New Brunswick net metering: a conversation with CBC

Originally published on LinkedIn. This article reflects the information and perspective at the time of the original post.

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with CBC/Radio-Canada about the proposed net-metering changes in New Brunswick, and to share some of the experience we had in Nova Scotia in 2022. I’m grateful to CBC for covering this important issue.

Ultimately, it is up to New Brunswickers to decide what the future of solar should look like in NB. They have a public utility facing real financial challenges, and there are no easy answers. It is important that people are well informed about what is being proposed, what it could mean for the province’s distributed energy future, and that a genuine public conversation unfolds.

Premier Susan Holt has signalled that while the government will not intervene before the regulatory board’s decision, it does have a role to play in supporting the growth of solar, because “it’s in our collective best interest to have more renewable, clean, and non-emitting energy.”

Her Energy Minister, Rene Legacy, has encouraged the public to participate in the ongoing regulatory process.

I’m a strong believer that if Atlantic Canada works collaboratively on energy that we all stand to benefit.

That includes both large-scale renewable energy development and transmission, but also distributed energy resources and demand-side solutions, where I think our region has unique strengths and the potential to lead.

I’m looking forward to the Atlantic Canada distributed energy industry gathering again this December at the 2026 Atlantic Canada Solar Summit. Hopefully we will hear a positive update from New Brunswick.

https://lnkd.in/gzhVrtYN (opens in a new tab) Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) Solar NB Solaire Énergie NB Power Solar Nova Scotia Atlantic Electricity Cooperation Initiative