New Energy Partnership for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Premier's Office

Published Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick power companies are exploring the opportunity for a new 500 megawatt line that would more than double the electrical transmission capacity between the two provinces. Premier Darrell Dexter, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham, Nova Scotia Power CEO Rob Bennett, and NB Power CEO Gaetan Thomas announced the project in Fredericton.

Quotes

Historically, Nova Scotia was an energy island and now because of this project, the province will have a stronger grid that will allow more power to be imported and exported. That means that more jobs will be created that will strengthen and grow the economy, and businesses and Nova Scotians from one end of the province to the other will have stable energy prices which will result in more affordable power in the foreseeable future.Premier Darrell Dexter

New Brunswick has been actively working with our neighbours to build regional transmission capacity and leverage our position as an energy hub to create jobs to keep our young people at home. This new transmission capacity is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will open the door for new renewable energy projects in New Brunswick and power exports to Nova Scotia.New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham

Emera and Nova Scotia Power are committed to cleaner, cost-effective, more diversified and better connected electricity and energy infrastructure within Atlantic Canada. We are also committed to development of infrastructure that improves our region's connection with the rest of North America.Rob Bennett, president and CEO, Nova Scotia Power

Ensuring that we are doing the right things for our customers is paramount. By maximizing regional collaboration, we are ensuring that we are reducing our risk, taking full advantage of our generation resources and continually looking for new and innovative solutions.Gaetan Thomas, NB Power president and CEO

Quick Facts

  • The proposed connection would have a transmission capacity of up to 500 megawatts which, when added to the existing 300-megawatt connection, would more than double the transmission capacity between the two provinces.
  • The proposed new regional transmission line would be between Colchester County and Southern New Brunswick.
  • NB Power and Emera will work together on a project-development plan to address such details as costs, ownership of the lines and assignment of operational responsibilities.
  • The project would require a provincial environmental assessment and need to be approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
  • Talks between Emera and NB Power will also focus on enhancing the existing agreement between NB Power and Emera's Bayside Power natural gas fuelled generation facility in Saint John, and examining the potential for expansion.

Learn More

Images

Premier Dexter (left) and Nova Scotia Power CEO Rob Bennett (right) take questions from media. (CNB photo)
Download high-res version
Premier Darrell Dexter outlining details of energy partnership (CNB photo)
Download high-res version
Premier Dexter (centre) shares a laugh with New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham (right) at announcement. (CNB photo)
Download high-res version
New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham (left) and Premier Darrell Dexter (right) at Fredericton news conference (CNB photo)
Download high-res version

Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the partnership is a win for everyone...
Premier Dexter says historically Nova Scotia was an energy island but that will change...
Premier Shawn Graham of New Brunswick says it's an exciting announcement...
Rob Bennett, president and CEO, Nova Scotia Power says this demonstrates how governments and electrical utilities are working together....