Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Will Work To Further Strengthen Regional Energy Co-operation

Premier Darrell Dexter, and New Brunswick Premier David Alward have committed to work together towards a co-ordinated energy system for Atlantic Canada.

Premier Dexter was in Fredericton today, Nov. 19 to discuss the details of the historic Lower Churchill agreement and to offer his commitment to continue to work closely with New Brunswick to pursue opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable electricity generation.

"The Lower Churchill project will change the economic landscape of the entire region," said Premier Dexter. "I have always said that Atlantic Canada will be stronger if we work together and I am committed to making that happen. I believe that what is good for Nova Scotia is good for Atlantic Canada and this agreement will benefit all of us."

Premier Dexter and Premier Alward agreed to ask government officials to work with Nova Scotia Power and NB Power on how to take advantage of the Lower Churchill agreement to foster co-operation to improve transmission, system operation, renewable energy production and other aspects of their electric power systems.

"The New Brunswick government is very supportive of the energy agreement announced yesterday on the development of Lower Churchill," said Premier Alward. "It is positive for New Brunswick, and is a terrific vehicle for increased regional collaboration and mutually beneficial co-operation."

In July, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick power companies announced their intention to explore the opportunity for a new 500 megawatt line that would more than double the electrical transmission capacity between the two provinces.

Premier Dexter and Premier Alward re-affirmed their commitment to the goal of a new intertie that will help both provinces meet their energy needs. The intertie, which is a transmission system connection between neighbouring electric systems, will ensure that Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have a stronger grid and are able to import and export more power.

"I look forward to discussing the proposed interie as well as the Lower Churchill project with all my colleagues at the upcoming Council of Atlantic Premier conference at the end of the month in Pictou," said Premier Dexter. "By working together, we can maximize every opportunity possible to produce green power, employ our people, and create a more sustainable future."