News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – A public feedback document, containing nearly 50 potential recommendations focused on developing a 10-year provincial energy plan, was released today for further public review.

William Thompson and Jeannot Volpé, co-chairs of the New Brunswick Energy Commission, prepared the document after receiving input from those who attended public meetings and stakeholder meetings, made presentations, provided written and online input, or participated in dialogue sessions during the last six months.

"We recognize the importance of consulting with the residents and key stakeholders of our province, and we appreciate their input and interest in developing an effective energy plan," said Thompson. "That is why we are sharing this document on the feedback we received before providing a final report to government. This will help ensure that we fairly and accurately represent the input that was provided during the public consultation process".

The commission developed the document from information gathered through more than 1,400 completed surveys submitted online; more than 200 public dialogue attendee surveys; meetings with more than 60 stakeholder groups; and nearly 75 public presentations.

"We want to ensure that the final recommendations we make to government will help develop an energy policy that finds the right balance among the priorities identified, such as the environment, the economy, and energy affordability," said Volpé. "These themes are consistent with what we heard from the various stakeholders during this process."

The feedback document makes several recommendations in the areas of electricity, natural gas, petroleum products, energy efficiency, renewable energy, regulatory matters, energy development and improving education and raising awareness.

Five key objectives were identified during this public engagement process:

●    developing a plan for low and stable-priced energy;
●    ensuring the security of energy supplies;
●    setting high standards of reliability in the generation and delivery of electricity;
●    producing, distributing and transmitting energy in an environmentally responsible manner; and
●    strengthening and expanding the role of the independent energy and utility regulator.

Further input can be provided by e-mailing submissions to the commission, at [email protected], by May 6. A final report will be submitted to government in May.

The provincial government created the commission in October 2010 with a mandate to conduct broad public consultation and to make recommendations on establishing a long-term energy plan.

The public feedback document and information about the commission and its mandate are online.

LINK:

●    New Brunswick Energy Commission: www.gnb.ca/energycommission