Why has Prince Edward Island depended heavily on imported energy sources?

Prince Edward Island has historically depended on imported energy sources primarily because the province lacks local supplies of natural gas and oil.1

At the beginning of the 21st century, imported oil accounted for approximately three-fourths of the province's total energy supply, with transportation and petroleum-based heating fuels making up the majority of that consumption.1

In response to this reliance, the province has become a leader in experimenting with renewable energy. Today, wind energy plays a significant role in the local power sector, generating about one-fifth of the electricity sold in the province through both public and private facilities.1