New Brunswick's Premier, Susan Holt, is seeking an alternative location for a controversial natural gas power plant, prioritizing community acceptance. Holt, in a year-end interview, expressed her desire for the plant to be built in an area where it is acceptable to the local community. She acknowledged the resistance from the Centre Village community in Tantramar, understanding their concerns. Holt received a Facebook message suggesting a site 20 kilometers away as a better option. However, she did not express confidence in N.B. Power's selection process or leadership. The plant, intended to provide 400 megawatts of power, faces a tight timeline with hearings scheduled in February. The Energy and Utilities Board must ensure nothing was missed in the project's evaluation. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation highlights a reserve margin shortfall in the Maritime region, raising concerns about power generation during peak demand. Holt's energy minister, René Legacy, expressed worries about shortfalls as early as this winter. The premier's commitment to listening to New Brunswickers has been a hallmark of her time in office, but it has also led to challenges in decision-making. A major decision facing Holt in 2026 is what to do with N.B. Power, with a review panel report due by March 31. She plans to act swiftly on the recommendations, deciding which to implement and which to disregard.
