A New Brunswick senior faced a chilling nine-day ordeal after NB Power disconnected her electricity service without providing any explanation, leaving her in a potentially dangerous situation as temperatures dropped.
The Unexpected Disconnection
Theresa Beaudin, a senior resident, found herself suddenly without power when NB Power cut her electricity service. The utility company provided no warning and no reason for the disconnection, leaving Beaudin confused and concerned about her wellbeing.
The disconnection occurred in late November 2025, a time when New Brunswick weather can become particularly harsh. Beaudin described her frightening experience: "I had no heat" during the nine-day period when her home remained without electricity.
Communication Breakdown
What makes this situation particularly troubling is the complete lack of communication from NB Power. The utility company failed to notify Beaudin about the impending disconnection and provided no explanation afterward.
This case highlights potential systemic issues within utility customer service protocols, especially concerning vulnerable populations like seniors. The absence of proper notification procedures raises serious questions about consumer protection standards.
Broader Implications
This incident occurs amid growing concerns about utility accountability and customer service standards across Canada. The nine-day duration of the outage represents an unusually long period for any household to be without power, particularly for a senior citizen.
The situation underscores the importance of clear communication protocols between utility providers and their customers, especially when disconnections may affect vulnerable individuals. It also raises questions about what safeguards exist to protect consumers from similar situations.
As temperatures continue to drop with the approaching winter season, reliable utility service becomes increasingly critical for all residents, particularly seniors who may be more vulnerable to cold conditions.
