More than an hour of questions precedes renewed call for Premier Susan Holt’s government to stop the project
Tantramar council has reaffirmed its opposition to NB Power’s proposed Renewable Integration and Grid Security (RIGS) project following more than an hour of questions about the planned natural gas generating station near Centre Village.
Council later voted to send another letter to Premier Susan Holt urging the provincial government to stop further work on the project and consider lower-cost alternatives.
Hear the story below:
The Renewable Integration and Grid Security (RIGS) project was announced by NB Power in 2025 as a way to provide backup generating capacity as more renewable energy comes onto New Brunswick’s electrical grid. The proposed natural gas facility would be built near Centre Village and owned and operated by Missouri-based ProEnergy under a long-term agreement with NB Power. Over the past year, the project has drawn sustained opposition from Tantramar council, local residents and environmental groups.
Last month, the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board approved the first stage of NB Power’s application, allowing the regulatory review to continue while environmental assessments and additional approvals remain outstanding.
Brad Coady spoke on behalf of NB Power. Coady said the proposed facility is designed to provide backup electrical capacity as more renewable energy projects are added to New Brunswick’s power grid.
He said the plant would not operate continuously, estimating it would run about seven per cent of the time over its projected 25-year lifespan.
Questions focus on batteries, groundwater and future expansion
Deputy Mayor Josh Goguen led much of the questioning, challenging NB Power on why battery storage could not replace the proposed natural gas facility.
Coady said NB Power continues exploring battery projects but has not yet found a model that meets the economic requirements set by the Energy and Utilities Board.
Goguen also asked whether NB Power and project developer ProEnergy would guarantee nearby residents’ wells would be protected if groundwater issues arise.
Coady responded that a groundwater monitoring program has already been established and said the utility has committed to addressing any unforeseen impacts.
Councillors also questioned updated electricity demand forecasts, emergency planning, wastewater transportation, decommissioning plans and whether the Centre Village site could eventually be expanded.
Coady told council there are currently no plans to expand the generating station and that transmission capacity in the area would limit future growth.
Council renews opposition
Following the presentation, Councillor Kristen LeBlanc introduced a motion reaffirming council’s opposition to the project. LeBlanc said many residents remain concerned about environmental impacts, public health, tourism, property values and Indigenous consultation.
She also questioned whether Tantramar would receive enough local benefit from the project.
“It’s an American-owned company that’s advancing this project in our community,” LeBlanc said. “So the profit leaves our community essentially while the risk remains here.”
Councillor Allison Butcher supported the motion but acknowledged that municipal governments have limited authority over provincial energy decisions.
Butcher said council still has a responsibility to advocate for residents, even if another letter may not change the province’s position.
Councillor Alyssa Greene also voted in favour, encouraging residents to continue advocating while working with council on policies that could help prevent similar situations in the future.
Deputy Mayor Josh Goguen said council should continue speaking on behalf of residents.
“I think we need to keep on advocating for citizens and making their voice heard because they need somebody in their corner,” Goguen said.
Councillor Barry Hicks voted against the motion.
Hicks said council had already made its position clear in an earlier letter to the province and argued council should focus on issues within municipal jurisdiction.
Council ultimately approved the motion directing staff to send another letter to the provincial government reaffirming Tantramar’s opposition to the proposed Centre Village gas plant.
About the reporter
Clinton Davis is a PT journalist/producer with CHMA News covering Tantramar (including Sackville, Dorchester, Port Elgin, Midgic and surrounding communities). He reports on municipal government, public safety, community events, local business, regional issues and ideas across Tantramar.
