What is the RIGS Energy Atlantic project for NB Power?

It is a proposed fast-response power project of roughly 400 MW using gas and diesel, linked to the Tantramar power plant area. NB Power seeks a 25-year term, with construction flagged above C$1 billion. The goal is to provide quick-start capacity for peak demand and contingency events on the New Brunswick grid.

Why is NB Power under scrutiny at Energy Utilities Board hearings?

Intervenors say NB Power has not disclosed full lifecycle costs, including fuel, carbon, and maintenance over 25 years. They also question the blackout narrative used to justify urgency. The Board will weigh reliability needs against rate impacts and assess whether alternatives could meet the same goals at lower long-term risk.

How could the plan affect electricity rates in New Brunswick?

Rates could rise if fuel, carbon, or maintenance costs run above expectations because the contract spans 25 years. Conversely, if the project averts costly outages and limits emergency imports, it could protect system costs. The final impact depends on transparent pricing, operating patterns, and how NB Power manages fuel and contract risk.

What alternatives are being considered to meet fast-response needs?

Stakeholders point to battery storage, demand response, targeted grid upgrades, and firmed renewables paired with imports. The key is comparing reliability, speed to deploy, and all-in costs against the proposed gas and diesel units. A blended portfolio may reduce fuel exposure while still delivering fast ramping during peaks.

Global Market Insights

NB Power March 5: $1B RIGS Plan Faces Scrutiny Over 25-year Costs

ByHuzaifa Zahoor March 5, 2026

NB Power is under the spotlight as its proposed RIGS Energy Atlantic plan, a fast-response gas and diesel build near the Tantramar power plant, faces review. The utility seeks roughly 400 MW under a 25-year deal with construction already flagged above C$1 billion. At Energy Utilities Board hearings, critics questioned total lifecycle costs and the blackout narrative used to justify urgency. We look at what this means for New Brunswick ratepayers, utility finance, and clean energy developers watching the province’s next big reliability bet.