June 7, 2023
Green Party Leader Tables Bill to Increase Renewables Target and Expand Solar Power
FREDERICTON – Green Party leader and MLA for Fredericton South David Coon tabled a bill in the Legislative Assembly this morning that calls on the Minister of Energy Development to increase NB Power’s legislated target for sourcing electricity from renewable sources and create a community solar program to help achieve it.
“It’s time for the Premier to move beyond his obsession with fossil fuels and uranium, and recognize that when it comes to energy, the future is renewables,” said Coon. “New Brunswickers want to see more solar power, but so far NB Power has stood in the way of creating local solar gardens. This bill will remove that barrier.”
Under the community solar program proposed in the bill, First Nations, municipalities, and Regional Services Commissions could apply to the Minister of Energy Development to have their solar projects included in the program. These projects would produce power for their use but would require NB Power to purchase the surplus power.
“This guaranteed revenue stream would increase the return on investment from solar projects for First Nations, municipalities and Regional Service Commissions,” said Coon. “And it’s a win-win because at the same time it would provide clean, renewable energy to the grid to benefit New Brunswickers.”
Coon’s bill proposes to double the legislated renewable electricity target for NB Power from 40% to 80% by 2030, which would bring New Brunswick into line with its neighbouring jurisdictions of Maine and Nova Scotia. NB Power met its existing target of 40% in 2020.
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