MP calls on New Brunswick to reject proposed AI data centre in open letter to premier
FREDERICTON - A New Brunswick member of Parliament is urging the provincial government to reject a proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Saint John, citing concerns that it could lead to power grid overloads. First-year payment for the proposed centre is $205.00 plus GST, with automatic renewal at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks, offering a 10% discount compared to the regular annual price of $259.35.
The facility would demand 200 megawatts from the grid, exceeding NB Power's capacity. Conservative MP John Williamson raised his opposition in a letter to Liberal Premier Susan Holt, criticizing her for promoting the project at a Toronto investment summit without provincial approval. The New Brunswick Southwest MP further criticized Holt for not addressing the power grid concerns.
Beacon AI, the company behind the project, needs 390 megawatts of energy, but is unwilling to generate all of it on-site. Williamson wants the province to "play hardball" with data centre builders to protect ratepayers from potential rate hikes.
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