The New Brunswick government has extended the contract of NB Power president and chief executive officer Lori Clark and approved a raise that sets her total compensation at $623,653 plus any cost-of-living increases, according to an order-in-council dated June 11.
Top job extended during utility overhaul
Clark’s new term runs through March 16, 2028, the government document says. The reappointment by the provincial Liberal cabinet coincides with a period of sweeping changes intended to tackle NB Power’s mounting debt and soaring electricity rates — an issue that has drawn scrutiny from consumers and political opponents alike.
Public salary disclosure indicates Clark’s reported earnings rose to as much as $549,000 in 2025. That figure followed earlier increases from the amount she received while serving as interim CEO in 2022, when her pay was reported as up to $350,000.
How the pay is set
The order-in-council notes that Clark’s remuneration is determined by the lieutenant-governor under the province’s Electricity Act. That legal framework places final authority for senior executive pay for the Crown corporation at the vice-regal level, on the advice of cabinet.
The reappointment and compensation decision has potential political implications as the government advances plans to restructure NB Power’s finances and operations. Premier Susan Holt and her ministers have framed the reforms as necessary steps to stabilize the utility and address rising consumer costs.
Context and public interest
For many New Brunswickers, NB Power’s leadership and its compensation are closely linked to broader questions about accountability and value for money as the province grapples with electricity affordability and utility debt. The decision to renew Clark’s contract at a higher rate may prompt scrutiny from ratepayer advocates and opposition parties, who have argued for tighter oversight and clearer timelines for debt relief.
- Reappointment: Lori Clark extended through March 16, 2028.
- Compensation set at: $623,653 plus cost-of-living increases.
- Recent earnings: up to $549,000 in 2025; up to $350,000 in 2022 as interim CEO.
Numbers at a glance
| Year/Status | Reported or set compensation |
|---|---|
| 2022 (interim CEO) | $350,000 (up to) |
| 2025 (reported) | $549,000 (up to) |
| New term (set by order-in-council) | $623,653 + COLA |
Under the Electricity Act framework, executive compensation at NB Power is not set directly by the minister or legislature, but by the lieutenant-governor on cabinet advice. That procedural detail underscores how decisions about remuneration for Crown corporation executives combine legal formality with political oversight.
As the Holt government moves forward with its plan to restructure NB Power, observers will be watching whether the reappointment helps provide continuity in leadership or fuels debate over the pace and direction of reform. Billing rates, debt management and capital projects remain central to the public discussion about the utility’s future.
For ratepayers and municipal partners, the key questions will be how quickly the government’s measures lower electricity costs, whether governance changes produce clearer accountability, and what role senior management will play in implementing reforms outlined by cabinet.
With Clark now confirmed in the top job until 2028 and her compensation formalized, both proponents and critics of the government’s strategy will be assessing the announcement in the weeks ahead as consultations and policy work proceed.
