from the NR: "The cost of the NTL is currently estimated at $561-617 million. The federal government has pledged $130 million and AltaGas (owner of Forrest Kerr IPP), is contributing $180 million . This leaves an unfunded portion of $251-307 million. There are several options to cover the unfunded portion. One option currently being considered is a capital contribution from the initial mines connecting to the NTL, on a pro-rata basis."

NTL being underfunded was a surprise to me too. It has been under construction for how long? I didn't think BC Hydro went off half-cocked like this. The unfunded portion is no small potatoes - in the realm of 50% of the total cost. It will be a tough bill to swallow for the 'initial mines' connecting to the grid as they will still have their own lines extending from Bob Quinn. CUU's line alone to connect to Bob Quinn is in the order of $200M; to add another ~$100M +/- for it's 'pro-rata' is significant. That extra $100M isn't included in our Capex at this point. Imperial has a significant connecting power line too.

Interesting dilema. NTL has only so much capacity for so many mines but the more mines, the lower the respective contributions. Ideally another hydro generation project in the region would be the best thing to happen - more capacity and more partners to pay for NTL.

What happens if the total funding requirement is not met in the next year or so? Does BCHydro press on and go over its budget and recoup money later? More provincial and fed money?