N.B.s 3-member panel wont rule out sale of debt-laden power utility – New Brunswick [Video]

A three-person team who will lead a review of New Brunswick’s debt-laden public power utility says “nothing is off the table” when it comes to finding solutions.

The members are Michael Bernstein, who has worked in the Canadian power and utilities sector; Anne E. Bertrand, the province’s former information and privacy commissioner; and Duncan Hawthorne, an expert on utilities.

The province announced the review in April, saying it will include the utility’s financial sustainability and its attractiveness to investors.

Premier Susan Holt has said the status quo is not acceptable at NB Power, which is struggling with a $5-billion debt and rates that have increased more than 20 per cent in two years.

Energy Minister René Legacy told reporters Friday the next step in the process is a public engagement where residents will have a chance to give their opinion on what is needed to improve NB Power.

The mandate …