The provincial government is set to introduce amendments following a recent review of legislation governing the Public Utilities Board.

The province is looking to introduce amendments to both the Electrical Power Control Act and the Public Utilities Act intended to increase transparency and strengthen the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities.

Industry, Energy, and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons says one of the most important changes is allowing the PUB to consider issues of environmental responsibility in addition to least cost options when applications come through.

He calls it a “big change.” Parsons says while it will not be the only guiding force, it will allow the PUB to make better decisions when applications come forward.

Other changes include increasing the maximum number of full time commissioners that can be appointed from four to six, allowing the appointment of temporary commissioners, and increasing the threshold for construction, purchases, and leases that require PUB approval to $750,000.

The latest amendments follow changes made to the Petroleum Products Act and Regulations last year to improve transparency in the fuel pricing process.