NB Power customers concerned with rising rates, performance: report

The NB Power headquarters in Fredericton. (Source: Nick Moore/CTV News Atlantic)

NB Power customers and stakeholders are concerned with rising rates and performance and communications issues, according to a report by a team that is conducting a full review of the energy utility.

A three-person panel – comprised of Michael Bernstein, Anne Bertrand and Duncan Hawthorne – held nine in-person engagement sessions from June to December to gather input ahead of their final review with recommendations in March.

The provincial government launched the review last April to ensure NB Power is providing competitive rates and stable services.

“Our goal for this comprehensive review is to make recommendations that can be implemented in a timely manner to make NB Power fit for the future,” a statement from the panel reads.

The panel released a report on Friday that lists common themes they heard during the engagement process, which include:

• concern over rising rates and affordability
• better and clearer communications from NB Power
• a focus on better performance and cost control
• the need for an integrated and long-term provincial energy strategy
• better governance within the company and from politicians
• the importance of transitioning to a cleaner future

“Questions such as ‘When will the increases end?’ and ‘Where are power rates going in the next three to five years?’ were common, underscoring widespread anxiety about long-term affordability,” the report reads. “Businesses also highlighted the need for more stability and a longer term understanding of rate changes so that they can plan accordingly.

“Energy poverty and protections for vulnerable groups, such as low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities was another recurring theme. Feedback emphasized that electricity is viewed as an essential service, akin to food and shelter. Many of those engaged called for stronger protections and income-based billing options.”

While the panel’s full review on NB Power will not be ready for two months, they did note in this report that the energy utility must work with the realities of the province, which include winter peaks.

“New Brunswick cannot rely on other jurisdictions to solve their energy needs,” the report reads. “New Brunswick has historically been able to rely on accessible and affordable electricity from Hydro Quebec. This is something we cannot depend on in the future as Hydro Quebec is no longer in a surplus situation and is embarking on a $135 to $160 billion program to meet its own needs and requirements.”

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