On October 29, 2009 the need for a comprehensive energy policy was brought to the forefront of New Brunswick politics with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding outlining the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec (please see below for more information on the proposed sale). Ideally, a comprehensive energy policy will incorporate a variety of aspects surrounding energy including the regulatory framework and energy efficiencies. 

Since October, New Brunswick businesses, citizens and politicians alike have been actively engaged in the discourse regarding Energy Policy in the province. The momentum that has been created must be continued and utilized to ensure all parties remain engaged and contribute to the development of a comprehensive energy policy which will need to address the concerns of businesses and citizens while mitigating the risks involved. The Saint John Board of Trade feels there needs to be a clear, non-partisan, long-term vision for energy in our province as our citizens and businesses depend on competitive, clean, reliable energy. This vision is needed as soon as possible.

Proposed Sale of NB Power

The Saint John Board of Trade has created this page to provide our members with links to some of the information available on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on October 29, 2009 by the Provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec outlining the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec.

On January 20, 2010 the Provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec announced changes to the MOU and the conclusion of negotiations. On March 24, 2010 the Department of Energy announced the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec was no longer viable.

What your Board of Trade did regarding the MOU

We surveyed our Members' initial response, hosted an information breakfast with Honourable Jack Keir, Minister of Energy, have hosted a luncheon with Mr. Thierry Vandal, CEO of Hydro Quebec, and have established a Task Force comprised of members of the Board of Directors representing various sized businesses, who are meeting with stakeholders and subject matter experts. Some of the information provided below was provided to our Task Force for examination.

Province of New Brunswick Information

Electricity Ratepayers to be better protected - July 27, 2010

New energy partnerships possible between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia - July 20, 2010

Letter of intent to develop energy opportunities, grow energy hub - July 8, 2010

New Brunswick Regulatory Framework Options for Improvement (482.55KB)- June 15, 2010

New Brunswick Not Proceeding with Energy Agreement March 24, 2010

Final Report by Advisory Panel on the Proposed New Brunswick-Quebec Electricity Transaction (1.60MB)

Province of New Brunswick Press Release January 20, 2010: New Brunswick to Retain Ownership... (167.31KB)

New Brunswick & Quebec conclude negotiations (126.91KB)

Summary of Agreement on Energy between the Governments of Quebec and New Brunswick, January 20, 2010 (249.96KB)

Memorandum of Understanding October 29, 2009 (84.67KB)

Province of New Brunswick website for the MOU

NERA Report Assessing Impact of MOU on Rates (195.76KB)

Department of Environment Report: Environmental Implications of potential sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec (265.70KB)

Saint John Board of Trade Information

Saint John Board of Trade Submission on the NB Regulatory Framework Options for Improvement Document (July 23, 2010)

Saint John Board of Trade News Release (February 4, 2010)

Saint John Board of Trade News Release (January 12, 2010)

Message from the Chairperson, Kathryn Craig December 4, 2009

Saint John Board of Trade Members Survey on Proposed Sale of NB Power Nov 4-Nov 13 2009(47.9KB)

Additional Sources of Information

Saint John Energy in association with the NB Municipal Electric Utility Association's submission on the NB Regulatory Framework Options for Improvement Document (July 23, 2010) (236.15KB) 

On June 23, 2010 the Atlantica Centre for Energy held “Advancing the Energy Dialogue” session at the Delta Hotel.  At this session A.C.E. shared a set of discussion papers with a number of industry, community, and government stakeholders during its meeting of the Centre’s Board of Directors. The Centre which serves as the principal meeting ground for energy stakeholders in the broader region prepared the set of papers aimed to further advance the energy dialogue in the region. click for media release (101.02KB)

The five papers aim to outline many of the challenges and opportunities in our regional energy sector and present options for stakeholders and policy makers to consider. The following links provide the contents for each of the respective papers:
1. Advancing the Energy Dialogue: Powering Economic Development in New Brunswick (299.73KB)
2. Electricity: A Regional Vision for Sustainability (340.66KB)
3. Natural Gas: Achieving the Full Potential (317.55KB)
4. Smart Energy: Renewables and New Technologies (387.39KB)
5. Energy: A Regional Opportunity (326.50KB)

AIMS Commentary: An Analysis of the New Brunswick-Hydro Quebec MOU Dec 3, 2009 (302.83KB) 

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association Industry Discussion Dec 3, 2009 (1.36MB)

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association Information Session Dec 3, 2009 (325.68KB)

David Campbell's presentation to Energy Task Force Dec 10, 2009(859 KB)

Atlantica Centre for Energy News Release Dec 15, 2009 (138.51KB)

Knowledge is Power Dec 16, 2009 (1.64MB) 

Links to Utilities

Hydro Quebec

NB Power

Saint John Energy