Conflicting Testimony At EUB Hearing

There has been some conflicting testimony at the Energy and Utilities Board Hearing on the accuracy of NB Power's accounting practices.

The hearing is looking at the deferral account for the Point Lepreau nuclear refurbishment and its cost overruns of a billion dollars.
An economist who specialises in energy, Kurt Strunk charges there are a number of violations. He says, "In my pre-filed evidence, I identified two areas where the deferral account has not been made in compliance with the act and associated regulations, leading to inaccurate amounts being presented to the board."
Strunk charges the figures in the deferral account are not accurate. "NB Power neglected to apply the necessary manual adjustments to all units and all time frames during the deferral period. Infact, there are several months in which NB Power appeared to have ignored there own guidelines."

On the other hand, Deloitte and Touche, testified that, based on the samples reviewed, NB Power's costs in reference to the deferral account are accurately recorded.

Bail Hearing For Snook Rescheduled For Monday

There's been a delay in the case of a Saint John city councillor accused of sexual interference with a child under 16.

Donnie Snook's lawyer told provincial court yesterday he needed more time to review the case.
   
As a result, the Saint John city councillor will have to wait another week for a bail hearing. Snook's next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, January 21st, 2012.
   
The 40-year-old is also charged with possession of child pornography and making child pornography.

Meanwhile, there's no word whether any move will be made at the next meeting of Saint John Common Council to remove Councillor Donnie Snook for missing more than 3 meetings in a row.