January ice storm in New Brunswick most costly restoration in utility’s history

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick’s power utility says this January’s ice storm was the largest, most expensive restoration effort in the utility’s history.

The Crown-owned NB Power says in a release that costs for the ice storm are estimated at $30 million for the storm that occurred from Jan. 24 to 26.

That includes labour for 380 repair crews and support staff, fuel for trucks, replacement poles, transformers and other equipment, lodging and meals.

The repairs included replacing nearly 600 broken hydro poles and 150 transformers in the Acadian Peninsula, and installing 51 kilometres of new lines.