The Opposition Conservatives are continuing to press the Gallant Government on the Enbridge settlement to avoid a lawsuit against the province from proceeding.
Progressive Conservative energy critic MLA Jake Stewart is asking what the effect will be on rates.
“Are you simply forcing these 12,000 people to keep paying above market rates?” questioned Stewart.
Energy Minister Rick Doucet says there are caps in place for rate hikes.
“The caps have been established and set at 3%, 3%, and 3%, the EUB [Energy and Utilities Board] after 202 has full authority to make the determination of rates,” says Doucet.
Stewart continued to press Doucet on whether natural gas users will be paying more than they should.
Stewart asked “is it not the case that you’re ensuring New Brunswick natural gas users that they will never benefit from the huge savings they could be enjoying with record low gas prices?”
Doucet rejected the suggestion saying “what this is doing is going to help stabilize rates for all sectors including the commercial and industrial.”
The Minister adds the settlement also removes from taxpayers a huge financial risk had the Enbridge lawsuit gone ahead.
