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.

While NB Power maintains a robust transmission and distribution system, upgrades are required to our grid to ensure it can reliably manage the integration of 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 New Brunswick / Nova Scotia Interprovincial Transmission Line 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 New Brunswick / Nova Scotia Interprovincial Transmission Line 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 New Brunswick / Nova Scotia Interprovincial Transmission Line 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.

Proposed Schedule - Phase 1 

Information related to Phase 2 is expected to be submitted in late 2025.

New Brunswick Environmental Impact Assessment

On January 6 NB Power registered, for review, with the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation, Clean Environment Act.

Over the coming months NB Power will seek public input and there will be a technical review, before permits are issued to begin construction.

You are invited to participate in the EIA review by providing comments. The EIA document can be examined at the following location:

NB Power, 515 King Street, Fredericton, NB

It is also available New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government’s website.

Comments should be submitted on or before February 14, 2025 directly to NB Power via mail to:

515 King Street
Fredericton, NB
E3B 4X1

or via email to the ReliabilityUpgradeProject@nbpower.com

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.