News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - Gaëtan Thomas has been appointed as president and chief executive officer of NB Power by the board of directors, effective immediately. He has served as interim president since January.

"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Gaëtan for his all his work to date and welcome him to this key role for NB Power," said Ed Barrett, board chair. "He has already made significant strides in this role by setting forth a new mission and vision for the organization that puts a greater emphasis on serving our customers, implementing significant cost cutting measures and looking for new opportunities to enhance regional cooperation with our partners."

Thomas previously served as vice president of NB Power Nuclear Corp., where he was responsible for the management of the nuclear program with a particular focus on business excellence, and as vice president of NB Power Distribution and Customer Service, where he had the opportunity to work closely with customers and understand their importance and role within the province.

Prior to those roles, Thomas worked throughout the province on infrastructure projects that now provide safe and reliable electricity to NB Power's more than 360,000 direct and indirect customers.

"Gaëtan's wealth of experience in working with employees and customers across the province is a great asset to our organization," said Barrett. "I have no doubt that under his leadership, we will continue to explore innovative ways to keep rates as low as possible and proudly serve our customers. I am also confident that Gaëtan's commitment to exploring the use of emerging technologies, such as smart grid technology, in cooperation with our regional partners will lead to exciting new opportunities for our utility."

Energy Minister Jack Keir said Thomas has a proven track record at the utility.

"His experience in generation, transmission, distribution and customer service has given him a great understanding of the operations of the utility," Keir said. "Over the past few months, Gaëtan has demonstrated he has the right skills to lead the utility and its team of employees."