New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says her government is preparing a provincial round of public consultations on the future of NB Power.
“We need a solution that is acceptable to New Brunswickers… we saw what happened last time when a solution was presented that wasn’t acceptable to New Brunswickers,” says Holt, referring to the proposed 2009 deal to sell NB Power to Hydro- Québec. Following months of controversy, the deal was ultimately abandoned in March 2010 after Hydro-Quebec backed out.
Holt has previously said “everything is on the table” for addressing NB Power’s rising debt and monthly customer bills – including a full or partial sale of the utility.
“We need a process that is open, transparent, engaging, and involves New Brunswickers every step of the way,” says Holt.
The provincial government says details about the format and locations of public consultations will be made public within the next few weeks.
New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon, who is opposed to any sale of NB Power, says the idea of privatizing the Crown corporation has already been rejected by residents.
“I don’t know why the premier wants to go through another battle with the people of New Brunswick over an effort to keep the public utility public,” says Coon.
“If she wants to go down that road, ultimately there should be a referendum.”
Interim Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie also says any potential sale of NB Power should be put to a referendum, adding that public consultations should offer a full analysis of NB Power resources including Point Lepreau and Mactaquac.
“People need to understand the state of the infrastructure for NB Power, to understand that would impact any potential sale, partial sale, or privatization,” says Savoie.
In 2010, Hydro-Québec indicated concerns about future costs at Mactaquac as a reason for walking away from the proposed deal.
Right now, an ongoing internal audit at NB Power is examining the use of smart-metres and power bills. The review began in January and was supposed to finish last month, but is now expected for completion in April.
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