SAINT JOHN, N.B. - New Brunswick's Energy and Utilities Review Board has wrapped up hearings on NB Power's three per cent rate hike with a plea from a prominent company for the utility to cut its costs.
Wayne Wolfe, vice-president at J.D. Irving Ltd., said NB Power claims it is trying to reduce costs, but he cited four discretionary areas where he said that hasn't happened.
Darren Murphy, NB Power's vice-president of distribution and customer service, said the company is doing what it can to meet its budget.
Wolfe said the utility needs to tighten its belt rather than turn to its customers.
The board's report on the increase must be submitted to the energy minister by the end of June.
NB Power President David Hay said the company is mindful of its customers and its budget, but even with the three per cent rate increase the utility will still lose tens of millions of dollars.
