NB Power seeks to impose weather tax Round Two

---------- Original message ----------
From: "MinFinance / FinanceMin (FIN)" <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2018 15:20:48 +0000
Subject: RE: Methinks the Moncton lawyer Cyril Johnston and former vice-chair of the
EUB calling Gallant's letter to NB Power "ill advised" may be your quote of the year
N'esy Pas Mr. Jones?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>

The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.

Le ministère des Finances accuse réception de votre correspondance
électronique. Soyez assuré(e) que nous apprécions recevoir vos
commentaires.

---------- Original message ----------
From: Póstur FOR <postur@for.is>
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2018 15:26:25 +0000
Subject: Re: Methinks the Moncton lawyer Cyril Johnston and former vice-chair of the 

EUB calling Gallant's letter to NB Power "ill advised" may be your quote of the year 

N'esy Pas Mr. Jones?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>


Erindi þitt hefur verið móttekið  / Your request has been received

Kveðja / Best regards
Forsætisráðuneytið  / Prime Minister's Office

---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2018 11:20:38 -0400
Subject: Methinks the Moncton lawyer Cyril Johnston and former vice-chair of the
EUB  calling Gallant's letter to NB Power "ill advised" may be your quote of the year
N'esy Pas Mr. Jones?
To: "Robert. Jones" <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>,
 andre <andre@jafaust.com>, jbosnitch <jbosnitch@gmail.com>,
"brian.gallant" <brian.gallant@gnb.ca>, "Bill.Morneau" <Bill.Morneau@canada.ca>,
"Larry.Tremblay"<Larry.Tremblay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "David.Coon" <David.Coon@gnb.ca>,

"Dominic.Cardy" <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, "terry.seguin" <terry.seguin@cbc.ca>, "darrow.macintyre" <darrow.macintyre@cbc.ca>, stephen.lund@gnb.ca, 

 "Stephen.Horsman" <Stephen.Horsman@gnb.ca>, "denis.landry2" <denis.landry2@gnb.ca>, "serge.rousselle" <serge.rousselle@gnb.ca>, "greg.byrne" <greg.byrne@gnb.ca>,
"Jack.Keir" <Jack.Keir@gnb.ca>, "jody.carr" <jody.carr@gnb.ca>, 

nmoore <nmoore@bellmedia.ca>, "jeremy.keefe" <jeremy.keefe@globalnews.ca>
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>, "blaine.higgs" <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>,

 "Hamish.Wright" <Hamish.Wright@gnb.ca>, "jake.stewart" <jake.stewart@gnb.ca>,

 BrianThomasMacdonald <BrianThomasMacdonald@gmail.com>, postur <postur@for.is>, 

"jeff.carr" <jeff.carr@gnb.ca>, briangallant10 <briangallant10@gmail.com>, 

 premier <premier@gnb.ca>, curtis <curtis@marinerpartners.com>

http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.ca/2018/03/nb-power-seeks-to-impose-weather-tax.html

Monday, 19 March 2018

NB Power seeks to impose weather tax

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-storm-damage-costs-customers-1.4583402

Residential, commercial customers could bear the brunt of NB Power's
'weather tax'
NB Power may seek to recover costs specifically from groups served by
the damaged equipment
By Robert Jones, CBC News Posted: Mar 20, 2018 6:00 AM AT

131 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.

David Amos
Mr. Jones knows I tried to warn the folks but apathy ruled the day as
I was illegally barred from the hearing on All Hallows Eve.

"That's potentially bad news for NB Power's commercial and residential
customers. They account for just two-thirds of NB Power's in-province
sales but as distribution customers could be made to pay almost all
storm-recovery expenses."


http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.ca/2018/03/methinks-everybody-and-his-dog-must.html

Wednesday, 21 March 2018

Methinks Everybody and his dog must know why your pal Jacques Poitras
had me ROTHFLMAO at New Brunswick’s cybersecurity sector this morning
N'esy Pas Mr. Jones?

---------- Original message ----------
From: Brian Gallant <briangallant10@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:07:09 -0700
Subject: Merci / Thank you Re: Methinks Everybody and his dog must
know why your pal Jacques Poitras had me ROTHFLMAO at New Brunswick’s
cybersecurity sector.this morning N'esy Pas Mr. Jones?
To: motomaniac333@gmail.com

(Français à suivre)

If your email is pertaining to the Government of New Brunswick, please
email me at brian.gallant@gnb.ca

If your matter is urgent, please email Greg Byrne at greg.byrne@gnb.ca

Thank you.

Si votre courriel s'addresse au Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick,
‎svp m'envoyez un courriel à brian.gallant@gnb.ca

Pour les urgences, veuillez contacter Greg Byrne à greg.byrne@gnb.ca

Merci.


http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.ca/2018/03/nb-power-seeks-to-impose-weather-tax_23.html

Friday, 23 March 2018

NB Power seeks to impose weather tax Round Two

---------- Original message ----------
From: "Doucet, Rick (LEG)" <Rick.Doucet@gnb.ca>
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 01:07:58 +0000
Subject: RE: Final Docs
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>

Will get right on this.
Always look forward to your brilliant thoughts.
R

Hon.Rick Doucet
Legislative member for Charlotte-the isles
28 Mt.Pleasant Rd.
St.George, N.B. E5C 3K4

Phone / Téléphone : 506-755-4200
Fax / Télécopieur : 506-755-4207
E-mail / Courriel : rick.doucet@gnb.ca

This message is intended for the person to whom it is addressed and is
to be treated as confidential or private communications. It must not
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If you have received this message inadvertently, please notify the
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for your cooperation.
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Ce message est destiné à la personne désignée dans la présente et il
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permission de l’expéditeur. Si ce message vous a été envoyé par
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ensuite votre réponse. Merci de votre collaboration.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-weather-tax-withdraw-eub-1.4589548

NB Power backs away from controversial 'weather tax'

Utility announces it has submitted a request to EUB to withdraw its application

CBC News Posted: Mar 23, 2018 11:12 AM AT

  

55 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.




David Amos

Go Figure why a lot New Brunswick citizens should ask the same questions my friend Roger did.

https://www.telegraphjournal.com/greater-saint-john/story/100525890/nb-power-hearing-meter?source=story-trending

"The utility's 11-person board, comprised of four Americans and one member living outside the province, was questioned by private intervener and St. Louis de Kent dentist Roger Richard in its ability to put the province first when they don't have anything at stake in the decisions."

    

David Amos
Letter 'ill-advised' ???

Premier Gallant can bet on it. Particularly after I argued NB Power and the EUB during the Pre-Hearing Conference on October 31st, 2017 and then read them the Riot Act during the Public Session on the evening of February 7th, 2018

Perhaps the interesting lawyer CBC quotes below should read the transcripts ASAP?

"Because the utility has filed evidence at its rate hearing in support of storm surcharges and two senior executives have staunchly defended the merits under questioning, the EUB is not necessarily obliged to agree to the about-face, according to a former senior EUB member.

"That's an uncertain question," said Moncton lawyer and businessman Cyril Johnston, who left the EUB in 2014 after seven years as its vice-chair.

"The fact that it was in the original application and that evidence has been filed and the matter has been considered would give the board more right to [reject the withdrawal request] than if it had never been brought forward at all."

Johnston called Gallant's letter to NB Power "ill advised," given the EUB was in the middle of hearing the storm surcharge issue and the tribunal is meant to be free from outside political influence in its deliberations.

"It has to be seen as being independent and at arms length from the government," said Johnston.

"It seems to be a misunderstanding of the role of the regulator to send out a letter like this."



David Amos
"The government has known since last October that NB Power would be pursuing a way to charge customers directly for extraordinary storm damage expenses by adding some kind of a surcharge to bills."

YUP and they also know that I was the first to Intervene in this matter and was illegally barred out of gate. If any taxpayer truly cares just scroll to the bottom of the Public Record of this matter then follow your nose from there

http://www.nbeub.ca/opt/M/browserecord.php?-action=browse&-recid=560



David Amos

Methinks all the spin doctors working for all the political parties are gonna have a long weekend trying to figure out what to do about all the comments published about NB Power alone within the CBC website this week N'esy Pas?

 

David Amos  

Need I holler BINGO Again?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gallant-nb-power-weather-tax-eub-1.4588448

The Premier and NB Power cannot deny what I said on this topic. It is recorded in the transcript of the public session as the EUB circus began.

http://www.nbeub.ca/opt/M/browserecord.php?-action=browse&-recid=560

Page 41

"I tried to say as much as I could in rebuttal, kept getting interrupted by Mr. Gorman. But I am speaking to the transcript because this is not a court.

You act like a court.

You are not a court.

You can come out of whatever recommendations you wish and it's up to Mr. Doucet and Mr. Gallant to decide whether it's politically important to allow NB Power to have their rate increase."


 
michael levesque

hello

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David Amos

@michael levesque Hey

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David Amos

@David Amos Jeez I am even blocked for saying hello back?

John Valcourt

This is the first smart decision the premier has made, but, I am sure it is just because we are in an election year. This guy and his party have taxed us beyond reason-ability and he enjoys doing it so I am sure if he gets re-elected then he will be in favor of that weather tax. We shouldn't have to constantly fight the government to keep our money in our own pockets instead of his.
#GallantsGottaGo

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David Amos

@John Valcourt "This is the first smart decision the premier has made"

Methinks he was not so smart to say nothing about "Smart Meters" N'esy Pas?

David Amos

@John Valcourt What about Smart Meters? I don't even hear the crickets yet?

 
Gil Murray

It will be hidden in the rate increases going forward. If this were ever really required and important to the province why did they back down? Makes you wonder if there was ever a need for this or if NBP just wanted a reason for increasing cash in to cover their inefficient operations.
Probably show up after October.

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David Amos

@Gil Murray Methinks CBC already reported that the EUB lawyers have already pointed out the fact that the rate increase against residential folks is not necessary The Crown makes the stores round up when they won't take the Queen's pennies anymore N'esy Pas?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-residential-rate-high-eub-1.4585044

NB Power's proposed residential rate hike may be too high, hearing told
Regulator's lawyer questions whether utility gives homeowners full credit for what they already pay
By Robert Jones, CBC News Posted: Mar 20, 2018 8:05 PM AT

"The EUB has a rule that each customer group should pay rates for power in a "range of reasonableness" between 95 per cent and 105 per cent of the costs incurred by NB Power to serve the group and because the utility says residential customers are the only ones below that range, their rates should go up the most — 2.33 per cent.

But during a hearing in Saint John on Tuesday, EUB lawyer Ellen Desmond suggested residential rates, at 94.97 per cent of their costs, are already so close to the required range there is no need to charge the group extra.

"If we were to apply a principle of rounding, wouldn't you agree residential would have been 95 [already]?" asked Desmond."

David Amos

@David Amos Methinks its very strange that CBC would block a link to their own news article N'esy Pas?

Joseph Vacher

@David Amos

ya, letting gallant or doucet make a decision is going to help

Content disabled.

David Amos

@Joseph Vacher If I opted to run against either of them in the next election do ya think either of them would dare to debate me on live TV?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cFOKT6TlSE

Fundy Royal, New Brunswick Debate – Federal Elections 2015 - The Local Campaign, Rogers TV
5,555 views
Rogers tv
Published on Oct 1, 2015

David Amos

@Joseph Vacher Trust that you would have enjoyed my reply if it had not been blocked for political reasons

 
Bernard Cormier

It is a stupid idea to begin with.

David Amos

@Bernard Cormier YUP and introduced by our own public intervener looking out for NB Power and not us

 
Brad Little

This headline is missing "...until after the election"

David Amos

@Brad Little LOL

 
Gerry Ferguson

If this wasn't an election year the "I never met a tax I didn't LOVE" premier wouldn't have said a word against it.

David Amos

@Gerry Ferguson YUP

 
Thomas Imber

Classic slight of hand. We won't charge a weather tax, but rates will go up higher and faster. Same outcome, less disposable income for NBers.

Between Gallant jacking up the HST by 2% and Justin wanting to charge a carbon dioxide tax, New Brunswickers are much worse off then they were at the time of the last provincial election in 2014.

David Amos

@Thomas Imber YUP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cFOKT6TlSE

 
Cory Taylor

fossil fuels (55% of NB power) to create energy = climate change = more storms = rising energy costs

David Amos

@Cory Taylor I disagree

 
valmond landry

first thing of all GST should be taken off and those new meters that they want to install
that idea should be scraped QUEBEC has those and people have been complaining
ever since they were install .ordinary people don't have the luxury of making half a million dollars a year.so please stop coming out with all kind of idea to increase our hydro bill,

David Amos

@valmond landry I agree

 
Willie Smith

AWWHHH got your hands in the cookie jar and taking the rest... Good try... People are getting fed up....A Boston tea party is not to far off...

David Amos

@Willie Smith I lived in Beantown for 20 years. Trust that I can easily prove the Yankees are far more corrupt. In fact that is one the reasons why I was barred as an Intevener in the EUB 375 matter. Count the Yankees on the NB Power board or the well paid Yankees hired by the Crown as consultants in the matter.

 
June Arnott

We need new young minds to run NB power, not appointees who are friends with someone.

AND STOP GIVING OUT BONUSES!! NO ONE DOES THAT IN THE REAL WORLD OF BUSINESS!

David Amos

@June Arnott Methinks you have not checked the huge bonuses the CEOs and their minions get within the publicly held companies that our pension funds are invested in N'esy Pas?

 
Stephen Dueck

As if people don’t pay enough for power now...this was just an excuse for a tax...let the money for storm damage come out of the money from regular payments...that is why they pay isn’t it...to.cover these costs...

Ross Piercey

@Stephen Dueck correct NB power users should only pay for the kw hrs they use not a nickel more, It’s a crown corporation and all NB tax payers have to bear any extra taxes or cost for damages.

David Amos

@Ross Piercey I concur

 
Johnnie Walker

They will just find a sneakier way to get the money...
Rate payers are not off the hook they will still pay

David Amos

@Johnnie Walker True

 
Rosco holt

NBPower just needs to put more money aside, 3 mil$ isn't enough. If they don't have money to spare, just lay off some political appointments and managers.

David Amos

@Rosco holt Yea but methinks all the golden handshakes could finally bankrupt us N'esy Pas?

Rosco holt

@David Amos
The government is very generous when it comes to give the golden handshake to their friends/ supporters.

 

Brian Robertson

What?
They realized that they were embarrassing themselves.
Even Gallant threw them under the bus.

Now, about those one armed bandits you want to install as smart meters.

David Amos

@Brian Robertson Methinks we check out who is hustling NB Power to spend 122 million on the "Not So" Smart Meters N'esy Pas? (BTW That is just the initial amount)

Brian Robertson

@David Amos
Very true.
Do you think there's a Gallant relative in the electrical supply business.

David Amos

@Brian Robertson Nope the plan was afoot before he was elected the Premier


 
Roy Kirk

Took a course in sales and marketing from nbtel in the '70's. Was good, but one thing is memorable: The one objection you can never overcome is that your boss is objectionable and can't be trusted. Would be tough to sell nbp's case.

David Amos 

 @Roy Kirk They don't have to sell it. We the little people will wind up paying for it anyway while the Irvings and the wealthy pals will continue getting big fat cheques courtesy of a questionable plan of the Conservatives.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-first-full-rate-hearing-gets-questions-about-big-paper-mills-1.3114844

NB Power first full rate hearing gets questions about big paper mills
The utility has applied for a two per cent rate hike beginning on July 1
By Robert Jones, CBC News Posted: Jun 15, 2015 9:43 PM AT

"Multi million dollar subsidies NB Power is forced to provide the province's big paper mills took centre stage at the utility's rate hearing Monday with a retired NB Power engineer criticizing the practice as thinly veiled corporate welfare."

 
Roy Kirk

The up side of the 'weather tax'?

Having relieved the board and management of nbp of the burden of managing weather-related risk, their jobs would be so much easier that their currently generous compensation packages could be justifiably reduced. Could cut salary and bonus costs by millions! ;-)

David Amos

@Roy Kirk Methinks it will cost us more. I suspect the bureaucrats now feel they have the justification to apply to the board and management of NB Power for an increase in vacation time, a pay hike and a bigger bonus so that they can spend more time in a sunny clime while the power poles are down at home N'esy Pas?

Matt Steele

Hmmmmm.....it must be an election year . If this was last year , Brian Gallant would be screaming for N.B. Power to get more money from New Brunswickers ; just like he did when he fast tracked the property tax scam . Gallant loves to squander the taxpayers money , and he loves to tax everything to the max . If he gets a second term , then hang on to your pocket books folks as we will be in for a rough four yeas !

David Amos 

@Matt Steele "Brian Gallant would be screaming for N.B. Power to get more money from New Brunswickers"

Methinks the boss doesn't have to holler in fact I bet he wishes CBC would quit talking about this hearing N'esy Pas?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-residential-rate-high-eub-1.4585044

NB Power's proposed residential rate hike may be too high, hearing told
Regulator's lawyer questions whether utility gives homeowners full credit for what they already pay
By Robert Jones, CBC News Posted: Mar 20, 2018 8:05 PM AT

"The EUB has a rule that each customer group should pay rates for power in a "range of reasonableness" between 95 per cent and 105 per cent of the costs incurred by NB Power to serve the group and because the utility says residential customers are the only ones below that range, their rates should go up the most — 2.33 per cent.

But during a hearing in Saint John on Tuesday, EUB lawyer Ellen Desmond suggested residential rates, at 94.97 per cent of their costs, are already so close to the required range there is no need to charge the group extra.

"If we were to apply a principle of rounding, wouldn't you agree residential would have been 95 [already]?" asked Desmond."

 

Samuel Porter

We need to get rid of that crooked outfit.....fast.

David Amos

@Samuel Porter Yea but who do we put in their seats?

David Amos 

@Samuel Porter BTW I see that James Aylward the newest PC Leader in Canada thinks like me

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/opinion/letter-to-the-editor/opinion-time-to-rock-cradle-195989/

"It may seem strange for the leader of a political party to be suggesting the possible adoption of a system that does not involve the political parties. Nunavut was established in 1999 and deliberately opted for an elected assembly void of political parties. We now have four main registered political parties in the province, vying for support, advancing policies, raising money, nominating candidates. It may seem like a healthy political environment but is it the most effective?"

 

Jeffrey Parker

I'm sure this whole ' Gallant save the day thing" was planned right from the start.
Just smoke and mirrors and I not buying one word of it..

David Amos

@Jeffrey Parker Methinks that the "Powers that Be" in the "Place to Be" had no clue that CBC would put a spotlight on this issue but when it was they had to do something that appeared ethical N'esy Pas?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gallant-nb-power-weather-tax-eub-1.4588448

Inserting himself into EUB matters, Gallant says he opposes 'weather tax'

Premier tells utility president he's 'strongly opposed' to idea and might overrule it if approved by regulator

By Robert Jones, CBC News Posted: Mar 22, 2018 5:14 PM AT

   
72 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.



David Amos

Need I holler BINGO?

David Amos

@David Amos "Gallant spokeswoman Tina Robichaud said the premier would not be speaking further about the letter. "The premier's office has no comment," she wrote in an email to CBC News on Thursday."

Too Too Funny Indeed

David Amos 

@David Amos However this is not funny.

The Premier and NB Power cannot deny what I said on this topic. It is recorded in the transcript of the public session as the EUB circus began.

http://www.nbeub.ca/opt/M/browserecord.php?-action=browse&-recid=560

Page 41

"I tried to say as much as I could in rebuttal, kept getting interrupted by Mr. Gorman. But I am speaking to the transcript because this is not a court.

You act like a court.

You are not a court.

You can come out of whatever recommendations you wish and it's up to Mr. Doucet and Mr. Gallant to decide whether it's politically important to allow NB Power to have their rate increase."



John Valcourt

he is opposed to them yes, if he gets re-elected in the fall you can be sure he will then be in favor of them right away.
#GallantsGottaGo

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David Amos

@John Valcourt Methinks he may but only if his puppet masters in the back rooms and on the phone from Ottawa tell him to do so N'esy Pas?

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David Amos

@John Valcourt Oh My My CBC has begun to block bigtime again today Now I cannot even agree with people

 
John Haigh

Gallant is full of Schiff. Election headline, he wouldn't block a duck on its way to a quacker factory.

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David Amos

@John Haigh Methinks clever ducks quit quacking so much and head out of New Brunswick when the leaves turn colour N'esy Pas?

David Amos

@David Amos Methinks a lot of folks in NB missed out on a pretty good joke even if I say so myself N'esy Pas?

 

Mario Doucet

Put this in perspective Brian Gallant is led popular in NB than Nottey in Alberta and she is NDP, Trudeau and Gallant are welfare pandering. This not what EI was intended for.

Content disabled.
David Amos

@Mario Doucet You lost me again.EI??? This article is about the power bill correct?

  
Len Alin

another scam cant wait for the next election.

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David Amos

@Len Alin Shuld I run again?

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David Amos

@Len Alin Me Too

 

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David Amos

@David Amos Why on earth would a "Non Partisan" CBC block two words in agreement with the comment above?

 
Toby Tolly

liberals never met a tax they didnt like

 Content disabled.

David Amos

@Toby Tolly Ain't that the truth?

Content disabled.

David Amos

@David Amos Why on earth would a "Non Partisan" CBC block four words in agreement with the comment above?

Content disabled.

David Amos

@Toby Tolly Yea but CBC does not like me agreeing with you

 
Freddy Rose

"Then the government's just running the power sector and you get into all sorts of political favours and everything else involved in that," he said.

Far too late for that. NB Power has ALWAYS been rife with political interference. It is where politicians send their cronies for high salaried jobs that accomplish nothing!

David Amos

@Freddy Rose Proof of the pudding

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-weather-tax-withdraw-eub-1.4589548

NB Power backs away from controversial 'weather tax'
Utility announces it has submitted a request to EUB to withdraw its application

CBC News Posted: Mar 23, 2018 11:12 AM AT

 
Mike Morton

It's an election year folks, this has more to do with campaigning than anything else...

David Amos

@Mike Morton YUP

 
Aaron Allison

Time for The Auditor General to CONDUCT a Forensic Audit into NB Power.

David Amos

@Aaron Allison YUP

  

Ross Piercey

When a monopoly has control of the people’s property and wants to end run just the power users them with bogus (weather tax) charges, I’m all for any political party to put a stop to their scheme. Yes the consumer already pays a maintenance charge for monthly, but this weather tax if implemented it shouldn’t be just the end users of the power the government should be paying for the damage and all businesses and every tax paying person in NB should be paying after all NB Power belongs to all New Brunswicker’s not just the end user.

David Amos

@Ross Piercey "NB Power belongs to all New Brunswicker’s not just the end user"

YUP

 
Paul Bourgoin

A weather tax no, but an energy tax of one penny per liter on all energy processed at the St. John Refinery. This tax would go a long way in funding natural disasters and funding New Brunswick needs.

David Amos

@Paul Bourgoin Methinks the Irving bosses who claim to be camped in Bermuda and their hired guns in KPMG and several other law firms would never allow that N'esy Pas?

 
Thomas Imber

He claims to be opposed to the "weather tax", but he certainly was in favour of increasing the HST on New Brunswickers, and presumably is in favour of a carbon tax since he supports the federal Liberals.

David Amos

@Thomas Imber True but that is history. it certainly seems to me that most folks either have the memory of a gnat or consider old tax hikes as water of the damn. However methinks talk of raising taxes before an election is a whole other kettle of fish N'esy Pas?

 

Samuel Porter

Tired of being held hostage by that outfit, which is where we've been at since the Mega-ice storm of 1998. They can admit no wrong doing, and all their problems are some-else's fault. Too much money to party on, making for hard days at the office.

David Amos

@Samuel Porter "Too much money to party on"

It that were true then why did the liberals raise taxes so much for the past three years?

Methinks all the political parties will never have too much money to party on.or they would wind back some taxes after the mandates have changed N'esy Pas?

  

Samuel Porter

So you're the boss, not NB power. Stand up, show some leadership, and put a stop to it....publically.

David Amos

@Samuel Porter Good luck with that demand

David Amos

@Samuel Porter Methinks the news today compels me to eat a little crow N'esy Pas?

Samuel Porter

@David Amos Yeah

 
Colin Seeley

O surprises here.

It’s a variant of keeping on spending.

David Amos

@Colin Seeley Methinks you jest N'esy Pas?

 

Buford Wilson

Shawn was right. We should have sold off Energie-NB-Power.

David Amos

@Buford Wilson YUP

 
Art Clogg

Anyone who thinks that NB Power would administer a weather tax with any semblance of equity or fairness has never had to deal with NB Power.

David Amos

@Art Clogg That would be a rare person in the liberal's idea of "A Place To Be" because most us have had to deal with NB Power and their bills N'esy Pas?

  
Roy Kirk

The Boss Hogg approach to governance, eh? We've had enough of that. You write the legislation and regs, appoint the directors, and by all appearances have a direct pipeline into and out of the executive offices of the utility. With all that, you'll still over-rule any decidion that doesn't serve your short trrm political concerns. Shades of the Lord govt!

I don't like the idea of absolving mgmt of responsibility for risk management either, especially if nbp has any return to equity above the risk-free rate. After all, the risk premium is compensation for such risks.

If you're going to remove risk management from the corporation's responsibility then it shouldn't be a corp -- just make it a govt dept and accept the consequences.

Or, better yet, turn it back into a commission as it was prior to the early 70's. It was much more transparent and accountable to the public back then.

Even better, subject that commission to full regulatory oversight by the EUB and then kerp your fingers off!

David Amos

@Roy Kirk "You write the legislation and regs, appoint the directors, and by all appearances have a direct pipeline into and out of the executive offices of the utility. With all that, you'll still over-rule any decidion that doesn't serve your short trrm political concerns"

Well put sir

Chris Rouse

@Roy Kirk The weather tax is doubtful it is even legal under the current legislation. There is nothing in the legislation that allows for this type of retro active rate making. The legislation is clear rates should be based on "forecasted" costs in the section 68, government policy, of the act. Rates are also to be based on the corporations revenue requirements, section 103(7) of the act which is defined in the definitions section as being "projected" expenses. You are right about the risk premium. Canadian average ROE is 8.5% to 9%, while NB Powers forecasted ROE over the next 10 years is almost 12%.

David Amos

@Chris Rouse Why don't you explain to the folks why I was barred as an Intervener from this hearing?

 
Gerry Ferguson

This gov't is DONE this fall. Even former federal conservative cabinet minister Greg Thompson is coming out of retirement to take on the liberals in southern NB. Gallant is running around now trying to pretend he doesn't like taxing the guts out of everyone in this province.

David Amos

@Gerry Ferguson Now that is interesting news to say the least

David Amos

@David Amos Methinks the least to say is that Ashfield is back as well N'esy Pas?

 
Paul Bourgoin

Why not eliminate the special electrical rates to industry, subsidies, and all other freebies that Joe Public sponsors in the name of Political Patronage! Equal rates for everyone!

David Amos

@Paul Bourgoin I agree

 
Joseph Vacher

sorry, but you invented 10 new taxes when you got elected. don't pretend that you are concerned for the tax payer

David Amos

@Joseph Vacher YUP

 
John O'Brien

The "weather tax" does look inherently bad for consumers. But NB Power is absolutely right.Power consumers WILL bear the cost of storm damage.The proposal is just a way of limiting the payments to actual cost of damages- and to bring maximum transparency. Currently NB Power must try to forecast the cost of storm damage and raise rates to cover normal operating costs PLUS anticipated predictable damage to the infrastructure. Of course, once those rates are raised to cover foreseeable devastation, does anyone think it ever goes back down? This proposal would make storm damage costs a cost-only , one-time charge and if (miracles happen) the next year is storm-free, then rates will stay lower.
Not a bad deal when you look at it.

David Amos

@John O'Brien "Not a bad deal when you look at it"

Methtinks the kind of deal it is depends on who is writing your pay cheque as you look at N'esy Pas?

 

Douglas James

The NB Power chairmanship used to be a cabinet post. If it were still, we could hold the government more accountable for rate hikes etc.

David Amos

@Douglas James Jacky Kier appointed a buddy to be the former in Chair in 2007 and Ricky Doucet ain't picked the new one yet. Methinks nobody wants the job until this hearing is history N'esy Pas?

 
Roland Godin

Call it diversion; weathering a political storm and a Smart move...et voilà.

David Amos

@Roland Godin C'est Vrai

 

Brian Robertson

I'm really not sure which is the more incompetent; NB Power or the Liberals.

David Amos

@Brian Robertson "I'm really not sure which is the more incompetent"

Methinks you forgot a lot of other people as well N'esy Pas?

How about adding the bureaucrats, the Conservatives, the NDP, the Greens, the PANB,The KISS, the Independents and "None of the above" to your list then remember that old TV Show expression "Survey Says?" as you watch the results of the next election come rolling in?

 
Ian Scott

Lots of places looking for dollars anywhere they can get away with it. This is just stupid and should have never come to light of day at NB Power. Instead where are the plans for Mactaquac and how did the Point Lepreau bill get solved Nothing on the matter.How is individual solar/wind to be introduced as its price comes down and how does that cause profit issues again with a unit that needs to make money for investors.? what is insured at NBP.

Matthew Smith

@Ian Scott funny eh? power grid hookups are mandatory for both mortgage and insurance- both rebuilds and refits would otherwise push the province over the brink of bankruptcy.... not saying it's the answer, but I've seen great results from privatization in my travels ...maybe if they considered precautionary maintenance just for a moment.

..

David Amos

@Matthew Smith "power grid hookups are mandatory for both mortgage and insurance"

Now there is something I didn't know. Can that be found in writing somewhere?

 

Gil Murray

CBC radio this morning reported NBPower said it was already hidden in normal rates and this will make it transparent. Will rates go down if this is approved?

David Amos

@Gil Murray "Will rates go down if this is approved?"

NOPE I would lay odds on that one.

   

Gil Murray

Election year. Not hard to tell why he is concerned about the poor taxpayer now.

David Amos

@Gil Murray YUP

  
Greg Miller

Mr. Gallant, I take it that you have read the comments. Good on you.

David Amos

@Greg Miller Methinks the taxpayers pay somebody to read the comments then explain them to him and his cabinet N'esy Pas?

 

Rosco holt

It seems that NBPower has declared war on residential users.

With smart meters, weather tax, 2%+ every year and saying that residential isn't paying their fair share.
To be fair, government deals on electricity to big corps needs to be revisited or scrapped.

David Amos

@Rosco holt Do you recall how well Alward treated the Irvings byway of the Large Industrial Renewable Energy Purchase Program and NB Power?

Rosco holt

@David Amos
Yes, I do.

NB Power backs away from controversial 'weather tax'

Utility announces it has submitted a request to EUB to withdraw its application

CBC News Posted: Mar 23, 2018 11:12 AM AT

NB Power president and CEO Gaëtan Thomas said the utility made the decision to withdraw the application after hearing from its shareholder and customers 'who are anxious abut the impact.' (CBC)

NB Power is backing out of its controversial "weather tax."

The utility announced Friday it is seeking permission from the Energy and Utilities Board to withdraw its request for a rate adjustment to help cover storm-related costs.

"NB Power has heard from our shareholder [the province] and our customers who are anxious about the impact of the adjustment mechanism and we are listening to those concerns," president and CEO Gaëtan Thomas said in a statement.

"We recognize that our customers are uncomfortable with the uncertainty an adjustment mechanism may create."

• Inserting himself into EUB matters, Gallant says he opposes 'weather tax'
• 'Weather tax' not necessary but more fair to customers, argues NB Power VP
• NB Power's proposed residential rate hike may be too high, hearing told

The move comes one day after it was revealed Premier Brian Gallant sent an email to Thomas on Wednesday, saying he was against the proposal.

"I am strongly opposed to the idea of a 'weather tax' and would consider overruling the adjustment mechanism via legislation should it be supported by the EUB," Gallant wrote in a seven-line note that was leaked to CBC News.

NB Power's board of directors has asked management to "respectfully seek permission" from the regulator to withdraw its adjustment mechanism request "in order to explore all options available for recovering these costs and to engage stakeholders in discussions on the matter," the statement said.

NB Power outlined its intention to apply for a storm damage surcharge last October in response to a request made by the Energy and Utilities Board that it investigate the idea. It is part of the utility's ongoing 2018/19 general rate application.

The rate hearings are scheduled to continue Monday in Saint John.

Inserting himself into EUB matters, Gallant says he opposes 'weather tax'

Premier tells utility president he's 'strongly opposed' to idea and might overrule it if approved by regulator

By Robert Jones, CBC News Posted: Mar 22, 2018 5:14 PM AT

Premier Brian Gallant said he wrote to NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas directly so as not to 'interfere' in the ongoing hearing process. (Canadian Press)

A month after his energy minister ridiculed the idea of government involving itself in NB Power's proposal to bill customers directly for major storm damage, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant has done just that.

In a letter to NB Power president Gaëtan Thomas dated March 21, Gallant said he is against the plan, which the utility has been trying to sell to the Energy and Utilities Board.

"I am strongly opposed to the idea of a 'weather tax' and would consider overruling the adjustment mechanism via legislation should it be supported by the EUB," Gallant wrote in a seven-line note that was leaked to CBC News.

• 'Weather tax' not necessary but more fair to customers, argues NB Power VP
• NB Power's proposed residential rate hike may be too high, hearing told
• Residential, commercial customers could bear the brunt of NB Power's 'weather tax'

NB Power first raised the idea of a storm damage surcharge last October. It gained some profile last month in the legislature when Progressive Conservative MLA Jake Stewart ridiculed it as a "weather tax," but it appeared to cause no concern to government at the time.

Energy Minister Rick Doucet told Stewart that NB Power runs its own affairs under the independent guidance of the Energy and Utilities Board, which would ultimately decide the issue.
"The EUB is the oversight for NB Power," Doucet said.

"Is he [Stewart] saying now that maybe we should meddle in the affairs of the utility again? I think this is something that they were pros at before, but the Electricity Act clearly states that the operations of NB Power are by the utility.

'The public should be concerned that when governments start doing this sometimes yes, in the short-term it's good for you, but in the long-term it's almost always bad for you.' - Brady Yauch, Canadian Policy Institute

"I hear from members on that side that maybe we should walk down the street and run the affairs of NB Power. I am thinking that maybe that is what they want to do.

"I do not think that many of them over on that side of the House have read the Electricity Act."

But the issue gained more prominence this week as it began to be debated in detail at the board's hearing, generating sharp public response that eventually triggered the premier's letter.

"Many voices oppose the so-called 'weather tax,' wrote the premier, who said he was writing directly to Thomas so not to "interfere in the hearing process while it is ongoing."

Challenge to regulator's independence

Brady Yauch is executive director of the Canadian Policy Institute in Toronto and an advocate for the independent regulation of provincial power utilities.

He said the premier's letter to NB Power on a matter being heard by the Energy and Utilities Board is a challenge to the regulator's independence and should be resisted by it.

Brady Yauch, executive director of the Canadian Policy Institute, is urging the EUB to accept or reject the idea of a storm surcharge solely on its merits. (Canadian Policy Institute)

"The public should be concerned that when governments start doing this sometimes yes, in the short-term it's good for you, but in the long term it's almost always bad for you," said Yauch.

"Many regulators across Canada have been sideswiped by politicians and you have to try and fight that as much as you can."

Yauch recommended the EUB continue to hear evidence on the storm surcharge issue and accept or reject the idea solely on its merits. Otherwise, he said, the independence of the regulatory body will be compromised.

"Then the government's just running the power sector and you get into all sorts of political favours and everything else involved in that," he said.

"Having a regulator that is able to fight and able to stand up to the government is a very, very, very good thing for consumers in the long run."

Gallant spokeswoman Tina Robichaud said the premier would not be speaking further about the letter.

"The premier's office has no comment," she wrote in an email to CBC News on Thursday.