CanREA

On February 9, 2010 New Brunswick Energy Minister Jack Keir announced a new so-called feed-in tariff that will pay 10 cents/kWh for power generated from new community power projects of all types. Many observers agree that this price is far too low to encourage investment in renewable energy projects, and is not a true feed-tariff like those used in Ontario and in Europe.

“Feed-in tariffs are supposed to be based on the cost of the electricity produced plus a reasonable return for the producer” said David Coon, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. “The proposed price is too low to enable communities to develop renewable energy projects. They just won’t be able to afford it.” In Ontario, wind power projects are paid between 13 cents and 19 cents/kWh and solar beteween 40 cents and 80 cents /kWh. These prices have resulted in contracts for 2500 MW of new renewable power projects in less that a year.

The new Community Energy Policy also does not guarantee access to the grid as a true feed-in tariff program should. The initial phase of the will consist of 75 MW, of which 50 MW will be assigned to community-owned projects and the other 25 MW to First Nations projects. To qualify under the policy, projects must not be larger than 15 MW in capacity. They must be majority-owned by First Nations, municipalities, co-operatives, not-for-profit organizations or institutions. New Brunswick-based private corporations and investors may be minority partners.

Eleven workshops will be held between March 8 and 24 to educate interested communities and partners about the policy. This could provide an opportunity for participants to advocate a more effective Feed-in Tariff Program. For details on the workshops see the Community Energy Policy news release.