Quebec is suddenly singing a more conciliatory tune over its planned purchase of New Brunswick's power utility.

The provincial government is scrambling to clarify a suggestion that its purchase of NB Power is a done deal — with no possibility of a sweetened offer.

Natural Resources Minister Nathalie Normandeau switched her tone Tuesday, one day after saying the agreement is final and not open for renegotiation.

In fact, she said an agreement-in-principle was signed Oct. 29, and negotiations are still going on. The deal is supposed to be concluded by March 31.

Normandeau said the final deal will respect the "spirit" of the October memorandum of understanding.

New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham has suggested in year-end interviews he may tweak the final contract with Quebec to address some of the concerns raised by New Brunswickers since the deal was announced in October.

He said there may be wording that spells out more clearly that this province retains control over energy policy.

And he said negotiators may address what happens to power rates after a five-year rate freeze, when they become linked to inflation.

"Today many New Brunswickers have asked, 'You know this is a very good deal for the first five years. How can we be guaranteed protection after five years?' So we're looking at identifying ways today to strengthen that protection after five years," Graham told CBC News.

The sale is a hot potato for the New Brunswick government, which has come under intense political fire over its plan to sell NB Power's assets to Hydro-Quebec for $4.8 billion, which would immediately erase the utility's debt.

The deal also includes a commitment to freeze residential rates for five years and cut large industrial power prices to Quebec levels.

The New Brunswick government estimates the rate package is worth an additional $5 billion.