Energy Executives Defend Actions at Gas Plant Hearings, Expert Reveals

Energy executives from N.B. Power faced tough scrutiny during the initial days of hearings regarding the proposed Tantramar gas plant. The hearings, held in Moncton, are integral to evaluating the utility’s potential 25-year agreement with Missouri’s ProEnergy. This agreement involves the construction and operation of a natural gas and diesel plant that could generate between 400 to 500 megawatts.

Expert Insights on N.B. Power’s Strategy

Yves Gagnon, a professor at Université de Moncton, stated that N.B. Power seems “on the defensive” during these critical discussions. Gagnon emphasized the complex nature of electricity systems, which has been evident in the questioning faced by the executives.

• The utility needs an additional 400 megawatts by 2028 to prevent potential rolling blackouts.
• Gagnon argues that while the gas plant might be an easy fix, it isn’t necessarily the best long-term solution.
• He advocates for a shift towards smart grids that utilize renewable energy and energy storage.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Community group Action Cap-Acadie organized a protest outside the hearings. Member Jean Bourgeois raised concerns that health and environmental issues were excluded from discussions. He criticized the lack of public policy considerations regarding potential impacts on healthcare and ecosystems.

• ProEnergy is conducting an environmental impact assessment with the New Brunswick government.
• They are also evaluating the project in conjunction with Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. regarding Mi’kmaq rights.

Cold Weather Challenges

The hearings discussed a significant cold weather event from February 2023, which strained N.B. Power’s generation capabilities. During extreme conditions from February 3 to 5, N.B. Power came close to a power shortage, highlighting the urgency of their current assessments.

• Demand surged dangerously due to cold temperatures.
• N.B. Power’s operations team and collaboration with neighboring utilities prevented rolling blackouts.

Future Steps for N.B. Power

Questions were raised about N.B. Power’s justification for the need for 400 megawatts by 2028. Darren Clark, N.B. Power’s Director of Corporate Planning, noted that feedback from a Resource Adequacy Assessment prompted the utility to commission a consultant’s report in October 2025.

• The March 2024 report, which suggests the gas plant, was criticized for its brevity.
• The utility has plans to implement recommendations from the upcoming consultant report.

The hearings will proceed with further inquiries from both the public intervener and Energy and Utilities Board staff. As pivotal decisions loom, the discussions surrounding the Tantramar gas plant continue to draw attention from various stakeholders.