As the three Maritime provinces explore cooperation on a regional electricity system, the former energy minister of New Brunswick said it will be important to determine how much each province spends on and gains from the project. Earlier this month, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to identify potential coordination on energy transmission, generation and emerging resources. Mike Holland, who served as energy minister for New Brunswick from 2018 to 2024, has long advocated for cross-provincial cooperation on electricity in the Maritimes. “There are a lot of exciting things happening in all of the provinces when it comes to energy,” he told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis. “It only makes sense to collaborate on projects of size and scope. “There are a variety of benefits. We need to do it together.” The federal government is spending $5.9 million on a proposed electricity expansion between P.E.I. and New Brunswick. Holland said cooperation could help the Maritime provinces grow their energy companies. He also noted the provinces could bring their energy regulations in alignment to help with supply chains. “Seriously work through how the costs and benefits are distributed,” he said. “It’s important to be eyes wide open.” With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Melanie Price
