Premier Susan Holt expressed her desire to explore alternative locations for a contentious natural gas power plant currently slated for a rural area in Tantramar. In an interview with CBC News on December 16, Holt mentioned her preference for a site that garners local community approval, acknowledging the resistance towards the current location. She highlighted a recent suggestion received via Facebook proposing a more suitable spot 20 kilometers away for the plant, which is intended to supply N.B. Power with 400 megawatts of power.
Addressing concerns about the project’s acceptance within the community, Holt emphasized the importance of identifying a site that aligns with the community’s sentiments, particularly in Centre Village, the rural area in Tantramar. When asked about her confidence in N.B. Power’s leadership, management, and site selection process, Holt commended the utility’s efforts but stressed the necessity for thorough scrutiny by the government and the Energy and Utilities Board to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
N.B. Power faces time constraints, with upcoming hearings by the EUB in February and a crucial decision required by April for the U.S.-based company ProEnergy, slated to construct the plant. Additionally, N.B. Power forecasted a potential electricity generation shortfall by 2028, prompting concerns raised by Energy Minister René Legacy about potential energy deficits during peak demand periods, starting as early as the current winter season.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s winter forecast report highlighted insufficient reserve margin in the Maritime region, emphasizing the need for a 20% cushion in electricity generation capacity during peak demands. However, the region currently possesses only a 17% reserve margin, indicating potential challenges in meeting energy demands during peak periods.
Despite the urgency to address energy deficiencies, Holt underscored the importance of respecting local opposition while balancing the necessity for reliable power generation. While acknowledging the limitations of the Tantramar site, Holt emphasized the ongoing search for alternative options that satisfy both energy demands and community concerns.
Holt’s commitment to engaging with public feedback has been a defining aspect of her tenure, albeit facing criticism in specific instances for decision-making processes. As the government awaits a report on N.B. Power’s future by March 31, Holt emphasized swift action on recommendations and hinted at a potential cabinet shuffle while acknowledging the diligent efforts of her current ministerial team.