MP calls on New Brunswick to reject proposed AI data centre in open letter to premier

CANADA MP calls on New Brunswick to reject proposed AI data centre in open letter to premier By Eli Ridder The Canadian Press Posted September 18, 2026 4:42 pm 1 min read RELATED: Community member concerned about data centre proposed on UNESCO geopark – Jul 14, 2026 LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE A New Brunswick member of Parliament is calling on the provincial government to reject a proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Saint John, warning that it could overwhelm the power grid. Conservative MP John Williamson says the proposed AI centre will trigger electricity rate hikes for nearby residents. Williamson says the public utility NB Power lacks the necessary capacity to handle the facility’s demand for 200 megawatts from the grid. He laid out his opposition to Beacon Data Centers’ project in a letter to Liberal Premier Susan Holt. 2:07 Saint John, Lorneville residents protest data centre Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. The New Brunswick Southwest MP also criticized Holt for highlighting the data centre project at a major Toronto investment summit earlier this week, even though it hasn’t received provincial government approval. MORE ON CANADA MORE VIDEOS Appeal hearing continues over fired Regina police chief Manitobans brace for dark mornings, lighter evenings after time change nixed 2 sudden deaths prompt public safety warning from Halifax police Uncertainty hangs over Nackawic after pulp mill announces temporary shutdown STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The New Brunswick government says any new data centre must pay for the costs it creates and cannot lead to higher electricity rates. Get daily Montreal news Get daily Montreal news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. SIGN UP FOR DAILY MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. Beacon AI says its project requires 390 megawatts of energy and that it could produce up to 190 megawatts on site. Williamson said the company wasn’t interested in generating all of its own power. “I met with them and I raised this and they balked,” he told The Canadian Press in an interview Friday, referencing a meeting he had with the…