The government has released a comprehensive action plan in response to recommendations identified in the recent review of NB Power, outlining a long-term strategy to provide more stable and affordable rates, strengthen accountability and fiscal sustainability, and better position New Brunswick for future growth in the energy sector.
The comprehensive review, which was launched in April 2025, focused on four areas: financial sustainability, governance and utility structure, customer expectations, and investor attractiveness and strategic partnerships. Three independent leads were identified to conduct a transparent, collaborative and evidence-based review while engaging with New Brunswickers and stakeholders.
The review followed years of rising electricity costs and growing concern from New Brunswickers about affordability and spikes in bills. The government implemented a 10 per cent rebate on power bills to help mitigate the rate increases.
The action plan focuses on modernizing the utility so it can operate more efficiently, manage future growth responsibly, and help provide more stable and competitive rates over the long term.
"New Brunswickers are worried about affordability and frustrated by rising power bills," said Premier Susan Holt. "This review made it clear that maintaining the status quo is not an option. We are taking a comprehensive approach to transforming NB Power so it can deliver reliable service, better manage costs and remain financially sustainable as demand for electricity continues to grow. At the same time, New Brunswick has an opportunity to play a larger role in Canada's evolving electricity system and help power growth across the Maritimes. The actions we are taking today are about protecting ratepayers while positioning our province to compete and succeed in the clean energy economy."
The government is acting on all 50 of the recommendations in the review. Recommendations are grouped under eight major outcomes focused on improving governance, modernizing regulation, strengthening long-term energy planning, improving organizational performance and ensuring disciplined management of major infrastructure projects.
Key actions 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 plan recognizes the urgency of affordability concerns and the importance of preparing the province for increasing electricity demand and the clean-energy transition.
"New Brunswick is already a critical part of the regional electricity system, and we have an opportunity to build on that strength," said Legacy. "But to do that, we need a utility that is modern, financially sustainable and capable of making smart long-term decisions. This action plan creates a clear path forward to improve reliability, support competitive rates and ensure NB Power is positioned to meet the needs of New Brunswickers for decades to come."
Implementation of the plan is already underway in several areas. Progress will be tracked through quarterly updates, with results being made available to the public online.
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