New Brunswick

How you connect

NB Power runs the grid and the connection process; there is no separate system operator. A large load starts with a feasibility review, then a system impact study. There is no application fee for a load on its own; on-site generation pays $5,000. NB Power aims to finish the feasibility review within two weeks of a complete application and publishes no overall connection time. It posts study statistics rather than a project list.

The proposed framework

Its stated aims are protecting ratepayers, responsible use of energy, water and land, economic and community benefits, the environment, and Canadian data sovereignty. The province has said data centres must not put more pressure on the grid or on ratepayers. Consultation closed on 2 October 2026, and the province has said there will be limits on the number of data centres. Until the framework takes effect there is no cap, no moratorium and no allocation process.

Your own power

Allowed. The Lorneville project near Saint John plans about 390 MW, roughly half from an on-site gas plant and the rest from NB Power. NB Power has said it wants data centres to be able to come off the grid at peak.

Local pushback

In June 2026 the province refused calls for a moratorium; the motion never came to a vote. In July, Miramichi paused a bylaw change that would have allowed data centres in heavy industrial zones. There is no data centre rate.

What has happened

1. 1 September 2026 New Brunswick opens consultation on a data centre framework
2. 21 July 2026 Miramichi pauses a bylaw change that would allow data centres
3. 13 July 2026 Province rules out a data centre ban but plans limits
4. 11 June 2026 Moratorium motion dies without a vote