The Holt Liberals want to change how you are represented when N.B. Power raises rates. A newly introduced bill creates a consumer advocate specifically for residential and small business customers.

This legislation replaces the existing public intervener role. Under the current system, the intervener must consider all ratepayers, including large industrial companies. The new advocate focuses entirely on your needs as a homeowner or small business owner.

Former Intervener Praises the Move

Peter Hyslop served as a public intervener under a previous Progressive Conservative government. He supports the change.

“I would say it is quite progressive legislation,” Hyslop told CBC News. “I may have some minor quibbles, but overall I think it gives the residential consumer and small business a fighting chance, so it is good legislation.”

In 2017, the Energy and Utilities Board rejected a request from Hyslop to represent residential customers specifically during a rate hike hearing. The board stated it lacked the legal authority to allow it. This new bill directly addresses that limitation.

Advocates See a Step Forward

Randy Hatfield, executive director of the Human Development Council, also supports the bill.

“For too long residential ratepayers have not had a dedicated voice at the Energy and Utilities board,” Hatfield said. “It is pretty quiet and rather difficult to get the interests and concerns of low-income residential ratepayers in front of the board.”

Political Pushback and the Bottom Line

The bill is part of the government action plan addressing N.B. Power and its massive debt. However, Energy Minister René Legacy confirmed this new role does not lower your power bills.

Progressive Conservative energy critic Kris Austin criticized the legislation. He called it an empty gesture that fails to make life more affordable for New Brunswickers.

Green Party Leader David Coon agreed that narrowing the mandate is a good idea. He also noted the bill takes pressure off local politicians. Currently, many residents call their MLAs to resolve N.B. Power issues. Coon argued the utility should handle these complaints internally without political intervention.

How the Complaint Process Works

Under the new legislation, the advocate reviews complaints from individual N.B. Power customers. If the utility fails to resolve the issue, the advocate escalates the complaint to the Energy and Utilities Board. The board then has the authority to order corrective measures, though it retains the right to refuse a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the new energy advocate do?

The energy advocate represents residential and small business customers in New Brunswick. They handle complaints and advocate for these groups during Energy and Utilities Board hearings.

Will this lower my N.B. Power bill?

No. Energy Minister René Legacy stated that the creation of the advocate does not cause power bills to go down.

How is this different from the public intervener?

The public intervener had to consider the interests of all ratepayers, including large industrial clients. The new advocate focuses exclusively on residential and small business customers.