N.B. energy board approves gas-fired generation plant in Centre Village

The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has approved NB Power’s proposed natural gas-fired generation plant in Centre Village, a move that is drawing criticism from conservation groups.

The EUB approved the plant at a hearing on Thursday. The Renewables Integration Grid Security (RIGS) project is proposed to be in Centre Village on NB Power-owned land.

The power utility has previously said the plant, which is expected to be operational by 2028, is necessary to secure the province’s energy future.

“RIGS will provide reliable back-up power and is an important part of our strategic plan to deliver cleaner, greener energy while ensuring customers have the electricity they need when they need it,” a statement on NB Power’s website reads. “By supporting more renewable energy on the grid, RIGS helps us move toward a more sustainable energy future, while making sure we’re doing it right: with reliability, affordability and customer needs at the centre.”

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick was critical of the decision to approve the project, saying it will expose residents to more pollution and higher power bills.

“People want affordable, reliable, clean energy, not another massive fossil fuel project that increases pollution and leaves ratepayers holding the bill,” said Dr. Moe Qureshi, director of climate research and policy with the council, in a news release.

IESO Nova Scotia, which handles key electricity grid management for Nova Scotians, said it has signed a 10-year deal with NB Power to access 100 megawatts from the plant, which will have 10 fast-acting dual-fuel turbines.

“As Nova Scotia moves away from coal and significantly ramps up renewable generation under the provincial government’s Clean Power Plan, a significant portion of our electricity supply will come from variable sources like wind, and we have a responsibility to secure timely, dependable alternatives for when renewable energy is not enough to keep the lights on in our hospitals, schools, homes, and businesses,” said Johnny Johnston, president of IESO Nova Scotia.

The Protect the Chignecto Isthmus Coalition said they were “appalled” by the decision.

“This decision flies in the face of the evidence presented throughout the EUB hearings, which made clear that NB Power does not face a capacity crisis of the scale it has claimed — and certainly not one that justifies locking New Brunswickers into a 25-year, multi-billion dollar fossil fuel commitment that will raise their power bills, harm their health, and accelerate the very climate risks already threatening this region,” a news release from the group reads.

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