On behalf of everyone at NB Power who worked on restoration efforts in the wake of the ice storm that hit our province two weeks ago, I want to thank customers for their extraordinary patience and support during this particularly challenging time. After two weeks of incredible work by all our employees and mutual aid partners, we now have all storm-affected customers reconnected to our grid.

The damage left by this storm was some of the most significant our utility has ever seen, with poles toppling over from the weight of ice build-up in the Acadian Peninsula to ice-coated trees contacting with kilometres long stretches of lines in Moncton and Kent County. The work required to bring our customers back online was complex, and difficult weather conditions only added extra challenges for our crews to restore customers in a safe, timely manner.

We are grateful to our partner utilities and contractors who came to help us out in restoration efforts. We also deeply appreciate the support from Premier Brian Gallant, municipal leaders, staff and volunteers from the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization,the Canadian Red Cross and the Armed Forces who showed leadership and care for our customers in their communities. We also want to acknowledge the hundreds of volunteers who provided comfort and hot food in shelters and warming stations, and who went door to door to ensure our customers were safe and cared for.

These past two weeks have been incredibly trying for our customers and our employees. I spent a week in the areas impacted by the storm and was inspired by the collaboration and goodwill I witnessed from our fellow New Brunswickers. Everyone worked together to ensure that our customers were safe and comfortable and that our crews were well-fed, rested and prepared to restore power in challenging conditions. 

I can’t thank everyone enough for all of the support we have received and I know the crews are very appreciative of all kind words and tokens of appreciation.

We still have crews at work in the Acadian Peninsula responding to the lingering impacts of this system and we will keep working there and elsewhere to ensure our infrastructure remains strong.

During the next few weeks, we will be taking the time to reflect back on our efforts and what we can improve upon for future events, as we always do. 

Winter isn’t behind us yet, and we will continue to monitor future weather events to ensure we are prepared to face whatever those storms bring in order to keep our customers safe and connected.

Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Gaëtan Thomas

NB Power President and CEO

After two weeks of incredible work by NB Power employees and mutual aid partners, all storm-affected customers are now reconnected to our grid after an ice storm hit New Brunswick on January 24, 2017.  The intense and prolonged freezing rain knocked out 130,000 customers at the peak of the storm, with more losing power in Northern New Brunswick as the storm raged on in the coming days.

See below for a list of resources and important information if you were affected by the storm.

Power Bills

Are you worried about your power bill after the ice storm? The best thing you can do is call us at 1 800 663-6272 and one of our agents will walk you through the options available to you, from financial assistance, waiving rental charges (water heaters/ dusk to dawn) for one month, setting up payment arrangements to help you avoid falling behind and others.

Some bills will be estimated following the ice storm because it was impossible to read most meters. If you receive an estimated bill, don’t worry. Your next bill should reflect your actual electricity use. In the end, you’ll only be charged for what you use.

We work with several organizations that can help those who are having difficulties with their bills. You can find a list of those groups here.

Give us a call today, so we can work with you to find the best solution for your situation.  

Disaster Financial Assistance Program

The Government of New Brunswick has launched the Disaster Financial Assistance Program, which covers eligible damages and losses that threaten the health and safety of individuals and communities, like repairs to electrical panels.  It does not cover damages or losses for items that are covered by insurance.

It is recommended customers speak with their insurance company to see what could be covered under your plan before applying to this program.

You can apply by phone by calling 1 888 298-8555, in person at warming centres and shelters as well as online.

Red Cross Registration Centre

If you were severely impacted by the ice storm and have no access to food or means to buy it, the Red Cross has opened a registration centre in Inkerman at the community centre at 122 Church Street, which is open 9am until 7pm until February 12. You can also register by phone, toll-free at 1 888 893-1300 from 9 am until 7pm.

If you wish to donate to those New Brunswickers in need, the Red Cross is accepting donations online or by calling 1 800 418-1111 that will go directly to affected communities.