Public input sought for long-term energy supply plan
Our Energy Future NB from NB Power on Vimeo.
New Brunswickers are invited to share their priorities about clean energy, affordability and customer options as NB Power maps out its energy supply plan for the next 25 years.
NB Power is seeking public input for its Integrated Resource Plan 2017, which will be submitted to the provincial government and the Energy and Utilities Board later this year.
New Brunswickers are encouraged to share their thoughts online or in person at a community dialogue session during the month of April. The deadline for feedback is May 15.
“The plan we are developing will guide our decision-making, our investments and the introduction of potential new products and services,” said Keith Cronkhite, NB Power’s senior vice-president of business development and strategic planning. “There are a lot of options for how we meet the energy needs of New Brunswick, so it is important that we understand what is more important to you.”
With input from experts and the public, the plan will explore:
- Options to meet projected demand for electricity while ensuring that at least 40 per cent is from renewable energy sources.
- The role NB Power can play in responding to climate change as the utility transitions from traditional fuels to cleaner energy sources.
- The role NB Power customers want to play in managing future energy needs, by using electricity more efficiently, generating it, or storing it themselves.
- Ensuring the utility provides affordable, reliable and safe electricity for all New Brunswickers.
While the plan is forecast for 25 years, NB Power updates it on a regular basis to reflect new technology, changes in customer demand and fuel pricing. The last plan was filed in 2014.
NB Power is required to submit an Integrated Resource Plan to the Energy and Utilities Board at least once every three years. The board will consider the plan, along with the ten-year strategic, financial and capital investment plan and other considerations, in approving rates. Each version of the plan will involve input from the utility’s customers.
