The energy critic for New Brunswick’s opposition Progressive Conservative party Jake Stewart has asked the Energy Minister about what the future could hold for natural gas users in the wake of the Enbridge deal with the provincial government to settle lawsuits lodged by the natural gas distributor against the province totalling more than $800-million.
“Does this bill mean users of natural gas are open to large bill increases if gas prices increase?” Stewart asked during question period in the New Brunswick Legislature.
Provincial Energy Minister Rick Doucet didn’t answer Stewart’s specific question, but instead spoke about the impact of settling the lawsuits.
“I can tell you something right now. $820-million is gonna be off the backs of every man woman and child in this province. And that’s what’s really important Mr. Speaker as we go forward on this deal,” Doucet said.
There’s a cap on distribution rates for the new two years which is the remainder of the franchise agreements.
