Stand-by operations will be maintained at the Holyrood Generating Station even after first power from Muskrat Falls comes online later this year.

VOCM News learned this week that Hydro employees at the generation station are contracted to March of 2021.

One of the arguments used for developing Muskrat Falls was the elimination of the Holyrood plant.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says the plant is a critical part of the current system and will be needed for the production of power until the Labrador Island Link and Muskrat Falls are in service, and operating reliably.

According to the utility, Holyrood will go into stand-by mode as Muskrat Falls and the LIL are operating reliably.

Once that happens the generating portion of the plant will be decommissioned.