterized with unique climactic
conditions including significant icing,
high winds and an average snowfall of
more than 400 centimeters a year.
With the help of a helicopter, the team
installed test equipment in two
locations, consisting of two poles, a
single span of line and equipment
needed to measure the collection of ice
over the coming winter months.
Knowing the weight of ice that collects
on a single span in these selected
locations will help choose the most
appropriate routing and design for the
transmission lines to cross the
mountain range to deliver reliable
electricity.
The planned Long Range Mountains
field work is another step towards a
better understanding of the conditions
in the area and the optimum design of
the transmission route, towers and lines
required for those conditions.
Test spans being installed atop the Long
Range Mountains by members of the
Lower Churchill Project, Newfoundland
and Labrador Hydro and contractor
Green’s Service Station. The test spans
will measure ice collection and aide the
Project team in design of the
transmission route, towers and lines
required for the area’s unique climatic
conditions.
Long Range Mountainsfield program
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet10
Business Excellence
Over the past 140 years, there has
been significant interest in the
oil and gas resources in western
Newfoundland. Oil seeps in the Parsons
Pond area were first observed in 1812 and
the first well was drilled in 1867. Since
then, almost 70 wells have been drilled
from the Port au Port to the Northern
Peninsulas; however, none have reached
the carbonate platform. To date, the
deeper target in the Cambria-Ordovician
carbonate platform in Parsons Pond
remains to be tested.
In August 2009, Nalcor Energy marked a
significant step for the future
development of the province’s oil and gas
resources as the company announced its
operatorship in three exploration permits
in Western Newfoundland. Nalcor Energy
has acquired an average of 67 per cent
gross working interest in three
exploration permits in Parsons Pond on
the Great Northern Peninsula.
At a news conference in St. John’s,
Ed Martin, Nalcor Energy’s President
and CEO, explained the benefit to Nalcor
and the province from this drilling
exploration program. “Nalcor Energy’s
exploration program on the province’s
west coast will provide access to new,
valuable information and further assess
the petroleum potential in this area,” said
Martin. “Improved prospectivity resulting
from increased exploration activity may
also entice other proponents to come
into the area stimulating additional
exploration activity and helping advance
the west coast basin for future
development.”
Three exploration licenses cover 103,000
acres in the Parsons Pond area. The
mapped prospects on these licenses
Drilling for oil on the province’s west coast
represent one of the best exploration
opportunities in Western Newfoundland
in terms of both an economic potential
and lowest geological risk.
“It’s our view that the Parsons Pond
Cambro-Ordovician prospects currently
present favourable onshore targets in
Western Newfoundland, given the
existing dataset,” said Jim Keating, Vice
President of Nalcor Energy – Oil and Gas.
“We believe that these permits will
provide a unique opportunity to better
understand both our onshore and
offshore potential in western
Newfoundland.”
There are four other project partners
with varying holdings in the three
permits: Leprechaun Resources Ltd.;
Western Newfoundland Petroleum RightsNalcor Energy
Deer Lake Oil and Gas Inc.; Investcan
Energy Corporation; and Vulcan Minerals
Inc. Nalcor Energy is currently working
with its joint venture partners to finalize
the drilling plans and well locations for
this three-well exploration program and
anticipates drilling to commence early
in 2010.
“Nalcor believes in the oil and gas
potential of western Newfoundland.
Partnering with companies active in the
area brings together the resources and
capability for an exploration campaign
to assess the oil and gas potential of this
area,” said Keating. “Nalcor will execute
its plan with a continued focus on safety,
the environment and maximizing the
value of the resources in this area of our
province.”
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 11
Business Excellence
Significant investments power communities
Charles McNeill, Diesel System Representative in front of the plant overview
screen on the new operator interface touchscreen for the Makkovik Diesel Plant
control room. This screen allows the plant operators to have a simplified,
complete overview of the plant captured on one easy to read monitor.
I n 2009, Newfoundland and Labrador
Hydro, a Nalcor Energy company
completed numerous capital work
projects in Labrador coastal communities
to ensure a continued safe and reliable
electricity supply to meet customer
expectations.
“We take a prudent approach to repairing
and maintaining our electricity systems,”
said Jim Haynes, Hydro’s Vice President
Regulated Operations. “We continuously
look at the condition and life expectancy
of our assets to ensure we complete
capital work at the right time. It’s our
commitment to provide a reliable power
supply to our customers.”
A multi-year project at the Makkovik
Diesel Plant was completed this summer,
which will improve the efficiency of the
plant and ensure a continued reliable
electricity supply to over 500 customers
in the community. The project involved a
$750,000 investment to replace all the
switchgear and automate the control
systems within the plant.
“There are many advantages to automating
a diesel plant,” said Jeff Coady, Protection
and Control Engineer with Hydro. “The new
automation will start and stop engines
based on the community’s electricity
demand. When more generation is
required, the engines automatically start
and when generation is not required, the
engines automatically turn off.”
The automation of the plant will help to
prevent future outages, as the new control
system will be equipped with many
diagnostic capabilities that didn’t exist on
the old system. The new control system
will detect when there’s a problem with
one engine and automatically turn on
another engine before powering down
the problem engine. In addition, the plant
should have better fuel efficiency, as the
engines will only be running when
absolutely necessary.
“Replacing the switchgear equipment in
the plant was also a key element to
increasing the reliability of the Makkovik
Diesel Plant,” explained Coady.
“Switchgear is the electrical enclosure
that contains the unit circuit breakers,
protective relays, metering equipment
and all the controls to each of the diesel
units. Therefore, this equipment is very
important to keep the plant running
properly. The new switchgear houses
up-to-date, readily available equipment
and offers a safer work environment for
maintenance personnel.”
In Rigolet, Hydro personnel completed
upgrades to the Rigolet Diesel Plant over
the year, involving technicians,
electricians, mechanics and plant
operators. Hydro upgraded the operator
control room and the mechanical
workshop, and have automated the
diesel plant similar to the Makkovik
Diesel Plant.
The Cartwright Diesel Plant is another
Hydro facility on the Labrador coast
undergoing major capital work which
will continue into 2010. This plant will
also see the replacement of all the
switchgear equipment and the
reconfiguration of the existing plant
automation system. The reconfiguration
involves re-wiring all five diesel engines
in the plant to ensure the plant is run
safely and efficiently.
One of the generating sets, commonly
known as a gensets, at the Cartwright
Diesel Plant is also being replaced to
meet the growing electricity needs of
customers in Cartwright.
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet12
Business Excellence
Planning horizons for Bull Arm Fabrication
The GSF Grand Banks offshore drilling
unit, owned by Transocean, is
currently undergoing a five-month
major refit at the Bull Arm site.
T he Bull Arm facility is an important
asset for the development of the oil
and gas industry in Newfoundland
and Labrador and the advancement of
the province’s fabrication capacity.
Presently at the Bull Arm site, Pennecon
Energy is doing the refurbishment of the
GSF Grand Banks, owned by Transocean
and currently under a drilling contract on
the White Rose expansion field. The refit
work includes hull coating piping system
renewal, maintenance, equipment
overhauls and new equipment
installations. Work began in August and
will conclude in December 2009.
The refurbishment of the drilling unit is
taking place on the FPSO Quay and Drydock
area of the Bull Arm fabrication site, and
several of the Topsides buildings are being
used in support of equipment overhaul.
A small team of employees at Nalcor
Energy are working on the long-term
strategy for the Bull Arm site. Nancy Hart
is a Senior Business Development Analyst
with Nalcor Energy. She sat down with
Outlet to describe Nalcor’s approach to
planning when it comes to the Bull Arm site.
Q. What is Nalcor’s current focus in
terms of planning?
A. In the near term we are preparing for
the Hebron Development, which will be
using the site from 2011-2016 to construct
and commission the Gravity Based
Structure for the province’s latest oil
project. We are also busy developing a
long-term strategy for how Nalcor
operates the facility when the Hebron
Project is finished. The operations team is
currently focused on site improvements
and meeting the objectives that are in
our corporate plan.
Q. Why is Nalcor working on a long
term strategy now?
A. Sound business strategy takes time to
develop. We want to ensure that we are
true to our strategy development process
and that we incubate each alternative
long enough to fully evaluate it. That
being said, we also want to arrive at the
right strategy for Nalcor within the next
year or two so that we will have time to
develop and execute a comprehensive
implementation plan.
Q. What are the next steps your group
will be facing?
A. Once the Hebron Project occupies the
site, our team must consider Hebron’s
lease terms and conditions and prepare
for the conclusion of the Hebron Project.
While this is happening, we’ll also focus
on continuing to deliver on the corporate
plan and objectives.
Q. What is in the future for the Bull
Arm site?
A. Once construction and commissioning is
complete on the Hebron Project, Bull Arm
Fabrication will fully implement its long-
term plan. This plan will be linked to the
Provincial Energy Plan and Nalcor Energy’s
vision, values and goals. We are dedicated
to a thorough approach to site planning,
market analysis and business strategy. We
want to ensure that the site is used to
maximize the benefits to the province from
the number of large-scale construction and
fabrication projects on the horizon - both
locally and around the world.
More than 500 local trades people are employed at the Bull Arm site while the
GSF Grand Banks offshore drilling unit undergoes a refit.
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 13
People
After volunteering with sledge hockey to assist people with disabilities, Dave Hanames began playing the game.
D ave Hanames, Team Lead,
Corporate Systems with
Newfoundland and Labrador
Hydro, a Nalcor Energy company
recognizes the importance of helping
others. He also appreciates the benefits
of community organizations and
volunteers. When Dave’s son faced
obstacles after being diagnosed as
autistic and having Pervasive
Development Disorder (PDD), Dave
looked for organizations that offered
support and activities his son could take
part in.
Dave learned Easter Seals offered a
variety of events and activities in which
children with disabilities could
participate. It was during these events
he offered his support and assistance
with numerous activities including
summer camp, guiding at the Harbour
Haunt and sledge hockey.
Staying involved has been easy for Dave.
“My son has benefitted tremendously
from the volunteers that have helped
him over the years. He can ride a horse.
He learned to swim - even before me,
played sledge hockey and participated
in many activities that would not have
happened without volunteers,” said
Dave. “I cannot express how grateful I
am for the people who have helped him
and who continue to help him be
involved in various activities.”
Helping the children on his son’s sledge
hockey team opened a new door for
Dave.
While volunteering with Easter Seals
Sledge Hockey, a friend asked if he could
assist with the Avalon Sledge Hockey
adult team.
“I volunteered with the adult league for
a year assisting players into their sleds
and doing sled maintenance when
needed. I was amazed watching them
play. They invited me to play my first
game; it was very humbling. Their level
of dedication is amazing and inspiring,”
he explained.
In 2008 and 2009, Dave was given the
opportunity to travel with the team to
London, Ontario to play as a member of
the team in a Canada/United States
tournament. There he met individuals
who never let their disabilities stop them
from achieving their goals.
Although Dave became involved to help
others in need, the team let him be a part
of something special that gave him new
insight into dedication. He said, “Helping
people has been a real eye-opening
experience that taught me to be grateful
and not to take things for granted.”
Recognizing the support volunteer
groups have given his family, Dave hopes
he can offer the same support to others.
“I volunteer to make a positive difference
in the lives of people. I think everybody
should be able to participate in events,
gain new skills or perhaps just have a
good time with their friends. Every time I
volunteer, I know I help achieve this goal
and I can see it on the faces of the people
participating.”
Volunteering opens doors to opportunities
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet14
People
Nalcor Energy’s Employee
Recognition Program continued
to strengthen in 2009.
Employees from all Nalcor Energy
companies are using a combination of
the On-The-Spot Awards, the Service
Awards, and the President’s Awards to
recognize commitment, dedication, and
excellence of fellow employees.
On-The-Spot Awards
On-The-Spot Awards recognize day-to-
day behaviours and actions that support
Nalcor’s seven core values. The awards
enable employees to celebrate the
excellence through an online database
and recognition cards. More than 1800
On-The-Spot Awards were given in 2009
and more than 160 employees received
On-The-Spot Rewards.
President’s Awards
The President’s Awards are presented to
individuals who are role models and
leaders in living and supporting the
On November 5, 2009, President’s Award recipients celebrated with Nalcor
Energy’s President and CEO, Ed Martin. L-R: Walter Parsons; Chad Wiseman;
Jason Simms; Garry Tucker; Mike Roberts (HR Manager); Merissa Wiseman;
Ed Martin; Dave Hanames; Gerard McDonald (VP HR & Organizational
Effectiveness); Bill Mullaly; Paul Woodford; and Paul Murray.
company’s goals of Safety, Environment,
Corporate Citizenship, Business Excellence
and People.
Nominations emphasize the importance
of the nominee’s actions and provide
strong support for outstanding
achievements and results. Nominations
are reviewed by the Leadership Team and
recipients are chosen based on the
nominee’s contributions and leadership
to company goals.
On November 5, 2009, award recipients
attended a dinner with Nalcor Energy’s
President and CEO, Ed Martin, and
representatives of the Leadership Team
in St. John’s. Each recipient received
$1000 and a commemorative piece of
local artwork. The evening provided
recipients and the Leadership Team time
to reflect on the recipients important
accomplishments. 2009 President’s
Awards recipients are:
Dave Hanames – Safety
Dave started working with
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, a
Nalcor Energy company, on June 10, 1982.
As Team Lead within Corporate Systems,
Dave is viewed as a positive and influential
force and now is formally recognized for
his leadership in safety. Dave takes safety
beyond the workplace and is always
sharing personal safety stories. Dave
never lets an opportunity go by to
connect a discussion to safety and he
seeks ways to strengthen Nalcor’s safety
culture. Dave supports safety and first aid
training, helps facilitate safety and first aid
meetings and is the driving force behind
the emergency response organization for
Hydro Place. He is a champion for SWOP
and always looks for improvements to the
system. Dave sets a high standard for all
Nalcor Energy employees.
Jason Simms – Safety
Jason began his career with Hydro as an
environmental co-op student and has
continued working at the Holyrood
Generating Plant as a Chemical
Technologist for 11 years. Aside from this
role, Jason is a volunteer with the facility’s
Emergency Response Team. His
contributions to emergency response
have improved the overall performance
of the team and the company. His
commitment to safety was evident when
he assumed the duties of Emergency
Response Coordinator. Jason’s
contributions have ensured the future
success and effectiveness of the
emergency response organization at the
Holyrood Plant, further enhancing the
safety and security of our employees.
Garry Tucker – Environment
Garry has been with the Water Resources
Department at Nalcor Energy - Churchill
Recognizing our best assets – our people
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 15
Falls since February 1981. He has a very
strong work ethic, displaying pride in his
work through his careful and thorough
maintenance and monitoring of the
dykes. He has made outstanding
contributions to the social fabric of the
community through his work in the
community garden. Garry recycles paper,
grass clippings and sawdust to help
fertilize the soil for the garden and has
established a watering system using
hoses and collection barrels. He spends
numerous hours in the garden weeding,
fertilizing and helping others understand
how to develop the area. He also displays
environmental stewardship through
home composting and biking to and
from work when possible.
Merissa Wiseman – Corporate
Citizenship
Merissa Wiseman was hired on April 1,
2008 as Communications Advisor with
Nalcor Energy’s Corporate
Communication & Shareholder Relations
Department. She is responsible for
external communications, branding for all
Nalcor Energy companies and general
communications activities. Merissa is
actively involved in several organizations
in the community ranging from
professional associations to community
groups. Merissa volunteers with four
community organizations: Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland,
Rogers Television, Dancing with the
Priests - a fundraiser for Vibrant
Communities, and the International
Association of Business Communicators.
She is committed to developing
community partnerships and
strengthening volunteer organizations.
Bill Mullaly – Business Excellence
Bill worked with Hydro in 1998 and in
2007 he returned as a Business Model
Coordinator for Nalcor Energy’s
People
Investment Evaluation Department. Bill
worked tirelessly with great personal
sacrifice in support of the Hebron, White
Rose and Hibernia negotiations.
Developing these models required a
strong understanding of the fiscal
systems, the technical and economic
nature of the projects and the ability to
work with a diverse group of people. Bill
also participated as part of the due
diligence team that reviewed project
assets and potential liabilities. These
negotiations were carried out under
exceptional circumstances which called
for a sustained positive attitude and
perseverance which Bill exemplified.
Chad Wiseman – Business Excellence
After two co-op terms, Chad returned to
Hydro in 2006 as an Electrical Plant
Engineer in Bay d’Espoir and in 2008
joined Nalcor Energy’s operations in
Churchill Falls. Chad has demonstrated
his ability to work under pressure during
a recent high profile cable repair project.
Chad approached the project with safety
as the top priority. He ensured issues
were identified, reported and resolved.
His diligent and timely decisions and
teamwork were truly inspiring. Chad has
accepted increased responsibility and
gained the respect of his engineering
peers, supervisors, management and
front line workers.
Paul Murray – Business Excellence
Paul started with Nalcor Energy -
Churchill Falls as a contractor. He
became an apprentice in 2005 and was
identified for a permanent job before his
training was complete. Paul has
demonstrated exceptional leadership at
the jobsite. He is an employee who
takes charge and works beyond what he
is assigned to ensure the job is
completed properly. Paul eagerly takes
on added responsibility and provides
direction and guidance to others. He
takes steps to coordinate the activities of
everyone on site to ensure the customer
is satisfied. He finds solutions to
problems and issues no matter the scale.
Supervisors and managers speak very
highly of his work and trust his input and
judgment. Paul is dedicated to
producing excellence in his field and
takes every opportunity to learn from
and to support others around him.
Walter Parsons – Business Excellence
Walter joined Nalcor Energy’s Business
Development Team as Senior Business
Development Engineer in May 2008. His
primary responsibility was research and
development, but this focus shifted in
late 2008. Walter provided technical and
analytical support to develop the new
energy marketing activities with Emera
Energy. The energy marketing function
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet16
will be a key part of Nalcor Energy’s
future growth and success. Walter
accepts challenges with a positive
attitude, continuously seeking ways to
obtain the greatest value from our
province’s energy. He brings an
incredible amount of passion and
dedication to everything he takes on
and is quick to accept new challenges.
Paul Woodford – People
Paul began working with Hydro as a
co-op student. Shortly after graduation,
Paul returned to the company in 1986 as
a Mechanical Design Engineer and in
2006 moved to Hydro’s Holyrood plant
as Project and Quality Assurance
Engineer. Paul manages and leads
through his professional behavior,
organizational skills, and thorough
knowledge of corporate procedures and
history. He not only works well as a
team member, but can be counted on to
guide and lead a team to ensure it
functions effectively. He often
influences, coaches and guides those
around him without being aware of the
impact of his actions. His people skills
enable him to act as arbitrator,
coordinator, and conciliator between
consultants, contractors, plant personnel
and project team members.
Congratulations to all nominees. It is an
honour that your peers hold you in such
high opinion and have identified you as a
leader within the company. Thank you to
everyone who participated in this year’s
President’s Awards, and to the nominators
for submitting the President’s Awards
applications.
People
O ctober 5, 2009 will be a day
Ron Blair will always remember
when he thinks about his
career as a teacher. On that day, Prime
Minister Stephen Harper recognized Blair
with a 2009 Prime Minister’s Award for
Teaching Excellence at the Parliament
Building in Ottawa.
Blair teaches high school Social Studies at
Eric G. Lambert School (EGLS), an
independent school owned and operated
by Nalcor Energy - Churchill Falls. Blair
was one of 15 teachers across Canada to
win this award and the only one from
Newfoundland and Labrador to be
honoured with the distinction this year.
He was recognized for being a ‘jack-of-all
trades’ and adapting his teaching to any
curve thrown at him. His respectful
interaction with students gives them
confidence and helps them express
themselves.
“This award is not as much about my
success as it is about my students’
successes. I use technology and
innovation in the classroom, and my
students have succeeded with this
teaching approach,” explained Blair. “For
instance in Enterprise Education the
students write, design and videotape
their own commercials as part of the
course. In Career Development, students
do presentations on workplace safety
which have actually been used in the
workplace at Nalcor Energy.”
A day he’ll remember
Receiving the Prime Minister’s
Certificate of Teaching Excellence,
will be a highlight of Ron Blair’s
career.
In addition to the trip to Ottawa for the
ceremony, national recipients receive a
certificate, pin, a letter from the Prime
Minister and a cash award of $5000, half
of which goes to the school and half
toward courses and professional
development. “I feel very humbled and
honoured by this recognition. I’ve
worked with great students who have
inspired me to do the job that I’ve done,”
acknowledged Blair.
Blair is the second EGLS teacher in two
years to win a Prime Minister’s Award.
Music Teacher Mark Bonnell was a 2008
winner of a Prime Minister’s Award
Certificate of Achievement.
For more information about the Prime
Minister’s Awards for Teaching
Excellence, please visit the Prime
Minister’s Awards website at
www.pma.gc.ca. For more information
about Blair or Eric G. Lambert School,
please email [email protected].
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 17
A s the baby boomer generation
prepares for retirement,
Churchill Falls, Labrador is
beginning to change. With retirees
moving out of the town, new faces and
families are popping up in the close-knit
community of about 650.
For many people who live in larger
communities, the relocation north may not
initially be appealing, but for Robert Ennis,
Apprentice Engineer at the Air Services
Division in Churchill Falls, moving his family
to the area was a great decision. Robert, his
wife Sonya and their two children moved to
Churchill Falls last summer.
The benefits of the move for him were
both professional and personal. At work,
he says his co-workers are some of the
best he’s ever worked beside.
The move also positively impacted Ennis’
family life. “I can honestly say in St.
John’s we were living separate lives.
Since the move to Churchill Falls, we’ve
become much closer. That’s the most
significant difference,” explained Ennis.
“My family now takes part in activities
they would rarely do together before like
fishing and hunting.”
Enjoying life in Churchill Falls is the way it’s
been for years. Originally from
Saskatchewan, Garry Tucker, Hydromet
and Water Resources Technician, Churchill
Falls will be retiring this summer. He’s lived
and worked in Churchill Falls since 1970.
“I first moved to Churchill Falls for a
six-week period to cover someone on
summer vacation,” recalled Tucker. Forty
years later, he’s still here. “Many of us
became Labradorians by choice and
inclination,” he explained.
Garry and his wife, Anne, have raised
three children in Churchill Falls. As a
result, he echoes many of the same
sentiments as new-comer Ennis when he
talks about the advantages of raising a
family in the close-knit town; security,
safety and schooling are among the top
benefits. There are also abundant
opportunities for kids in sports, outdoor
activities and youth groups. He adds that
with most people in town having
post-secondary education, there’s a
positive attitude regarding the need for
schooling, which results in a nearly
non-existent drop-out rate.
Like any town, there are also community
activities for families. “With everyone in
town working for the same company, it’s
important for employees to have
additional activities outside of their jobs,”
said Kim Sheppard, Human Resources
Coordinator, Churchill Falls. To do this, the
town engages employees with activities
such as Occupational Health and Safety
Week events and family-oriented
activities like those that happen during
the annual Winter Carnival. Many
employees are also involved in the town’s
community garden - which has been
active since 1991, theatre and sports.
Long-time resident Tucker will look back
on his time in Churchill Falls fondly. When
asked what he will remember most when
he moves back to Saskatchewan after
40 years, he talked about the people.
“There have been so many good people
that have made living and working here
great. In particular, during a time when
my youngest daughter was very sick, the
people in town were such a help and
support to my family. We’ll never forget
the kindness we received.”
As a new-comer to the town, Ennis is
already recognizing the unique
advantages of living in Churchill Falls
outweigh any challenges. “For me
personally it’s the atmosphere. You can’t
walk down the road without talking to
someone and chances are when you go
home for the day the person living next
door to you is your co-worker. Overall, it’s
a priority for me to enjoy what we have
here. There are a lot of people who’ll
never experience it.”
People
Becoming Labradorians by inclination
The town of Churchill Falls is a
close-knit community of about 650
people. Recreational activities like
hockey are a common pastime.
Thoughts on life in Churchill Falls as one generation prepares to leave and another comes in.
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet18
Community
Employees giving back to their communitiesNalcor Energy and Hydro employees regularly volunteer their time to support charitable organizations in the communities across the province. Here’s just a few of the community activities employees supported over the past year.
Teaching children about electrical
safety
In March, armed with the Hazard
Hamlet kit, Darren Moore from Hydro’s
office in Bishop’s Falls visited Beavers in
Grand Falls-Winsor to talk to them
about power line hazards and electrical
safety. The young Beavers really
enjoyed the presentation and it was a
great learning experience for the
children. The Hazard Hamlet kit is a
teaching aid designed to convey
important safety messages to children.
First aid training for the volunteer fire
department
David Collier, Security and Safety
Supervisor at Hydro’s Bay d’Espoir plant,
is certified to teach first aid to Hydro
employees. Recently, David took his
training one step further and
volunteered his time and expertise.
While on a work trip to the Great
Northern Peninsula, David provided
essential first aid training to the
volunteer fire department in Jackson’s
Arm. “It felt great providing a service to
the local fire department that could save
a life in the community or a member of
the fire department while responding to
an emergency situation,” said David.
Bishop’s Falls softball tournament
benefits local groups
Employees from Hydro’s regional office
in Bishop’s Falls continued its support for
the fifth annual Leo Brothers Memorial
Softball Classic, which was held in
Bishop’s Falls in July. The tournament is
held in memory of a former Bishop’s Falls
Hydro employee, Leo Brothers who
passed away in March of 2004 from
cancer. Through the fundraising efforts of
this tournament, a donation of $4200 was
made to the local cancer clinic, bringing
the total to $15,000 donated over the past
five years. A donation of $1000 was also
made to the Town of Bishop’s Falls for the
local summer sports program.
Helping kids stay bike safe
For the third year, Hydro teamed up
with the RCMP, the Town of St. Anthony
and local businesses to support the
annual St. Anthony and Area Bike
Rodeo. Hydro employees Debbie Hayley, Wade Hillier, Nadine Hillier and
Billy Richards helped out at the rodeo
events in St. Anthony and Griquet
which attracted about 80 children. In
addition to employees helping to run
the event, Hydro donated bike helmets
and other protective equipment for
children in the area.
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 19
Community
“If we can help people in these unfortunate situations even a little bit - then we’re very happy and more than willing to do so.” - Alvin Crant
F or the past ten years, the people in
Bay d’Espoir have been rallying
together every year to raise money
for their friends and neighbours living
with cancer through the Bay d’Espoir
Local Cancer Benefit Group. From a
modest beginning of $12,000 raised in
the first year, the Bay d’Espoir Local
Cancer Benefit Group took in more than
$100,000 at this year’s event.
The main event is a benefit concert held
on the third Sunday in July. It features
thirteen hours of live entertainment by
local musicians, kids’ activities, a
candlelight service - which is attended by
about 1000 people, ticket raffles, an adult
dance and more. A large event of this
nature requires a significant planning and
work. This means securing donations,
sponsorships and the many volunteers
needed to put off the benefit.
Since 2003, Newfoundland and Labrador
Hydro’s operation in Bay d’Espoir has
supported this fundraiser. “We decided
to become involved with the cancer
benefit because like most people, we’ve
been touched by the difficulties of
cancer,” says Alvin Crant, Operations
Supervisor, “If we can help people in
these unfortunate situations even a little
bit, then we are very happy and more
than willing to do so.”
Employees in Bay d’Espoir who wish to
participate, donate one dollar from every
pay cheque throughout the year to the
benefit. This totals about $1500 each year.
These employees are also some of the
most active volunteers for the benefit
concert helping with ticket sales, raffles
and security at the event. Additionally,
Ray Buffett, Security Guard, in Bay
d’Espoir organizes a motorcycle ride
benefitting the cause. Hydro also assists
by providing an employee and a summer
student for a week before the event to
help with preparations. Hydro
contributes $1000 through its Community
Investment Initiative each year.
Raising these funds allows the Bay
d’Espoir Local Cancer Benefit Group to
help people living with cancer in their
community. The money raised pays for
expenses for individuals without
insurance coverage including travel,
medications, wigs and other medical
needs of cancer patients. The group’s
fundraising efforts go above and beyond,
sometimes accommodating special
requests such as having an escort with
the patient at appointments or donating
a morphine pump to help terminally ill
patients who wish to stay at home.
President of the group, Helena Thornhill
applauds the company saying, “Hydro
has been one of the great supporters of
what we do and we really appreciate it
every year. It’s great to know there are
so many generous people out there who
do their part in assisting our cancer
patients so they can concentrate on
what matters the most - getting well!”
The 2010 event will take place on
Sunday, July 18, and people can get
more information by calling Thornill at
709.538.3545.
Hydro supports annual cancer benefit
Each year Ray Buffett, security guard at Hydro’s Bay d’Espoir operations as well
as several other employees participate in a motorcycle ride the day before the
annual cancer benefit to raise money for those living in the area with cancer.
NALCOR ENERGYOutlet20
Highlights
Each year, Nalcor Energy and
Newfoundland and Labrador
Hydro, a Nalcor Energy company
supports educational and academic
achievements through scholarships. The
scholarship program represents the
company’s commitment to help the
province’s youth further their education
through the following annual
contributions:
Scholarships to children of all Nalcor •
Energy companies’ employees and
retirees who achieve high academic
standing in high school and who
demonstrate a commitment to
volunteerism.
Scholarships to Memorial University’s •
Schools of Business and Engineering
and the College of the North Atlantic.
In September 2009, eight $1000
scholarships were awarded to children of
employees and retirees.
Danielle Burt is a graduate of Eric G.
Lambert School in Churchill Falls and was
awarded the Jennifer Snow Memorial
Scholarship. Danielle is presently attending
Memorial University majoring in French.
Daughter of Kevin Burt, Manager Support
Services, Nalcor Energy – Churchill Falls.
Cassondra Collier is a first-year student
at Memorial University and is studying to
be a nurse. She is active with the church
and participates in various local
fundraisers in the Bay d’Espoir area.
Daughter of Loyola Collier, Hydro Plant
Operator, Bay d’Espoir, Hydro.
Krista Collins is a graduate of Eric G.
Lambert School in Churchill Falls. Krista is
currently studying business at McGill
University in Montreal and plans on
attending law school. In high school she
participated in the school band, choir,
drama productions and student council.
Daughter of Spencer Collins, Supervisor
Electrical Engineer, Nalcor Energy –
Churchill Falls.
Andrew Lehr is a graduate of Booth
Memorial High School in St. John’s
where he was Student of the Year for
2008/2009. He is also a recipient of the
Memorial University Alumni Scholarship.
Andrew is a competitive curler, curling
coach, hockey player and an avid
musician. Son of Larry Lehr, Team Lead,
General Accounting, St. John’s, Hydro.
Jessica Mallard graduated from O’Donel
High School in Mount Pearl and is
attending Memorial University. Jessica
plans to apply to the Faculty of
Pharmacy in 2011. Her extra curricular
activities include dancing and playing
piano. She also enjoys volunteering for
her church. Daughter of Karen Mallard,
Programmer Analyst, St. John’s, Hydro.
Nicole O’Driscoll graduated from Indian
River High School in Springdale and is a
first-year student at Memorial University.
She’s involved in many school and
community projects and enjoys
coaching, mentoring and tutoring.
Daughter of Chris O’Driscoll, Line
Supervisor, Springdale, Hydro.
Kaitlin Smith is a first-year student at
Memorial University and is studying
business and Spanish. Kaitlin hopes to
pursue a career in international business.
She is the treasurer on the Board of
Directors for the NL Youth Parliament, as
well as a member of SIFE Memorial.
Daughter of Catherine Squire, Senior
Corporate Planning Analyst, St. John’s,
Nalcor Energy.
Matthew Young graduated from
Gonzaga High School in St. John’s and is
presently working toward a science
degree at Memorial University. He was a
member of the school student council,
played on the school volleyball team
and participated in provincial and
national student leadership conferences.
Son of Geoff Young, Senior Legal
Counsel, St. John’s, Hydro.
Investing in our youth
Danielle
Burt
Cassondra
Collier
Krista
Collins
Andrew
Lehr
Jessica
Mallard
Nicole
O’Driscoll
Kaitlin
Smith
Matthew
Young
NALCOR ENERGY Outlet 21
Highlights
New faces/new places APRIL
Walene Benoit, Electrical Maintenance A, Hydro
NEW Michael Quilty, Environmental Assessment Coordinator, Lower Churchill
Project
Sarah Sullivan, Communications Advisor, Lower Churchill Project
MAY
NEW Lori-Ann Coffin, Support Services Coordinator, Exploits Generation
Ingemar Dean, Lines Supervisor, Hydro
NEW Robert Ennis, Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, Churchill Falls
NEW Rick Green, Divisional Controller Electrical Utilities, Hydro
Tara Hynes, Office Clerk, Hydro
Karl Inkpen, Plant Operations Supervisor - Eastern, Hydro
Paul Loder, Training Coordinator, Churchill Falls
NEW David Martin, Team Lead - Budget & Financial Analysis, Nalcor Energy
David Parrott, Work Methods Specialist, Churchill Falls
JUNE
NEW Joanna Barnard, System Operations Hydrotechinal Engineer, Hydro
NEW Ashley Billard, Buyer, Hydro
NEW Colin Freake, Thermal Plant Operator, Hydro
NEW Kevin Goulding, Team Lead - System Operations, Hydro
NEW Ryan Kendrew, Garage Supervisor, Churchill Falls
NEW Rory MacNeill, Graduate Engineer - Electrical, Hydro
NEW Jonathan Matchem, Graduate Engineer - Electrical, Churchill Falls
NEW Derrick Maye, Support Services Administrator, Hydro
NEW Curtis Sturge, Graduate Engineer - Mechanical, Hydro
Maria Veitch, Design Engineer, Hydro
NEW Gale Warren, Aboriginal Planning Lead, Lower Churchill Project
Stephen Wells, Millwright Apprentice, Churchill Falls
NEW Stuart White, Distribution Technologist , Hydro
NEW Richard Wright, Geophysicist, Oil and Gas
JULY
Mark Canning, Terminal Maintenance A, Hydro
Tyson Eddison, Electrician, Churchill Falls
NEW Stephen Edison, Asset Manager, Oil and Gas
Ronald Kent, Planner - Thermal, Hydro
AUGUST
NEW Kris Costello , Asset Manager, Oil and Gas
NEW Patrick Farr, Technical Operator, Exploits Generation
Justin Lowe, Lineworker A, Hydro
James McNeill, Asset Maintenance Coordinator, Hydro
Chris O’Driscoll, Lines Supervisor, Hydro
NEW Fred Park, Lineworker A, Hydro
April Pike, Administration Officer, Hydro
Annette Poole, Office Manager, Bull Arm Fabrication
NEW Robert Richards, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Churchill Falls
Andrew Smith, Technologist, Churchill Falls
NEW Jacquelyn Wells, Environmental Assessment Coordinator, Lower Churchill
Project
Corwin Willcott, Security Guard, Hydro
SEPTEMBER
NEW Janet Campbell, Teacher, Churchill Falls
NEW Donald Corbin, Mechanical Maintenance A, Exploits Generation
NEW Wade Kelloway, Safety Coordinator, Hydro
NEW Bridget Murphy, Teacher, Churchill Falls
NEW Danielle Organ, Teacher, Churchill Falls
NEW Jamie Power, Millwright Apprentice, Hydro
OCTOBER
Brad Eddy, Equipment Engineer, Hydro
NEW William Kilfoy, Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, Hydro
NEW Mark Osmond, Geomatics/Properties Coordinator, Hydro
NEW Jim Peyton, Safety & Training Officer, Hydro
Retirees (to October 2009)Douglas Anderson, Electrical Maintenance Supervisor, Hydro 1989
John Butler, Line Supervisor, Hydro 1978
Sadie Cheeseman, Grocery Clerk/Cashier, Churchill Falls 1980
Gloria Clarke, Teacher, Churchill Falls 1987
Raymond Cooper, Utility Worker, Hydro 1989
Stephen Corbett, Line Supervisor, Hydro 1975
Paul Eastman, Mechanic/Operator, Hydro 1974
Melvin Engram, Plant Operations Supervisor - Eastern, Hydro 1975
Russell Finlay, Lines Specialist, Hydro 1976
George Goosney, Lineworker A, Hydro 1977
Reuben Green, Buildings Supervisor, Churchill Falls 1982
Shirley Jacobs, Meter Reader, Hydro 1977
Thomas Jensen, Labour Manager Operations - Thermal, Hydro 1979
Cyril Kelly, Stores Worker, Hydro 1974
Anthony McDonald, Lineworker A, Hydro 1976
Marcelle McLean, Electrical Maintenance A, Hydro 1980
Harvey Moores, Terminal Maintenance A,Hydro 1973
Roderick Pilgrim, Diesel Plant Operator, Hydro 1975
Cyril Rideout, Electrical Maintenance A, Hydro 1987
Francis Skinner, Lead Thermal Plant Operator, Hydro 1979
John Wall, Planner - Thermal, Hydro 1981
N ewfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro), a Nalcor Energy company, continues its efforts to improve the quality of life for
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by supporting various community organizations through its Community Investment
Program. Between July and December, Hydro supported the following charity groups and community organizations:
Community Investments
Hydro Place, 500 Columbus Drive, P.O. Box 12800
St. John’s, NL A1B OC9
(709) 737-1440
nalcorenergy.com
July to December 2009
Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
Battle Harbour Historic Trust
Bay d’Espoir Cancer Benefit
Boys and Girls Club of St. John’s
Central West Cancer Clinic
Children’s Wish Foundation
College of the North Atlantic
Corduroy Brook Enhancement Association
Community Food Sharing AssociationCow Head Volunteer Fire Brigade
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of NL
Daffodil Place
Holy Cross School
Jackson’s Arm Volunteer Fire Department
Kidney Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
Kirby House
Labrador Friendship Centre
Labrador West Minor Softball Association
Leo Brothers Memorial Softball Classic
Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
Ride for Sight
Rovers Search and Rescue
St. Anthony Winterfest
St. Alban’s Fire/Rescue Department
St. Edward’s School Early Childhood Literacy Program
St. Paul’s Fire Brigade
Stella Burry Foundation
Victorian Order of Nurses Smart at Home Program
There are nearly 32,000 people who don’t have
enough food to eat in Newfoundland and
Labrador. In August, employees at Hydro Place in
St. John’s undertook a food drive in support of the
“Yes We Can” campaign in aid of the Community
Food Sharing Association (CFSA). Employees raised
$1038 and collected over a thousand pounds of
food. Eg Walters, Executive Director, CFSA was on
hand to accept the cheque and food from Nalcor
Energy and Hydro employees. For more
information about the CFSA and how you can help,
please visit: www.cfsa.nf.net.