The three independent leads who conducted the NB Power review have listed the implementation of an improved governance framework and of a long-term energy policy among their recommendations to aid in decision making for the New Brunswick utility’s future.
The final report entitled “Fit for the Future – A Comprehensive Review of NB Power” outlined five key areas for improvement. It also called for rules and regulations to be updated, a change in culture, and the acknowledgement of nuclear as a separate category.
The report included 50 recommendations in total.
“Our report informs of the harsh realities that government and NB Power are facing and reveals a series of interconnected issues, meaning that a single solution will not suffice,” said co-review lead Anne Bertrand in a statement. “Our recommendations intend to balance the many interests and goals with a series of actions that shape the best way forward.”
Co-review lead Duncan Hawthorne added that they had sought to present actionable recommendations “that we feel will allow early progress in areas that will be beneficial to all New Brunswickers.”
“We have tried to develop recommendations that will serve the best interests of New Brunswickers. They are based on our understanding of the specific challenges and circumstances of NB Power,” co-review lead Michael Bernstein said. “Some of the recommendations will be easier to implement, while others are more complex and will take time.”
Energy minister René Legacy said in a statement that the NB government would be acting on the recommendations in “a timely and transparent way” and that “work has already begun.” Legacy added that the government intended to develop a “concrete action plan” to address the recommendations; it committed to delivering on subsequent steps by May.
The NB Power review was first announced in April 2025, and work commenced in May 2025.