(Premier David Alward Talking To Reporters In Saint John)
(File Photo)
Premier David Alward and Energy Minister Craig Leonard will be in Saint John today to announce the members of the new provincial energy commission.This comes just one day after word of yet another delay in the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.
The President of Saint John Energy says like most people in the province, he is disappointed and concerned about the impact it will have on future costs increases. Eric Marr tells CHSJ News the delays are outside of the government's control right now. NB Power has announced the refit will be complete in the fall of 2012, three years behind schedule.
NB Power CEO Gaetan Thomas says the revised schedule is necessary to ensure the power plant's safe and reliable operation for 25 to 30 years. Premier Alward has promised to freeze power rates for three years but his election promise was based on Point Lepreau resuming operations in February 2012.
Tim Currie of the Atlantica Centre for Energy says getting the plant online and operating for the next three decades is the way to go.
