Maine interested in power from 2nd Lepreau reactor in N.B.

The head of the Public Utilities Commission in Maine says the state may be interested in providing a market for power generated by a second NB Power nuclear reactor.

Maine, which exports power to the rest of New England, is looking for ways to take pressure off its own resources and keep power rates down.

Commission chair Kurt Adams saidone way to do that would be to turn to the state's northern neighbour.

"If New Brunswick has the capacity to build a centre of excellence for nuclear generating capacity, and it has the ability to site something in a place where it makes sense, New England might want to help participate in that and purchase the power."

Energy Minister Jack Keir said there are opportunities for New Brunswick to cash in on the New England energy market.

"Certainly a second reactor will help in the supply of that and we'd look forward to getting involved with that project," he said Wednesday.

It's not yet known how much New Brunswick power could sell for in New England.

Keir said prices would have to be competitive if the utility wants to be a player in that market.