Release
Department of Natural Resources
May 23, 2025
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The three people who will lead the comprehensive review of NB Power were announced today. They are energy infrastructure and investment executive Michael Bernstein, lawyer and former privacy commissioner Anne E. Bertrand and utility expert Duncan Hawthorne.
“The three individuals responsible for leading this review are accomplished professionals with skill sets that will be invaluable for this comprehensive review,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy, who is also the minister responsible for energy. “We have every confidence in this team and its ability to conduct a transparent, collaborative and evidence-based review while engaging with New Brunswickers and stakeholders.”
The review leads are responsible for gathering and analyzing data, conducting public engagement and developing recommendations based on their findings.
Bernstein is a senior executive with experience in the Canadian power, infrastructure and utilities sector. Bertrand is a former member of NB Power’s board of directors, with extensive public engagement experience. Hawthorne is an internationally recognized utility and energy expert.
More biographical information about the leads is available on the review website.
The comprehensive review announced in April will focus on four areas: financial sustainability, governance and utility structure, customer expectations, and investor attractiveness and strategic partnerships. The next step in the comprehensive review is the launch of public engagement to provide New Brunswickers and experts the opportunity to provide their perspectives on what is needed to improve the utility. More information will be available on how to participate on the review website in the coming weeks.
Final recommendations and any decisions related to the review are expected by the end of March 2026.
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Media Contact(s)
David Kelly, corporate communications, Executive Council Office, [email protected].