Minister: 'I'm unaware of sale of power plant to UK company'

Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales has denied any knowledge of the sale of a Trinidad and Tobago power plant to a London-based power company.

His comments came after news that US and TT power plants were up for grabs by ContourGlobal at a total cost of US$837 million.

The report, which circulated on several international media sites, said the sale was set to be completed by mid-June next year and would expand into these markets.

It said, “The consideration for the assets included existing project net debt of around (US)$210 million.

“Some of the assets involved in the deal are the 604-megawatt (MW) Hobbs combined cycle gas turbine plant (CCGT) in New Mexico, the 230 MW Borger cogeneration asset in Texas, and the 225 MW Trinity gas turbine located in TT.”

ContourGlobal acquires wholesale power-generation capacity. It focuses on renewable and thermal energy, and functions in 18 countries.

Gonzales, via Whatsapp messages on Tuesday afternoon, said he was unaware of any such deals.

He said the article which has been circulating online appeared to be related to Trinity Power Ltd, one of the independent power producers of electricity generation at the Point Lisas Estate.

Gonzales said, “The company is owned by Western Generation Partners, a US company. The Commission (TT Electricity Commission) has not been officially informed about any proposed sale of assets.

“I can confirm that it is not PowerGen as no such discussions took place at the Board. Trinity is a possibility as this is a private company and has had changed ownership in the past. If that happens the contract with T&TEC remains.

“I can’t speak for TGU but feel sure that government or cabinet must be consulted for such consideration.”

Officials at TGU said they were not aware of any sale of the company. Officials at Trinity Power Ltd could not be reached for comment.