New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says a memorandum signed between her province and the provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to further connect the regions electric grid will benefit the people of the region as power needs continue to grow. In an interview with CTV Your Morning, Holt says as a first step the three provinces will integrate all their future energy planning. “Now we are going to look at all of our generation assets in the Maritimes together,” says Holt. “All of the interties, the transmission connections, all of the demand forecasts, and as we plan more assets… we need to make sure we are able to deliver that.” According to the three provinces, the goal of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to improve affordability, optimize planning and investments, and strengthen system efficiency and resilience in the region. Maritime electricity systems are currently interconnected but operate as distinct provincially regulated systems. The provinces say they will explore the pros and cons of a potential Maritime Independent Electricity System Operator. NB Power says in a statement to CTV news it supports the regional initiative led by the Governments of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I. “The goal is to better understand whether enhanced regional coordination could help deliver long-term benefits for customers, including reliable service, a more resilient electricity system and greater value from future investments,” a spokesperson for the utility says. Moving forward, the process will examine potential opportunities, costs, benefits, risks, and implementation considerations. “NB Power will contribute its expertise and support the work as it progresses, while remaining focused on providing safe, reliable and affordable service for New Brunswickers,” says the utility. Atlantica Centre for Energy president Michelle Robichaud says they have been working for a number of years to demonstrate why regional collaboration will benefit all three maritime provinces. “It’s probably one of the most consequential announcements in the last decade for energy and electricity,” says Robichaud. “Certainly, Atlantic Canada is really well connected, but we’ve been planning in silos, and we’ve been planning in separate systems for a long time. I think it’s a way for us to see is their greater benefits and greater value for planning as one region, well at the same time, maintaining or ensuring that we respect provincial ownership and decision making.” Robichaud says a more connected grid wouldn’t mean higher electricity rates for residents. She admits collaboration between all of the different parties – including government officials and various electricity providers in the region – won’t be easy. She says the process will be both timely and diligent but is pleased to see the MOU mention providing updates this fall and next spring to help keep the plan accountable. “They’re going to do the work that it’s going to take to really understand, does regional collaboration make sense,” Robichaud says. “They’re also going to be doing that in a fairly quick process, so really pleased with that.” When asked if there is any downside to a more regional approach, Robichaud says she had none off the top of her head. “I think if we’re successful in this, the average citizen won’t know the difference,” Robichaud says. “But what they will notice is that their energy bills might not go up, or the reliability aspect, so that we don’t have to issue announcements that say we’re preparing for a blackout or a brownout during winter season.” “The provinces will continue to lead this process and provide updates as key milestones are reached,” says NB Power. More to come... For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
