The Hearing Has Begun — Here’s Where We Stand

This week, our representative Patrick Bateman — appearing on behalf of the Behind the Meter Technologies Coalition (BTMTC), a joint initiative between SNBS and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) — took part in the Pre‑Hearing Conference before the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). The Board heard our recommendations on how to structure a fair and efficient process for NB Power’s Rate Design Phase Two proceeding.

The Board has now released the procedural schedule, and we are preparing for the next phase of the hearing. The rules governing your solar investment are being decided — and as a formal intervener, we are at the table to make sure that process is thorough, fair, and grounded in evidence.

What Comes Next

The Board has released the procedural schedule for the hearing. We are now preparing for the next phase, which will include reviewing NB Power’s evidence, submitting information requests, and building our own record. A major focus for us will be:

• The treatment of existing net‑metering customers — including whether proposed changes could shorten the term of existing agreements and leave customers with unexpected costs.

• The need for a stable, predictable framework for future customers — so that New Brunswickers considering solar can plan with confidence.

• The economic and practical impacts on homeowners, farms, small businesses, and communities who have invested in or are planning to invest in clean energy.

Questions This Process Is Designed to Address

Many New Brunswickers are asking important questions right now:

• Could the proposed changes shorten the term of your existing net‑metering agreement and leave you with unexpected costs?

• Could uncertainty around future rules cause you to delay or cancel a planned solar project?

If either of these concerns applies to you, there is a formal way for your voice to reach the Board directly – please read on.

Letters of Comment: A Public Participation Option

The EUB allows members of the public who are not formal Interveners to share their experiences through a Letter of Comment. These letters help the Board understand how NB Power’s proposals may affect real customers. Submitting one is entirely optional, but the process is open to anyone who wishes to participate.

What Is a Letter of Comment?

The EUB describes it this way:

“A person or organization wishing to provide remarks in relation to a proceeding, but not intending to be an intervener, may provide a letter of comment to the Board… A letter of comment should include the person’s name and contact information and describe the nature of the person’s interest in the proceeding… All comments will be taken into consideration as part of the Board’s deliberations… Letters of comment are posted on the Board’s website.”

See EUB Rule 3.3 for full details.

If You Choose to Submit One

Letters of Comment in Matter EL‑002‑2026 have no formal deadline, but there will be more time for earlier submissions to be considered as the hearing progresses. Submitting before October 9 ensures your views are available to all parties during the main evidence and argument stages.

Letters can be submitted directly to the following email address: lettersofcomment@nbeub.ca, and should reference “EL-002-2026” in the subject line. All Letters of Comment are published online by the NBEUB.

Support our campaign - and our organization!

Running a formal intervention requires real resources — expert witnesses, legal support, technical analysis, and the time to do it right. If you believe New Brunswick solar customers deserve a fair hearing, we ask you to consider contributing to this campaign. Your support directly funds our ability to build and present the strongest possible case on behalf of our members and the broader solar community.

Options:

• If you’re not already a Regular or Supporting Member, please consider becoming one today. It’s easy – just go to https://www.solarnbsolaire.ca/become-a-member, choose the membership level you’d like, complete the form and make your payment.

• Support us by becoming a Gold, Silver or Bronze corporate sponsor! Just visit https://www.solarnbsolaire.ca/become-sponsor for details.

• If neither of the above options work for you, contributions of any amount are welcome, and can be made by etransfer to solarnbsolaire@gmail.com. (Unfortunately, we’re not a registered charity so are unable to issue tax-deductible receipts.)

And – please help amplify our impact by following, liking and sharing our posts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and inviting anyone with an interest in solar to join us.

Thank you for your continued support. This proceeding matters — for existing solar customers, for the industry, and for every New Brunswicker who wants the option to generate their own clean energy. We will keep you updated as the process unfolds.