At NB Power, we’re taking the steps that are necessary to transition as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible to meet government-mandated goals to get off-coal by 2030 as well as meet net-zero energy production targets by 2035.

While NB Power maintains a robust transmission and distribution system, upgrades are required to our grid to ensure it can reliably manage more renewable energy. Customers’ energy needs are also increasing as technology and electrification are becoming an even bigger part of their day-to-day lives.

Our Strategic Plan is guiding us as we respond to these evolving needs and helping us make the necessary decisions as we work to modernize our grid. As part of this plan, we’re increasingly seeking out new or expanding on existing partnerships to help us achieve our goals.

Here in Atlantic Canada, our neighbours are facing the same challenges and the same demands as we are. By working together, we can leverage our existing systems and find new opportunities to provide greater reliability and energy security, benefitting customers in all of the East Coast provinces.

Project Background

The proposed East Coast Interprovincial Clean Energy Project (previously known as the New Brunswick / Nova Scotia Transmission Reliability Project) consists of a new 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia to complement new clean energy developments and enable efficient imports and exports of electricity throughout the Atlantic provinces.

Currently, there is one 345 kV transmission line supplying electric power into Nova Scotia from New Brunswick.

The new transmission line would be approximately 265 km in length which will be developed in two phases.

Phase 1 of the East Coast Interprovincial Clean Energy Project would be a new 345kV transmission line approximately 65 km in length, running from an expanded terminal near Salisbury to an expanded terminal in Memramcook, and then to the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border where it connects with Nova Scotia Power’s line through to the Onslow terminal.

Phase 2 of the East Coast Interprovincial Clean Energy Project would be a new 345kV transmission line approximately 200 km in length, running from existing terminals at Point Lepreau, Coleson Cove and Norton which will be expanded to accommodate the new electrical infrastructure which will run adjacent to existing transmission lines between Point Lepreau to Salisbury.

Project Benefits

• Supports NB Power’s required transition to get off-coal by 2030 and produce cleaner, greener energy in order to meet government-mandated net-zero production targets by 2035.
• A modernized grid will allow us to keep up with customers' increasing energy demands and electrification needs, while supporting our transition to renewable sources of generation.Offers improved reliability and energy security for customers in both provinces.
• Provides NB Power with additional opportunities for increased revenue from out-of-province energy sales.
• Provides New Brunswickers with increased access to back up power during times of peak demand.

Current Status

Transmission line projects of this scale are subject to regulatory review and approval. NB Power expects to register an Environmental Impact Assessment with the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government for Phase 1 in the fall of 2024. Information related to Phase 2 is expected to be submitted in late 2025.

Proposed Schedule - Phase 1 

Resources

Map

Acquisition of Land Rights for a Transmission Line Corridor

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) fact sheets from Health Canada and Electricity Canada (Canadian Electricity Association)

More questions?

For more information on this project, contact us at ReliabilityUpgradeProject@nbpower.com or 1 833 690-1685.