Lori Clark will lead NB Power on a permanent basis, the utility’s board of directors announced on Monday.

Clark has been serving as acting president and CEO of the utility since Keith Cronkhite was ousted last July.

At the time, the utility’s board of directors said it needed to embark on a “significant transformation” of the organization.

“NB Power is on the cusp of a transformation that will place us in a stronger financial position, allow us to meet customer needs in the future and continue our path to cleaner, greener energy,” said board chair Charles Firlotte said in a statement on Monday.

“For the last eight months, Lori has shown herself to be a dynamic champion of change who is committed to New Brunswick and to building a strong future for NB Power.”

Clark is the first female to lead NB Power in the utility’s history, according to a news release from the corporation.

She previously served as senior vice-president of operations, leading the teams responsible for generating, transmitting and distributing power across the province.

“The electric-utility industry is going through an exciting transformation. I believe NB Power has a bright future as New Brunswick’s energy provider and I’m proud to lead this team in my new role,” Clark said in Monday’s news release.

“I am excited to tackle the challenge of placing the utility in a stronger financial position that allows us to meet customer needs and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future for New Brunswickers.”

The news comes just days after the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board delivered a “partial decision” on NB Power’s rate hike request.

The board said it is not satisfied that the 8.9 per cent increase in rates NB Power applied for are “just and reasonable.”

NB Power has been told to recalculate its numbers and come back with an adjusted rate increase.

With files from Tara Clow and Allan Dearing.