Executives from New Brunswick's public utility faced a series of pointed inquiries from municipal leaders this week regarding a proposed new power generation facility. The session, held on December 17, 2025, saw NB Power's chief commercial officer, Brad Coady, deliver a presentation and field questions inside the Tantramar council chambers.
Council Seeks Clarity on Project Details
The meeting provided a formal platform for Tantramar councillors to scrutinize the early plans put forward by the provincial energy provider. While the specific location and technology of the proposed plant were not detailed in the initial report, the discussion is understood to have covered a range of operational and planning concerns typical for such large-scale infrastructure projects.
Council members likely sought assurances on several fronts, including the potential environmental footprint of the new facility, its integration into the local grid, and the long-term implications for ratepayers across the province. Such dialogues are a critical step in the pre-approval phase, allowing elected local officials to gather information and voice constituent concerns directly to the project proponents.
A Step in the Public Engagement Process
The presentation by Brad Coady represents a proactive move by NB Power to engage with community leadership before formal regulatory applications are finalized. This type of outreach is increasingly common as utility companies aim to build public trust and address issues early in the development timeline.
The questioning from the Tantramar council underscores the complex balancing act faced by energy providers: meeting growing provincial electricity demands while addressing local community priorities and environmental considerations. The outcomes of this meeting will inform NB Power's next steps as it refines its proposal.
What Comes Next for the Proposal?
Following the council session, NB Power will need to digest the feedback and potentially adjust its plans. The utility's proposal is expected to undergo a much more extensive public and regulatory review process, which will include opportunities for broader public input and environmental assessment.
The project's advancement will depend on demonstrating a clear need for the additional generation capacity, a viable and cost-effective design, and a comprehensive plan to mitigate any negative impacts on the surrounding community and environment. The dialogue that began in the Tantramar council chambers on that December day is just the opening chapter in what will be a lengthy and detailed examination of New Brunswick's future energy infrastructure.
