NB Power Facing Scrutiny From New Smart Meter Bills New Brunswick Canada

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NB Power is under fire as thousands of New Brunswick residents report unexpected increases in their power bills after smart meter installations. While the utility company defends the $122.7 million rollout of 350,000 meters as accurate and federally regulated, they're offering meter inspections for $65 (waived if faulty). You can opt out of smart meters, though the fee structure isn't finalized yet. Understanding the full scope of this issue reveals important details about your consumer rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Thousands of New Brunswick residents report unexplained power bill increases following NB Power's smart meter installations across the province.
  • NB Power defends smart meter accuracy, stating they are federally regulated and not responsible for increased bills.
  • The $122.7 million smart meter rollout project aims to upgrade 350,000 meters within 24 months across New Brunswick.
  • Customers can request meter inspections for $65, with the fee waived only if the meter proves faulty.
  • NB Power is developing an opt-out policy for concerned customers, similar to Quebec's program with initial and monthly fees.
key insights and conclusions

Thousands of New Brunswick residents are raising concerns about unexplained spikes in their power bills following NB Power's recent rollout of smart meters. Since beginning mass deployment on November 1, 2023, NB Power has installed over 190,000 smart meters as part of a $122.7 million project aimed at upgrading 350,000 meters province-wide.

You'll find that NB Power is firmly defending the accuracy of these new meters, stating they're federally regulated and reviewed by Measurement Canada. The utility company maintains that smart meters aren't responsible for the bill increases and offers meter inspections for unusual cases, though you'll need to pay a $65 fee if the inspection proves unnecessary. The utility expects to save over $20 million annually by eliminating manual meter readings.

If you're concerned about radio frequencies, data security, or privacy, you should know that an opt-out policy is in development. While the exact fee hasn't been set, you can look to Quebec's similar program for reference, which initially charged customers a $98 opt-out fee plus $17 monthly for non-communicating meters. The new plan represents an $18 million increase from the previously rejected 2018 proposal. NB Power may take up to a year to establish their final opt-out fee structure.

The utility company expects to complete the meter upgrade within 24 months, and they're emphasizing that near-universal adoption is vital for maximizing financial benefits. Each smart meter undergoes an audit during installation and requires re-inspection every six years to guarantee accuracy. Customers can access their detailed energy consumption through their online NB Power account to monitor usage patterns.

You might be wondering about your options if you experience unusual readings. NB Power encourages you to contact them about significant bill increases, though they're confident in their smart meters' accuracy. The company's stance remains firm: these devices are reliable, secure, and necessary for modernizing the power grid.

If you're among those questioning your bill's accuracy, you can request a meter inspection. However, remember that you'll avoid the inspection fee only if the meter proves faulty. As the rollout continues across New Brunswick, NB Power maintains its commitment to addressing customer concerns while pushing forward with this technological upgrade.

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Kyle Sweezey

Kyle Sweezey, a web pioneer since 1998, brings over two decades of digital expertise to FreddyBeach.com. Passionate about local stories and community insights, Kyle delivers timely and engaging news to the heart of New Brunswick.

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