Dave Brushett, the chair of Solar Nova Scotia, expressed concern over N.B. Power’s recent proposal to implement a new fee for customers generating rooftop solar power in New Brunswick. This move reminded Brushett of a similar situation in January 2022 when Nova Scotia Power attempted to introduce a system access charge for solar customers, leading to industry stagnation. The proposed fees, around $80 monthly in Nova Scotia and over $100 in New Brunswick, could significantly extend the payback period for solar investments, deterring potential customers and hindering industry growth.
In contrast to Nova Scotia’s swift public backlash that prompted Premier Tim Houston to denounce the idea and Nova Scotia Power to retract the fee proposal, the New Brunswick government has refrained from intervening in N.B. Power’s submission to the Energy and Utilities board. The proposed changes include a new demand charge and adjustments to rates for solar producers, potentially impacting the cost-effectiveness of solar investments. Energy Minister René Legacy emphasized public participation in the decision-making process, with a ruling expected in the fall.
In a CBC radio Q&A session, Premier Susan Holt advocated for government oversight of the solar industry’s development instead of leaving it to utility companies like N.B. Power. This stance aligns with Nova Scotia’s legislative changes affirming the right of self-generation for residents. N.B. Power justifies the new charge as addressing cost shifts, claiming that current solar customers are subsidized by other ratepayers due to reduced grid power consumption. However, critics like Brushett argue that this approach unfairly targets solar technology compared to other energy-efficient home upgrades.
Félix Ouellet, a Moncton resident, echoed concerns over New Brunswick’s divergence from neighboring provinces in solar policy. Analyzing the potential impacts of N.B. Power’s net metering changes using his own solar system data, Ouellet highlighted the substantial financial implications for residents. The proposed fees could double annual costs and significantly extend payback periods for new solar installations, potentially limiting future solar adoption in the province. Ouellet emphasized the need for broader solar proliferation to secure sustainable energy benefits for future generations.