By Corey Bullock
The City of Kimberley has released the SunMine Production Update for the second quarter, along with a three year update.
City CAO Scott Sommerville explained in a report to City Council that SunMine production was “particularly productive” for the month of May, at 102.8 per cent of what was projected.
April 2018’s revenue for the SunMine was $18,603 on 176.81 MWh. May was even better with $21,481 on 240.48 MWh, and June’s revenue came in at $18,058 on 203.8 MWh.
June 22 marked the third anniversary of commercial production for the SunMine.
“As of June 30, 2018, the SunMine has generated $569,864,” wrote Sommervile. “Annual debt payments on the $2 million are $125,722 per year. Any surplus once debt and operating costs are paid goes into a reserve, which was at $32,746 at the end of 2017.”
He adds that there are 36 different rates paid for the electricity that is generated by the SunMine, dependant upon two factors. The first factor is which month of the year; rates paid in Mat and June are much lower than those paid in December and January.
“The rates are lower when hydroelectric power is plentiful, and higher when water levels are lower,” explained Sommerville.
The second factor, he says, is time of day, divided into peak (6a.m. to 4p.m. and 8p.m. to 10p.m.), super peak (4p.m. to 8pm.) and off peak (10p.m. to 6a.m. and Sundays).
“The most profitable months for the SunMine are July and August, and the least profitable months are November and January,” Sommerville said. “December is particular has been very disappointing compared to projections.”
To date, over 2,000 visitors have toured the Sun Mine site. Tod Caton from Simply Kimberley and Resort Tours has been assisting the City with meeting the demand for SunMine ecotours. Tod can be reached at 1.844.474.6759 to arrange a tour.