If you live in northern New Brunswick, you know how frustrating a power outage is. Now, local leaders are calling out N.B. Power for upgrading transmission lines to the United States while leaving your communities in the dark. Edmundston Mayor Eric Marquis and Haut Madawaska officials describe the crown corporation’s decision to prioritize lines running to Maine as a glaring injustice.

According to a recent report from CBC News, N.B. Power plans to begin upgrade work in May on transmission lines 88 and 89. These lines supply electricity to 58,000 people in northern and eastern Maine. Meanwhile, Line 70, the aging infrastructure that powers Edmundston and surrounding areas, continues to fail and cause frequent outages for your home and business.

Frequent Outages Hurt Your Community

Marquis notes that power outages often last for hours. You will notice these disruptions strike during the warmest and coldest times of the year when peak demand hits. The outages create major problems for local residents, businesses, and hospitals.

The City of Edmundston manages its own power distribution and generates some electricity through two hydro facilities. However, the city relies heavily on Line 70 to meet the rest of its energy needs. Officials flagged this specific line for replacement back in 2005.

N.B. Power Defends the Upgrades

Philippe Landry, interim vice president of operations for N.B. Power, told Radio Canada that the poles directing power to the United States require immediate replacement. He denies prioritizing the Maine lines over local infrastructure and insists work on Line 70 remains ongoing.

Despite these claims, local leaders feel ignored. N.B. Power informed the municipality of Haut Madawaska that upgrades to Line 70 will take up to five years to complete.

Regional Economic Impact

The power failures extend well beyond Edmundston. Haut Madawaska covers the northwest panhandle of the province and includes several villages that rely on consistent electricity. Incoming mayor Nancy Ann Landry states that repeated outages severely impact local businesses, pharmacies, nursing homes, and a large poultry processing industry.

Landry emphasizes that the region does not oppose supplying power to Maine. However, she insists the local line requires immediate attention to prevent further economic losses and protect the region’s reputation for investment.

Marquis plans to meet with N.B. Power in the coming weeks to demand a clear timeline for the Line 70 replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Edmundston leaders upset with N.B. Power?
Local leaders are frustrated because N.B. Power is upgrading transmission lines that supply electricity to Maine while delaying necessary repairs to Line 70, which powers Edmundston and Haut Madawaska.

How do the power outages affect your local area?
The outages last for hours and occur during peak demand in extreme weather. They disrupt hospitals, nursing homes, local businesses, and the regional poultry processing industry.

What is N.B. Power saying about the situation?
N.B. Power states that the poles supplying Maine need immediate replacement. The crown corporation denies prioritizing the US lines and claims work on the local infrastructure is ongoing, though officials estimate it will take five years to complete.