NEW BRUNSWICK — I would like to echo recent comments made by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, who are sounding the alarm about the high price our economy will pay if NB Power’s increased rates for electricity are approved by the EUB. NB Power’s requested all-in increase of 15.3% for 2024 and 9.8% for 2025 threatens the competitiveness of all energy-intensive trade exposed employers based in New Brunswick, as well as putting a significant hardship on residential customers. It will mean our industrial rates will be, on average, 22% higher than the rest of Canada. This puts current and future jobs at risk. …We have invested millions of dollars into developing alternate energy sources and making our facilities as energy efficient as possible in an effort to offset the province’s high electricity costs. However, no business can absorb a 50% rate hike in a five-year period.