FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has appointed François Beaulieu as the new vice-chairperson and full-time member of the Energy and Utilities Board.

This appointment is in line with the provincial government's efforts to ensure greater continuity and consistency within the board by structuring it exclusively with full-time members as per the policy direction of The New Brunswick Energy Blueprint.

"Our government is proud to welcome Mr. Beaulieu as full-time member and vice-chair of the board," said Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard. "With his vast experience in law, he will complement the expertise of the current members in regulating and addressing energy issues in New Brunswick."

Effective June 30, Beaulieu is appointed to a member term of 10 years and a seven-year term as vice-chairperson. The board is now comprised exclusively of full-time members as opposed to its previous composition of two full-time members and eight part-time members.

Beaulieu has spent the last 16 years practicing law in New Brunswick with a focus on litigation and municipal law, most recently serving as a solicitor for the City of Saint John. He holds both a bachelors and master of law degrees. Prior to his role as solicitor, he was an entrepreneur in Edmundston and an associate lawyer with Clark Drummie. He brings with him a good understanding of the energy sector as well as expertise in developing and managing contracts for various capital projects and procurements.

The Energy and Utilities Board provides regulatory oversight of the transmission and distribution of electricity, natural gas distribution, pipelines, and the motor coach industry in addition to administering the weekly price regulation of petroleum products. It also undertakes occasional reviews of industry margins. Funding for the board comes entirely from assessments charged to the utilities it regulates.

LINK:

●    New Brunswick Energy & Utilities Board


26-06-14