The province has released its action plan to address recommendations on improving NB Power.
Of the 50, the province has determined responses for 44, with six requiring more analysis.
Premier Susan Holt said her government won’t shy away from making tough decisions.
“New Brunswickers are worried about affordability and frustrated by rising power bills,” Holt said.
“This review made it clear that maintaining the status quo is not an option.”
Holt said the government will take a “comprehensive approach” to transforming NB Power so the utility can deliver reliable service, better manage costs and remain financially sustainable as demand for electricity continues to grow.
Some of the actions the government has planned include:
- Developing a new long-term provincial energy policy aligned with NB Power’s future needs and the province’s economic growth objectives
- Reviewing and modernizing the Electricity Act and broader energy regulatory framework to improve transparency, accountability and long-term planning
- Creating an energy sector consumer advocate’s office to better represent residential and small business customers
- Advancing discussions around greater regional co-operation and integration among utilities in the Maritimes, including exploring the concept of a Maritime independent system operator
- Improving accountability with respect to performance measurement, staffing reviews, project management and customer service within NB Power
- Strengthening oversight and financial planning for major projects such as those at the Mactaquac and Belledune generating stations
- Improving the performance of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station through planning, accountability, clear metrics and relationship-building.
Energy Minister René Legacy said the province recognizes how urgent affordability concerns have become for New Brunswickers, and the plan reflects that.
“New Brunswick is already a critical part of the regional electricity system and we have an opportunity to build on that strength,” Legacy said.
“But to do that, we need a utility that is modern, financially sustainable and capable of making smart long-term decisions.”
The plan includes target timelines with end dates ranging from now to the end of 2029.
Utility ready to get to work on plan: CEO
NB Power CEO Lori Clark said after the reveal of the action plan that the utility is ready to improve its operations.
Clark said NB Power worked closely with the province to come up with actions and timelines.
“There are a number of key recommendations in the report that we need to move on without hesitation,” Clark said.
“There are a number of things that we can do in the immediate term and while a lot of them are complicated and will require an intense level of effort, they’re required in order to modernize the utility.”
The full plan can be seen here.
