Energy Efficiency Programs See All

Energy efficiency programs secure energy savings through various strategies such as audits, retrofits, training for building tradespeople, “people-centred” or behavioural efficiency strategies, and customized industrial programs.

Energy Efficiency Program Administration

Between 2005 and 2014, energy efficiency programming was administered by Efficiency New Brunswick, a not-for-profit crown corporation funded through the government budget. In 2014, the government introduced legislation to dissolve Efficiency NB and transfer responsibility for efficiency programming to the provincial utility.

New Brunswick Power administers both electric and non-electric efficiency programs (details are available at Save Energy NB). Electric programs are largely funded by ratepayers and are subject to annual review by the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). Non-electric programs are supported through the federal government's Low-Carbon Economy Fund. All-fuel low-income programs are funded by the Government for New Brunswick.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Energy Efficiency Targets

NB Power files its estimated annual incremental energy savings targets and associated budgets with the NB EUB as part of its annual General Rate Application.

There are no legislated targets.  The Climate Action Plan, ‘Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy’, released in December 2016, called for efficiency initiatives at “performance levels in leading jurisdictions”, quoting a range of 1.5 – 1.75% of sales per year, though no current formal target exists. 

Bill 99 was given Royal Assent June 10, 2022. This bill allows electricity efficiency targets and dedicated funding for non-electric programs in regulations.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Energy Efficiency as a Resource

When developing its Integrated Resource Plan, NB Power looks at supply side resources (new generating stations) and demand side resources (energy efficiency, demand response and smart grid). Demand side resources are essential to developing a least-cost plan.

Previously, Bill 39 Climate Change Act and the Climate Change Action Plan outlined GHG targets levels and related actions. The Climate Change Action Plan directed NB Power, the delivery agent under Item 33, to provide:

  1. clear performance-based targets for program-delivery services, in line with potential for efficiency gain in New Brunswick and performance levels in leading jurisdictions; i.e., in the range of 1.5 percent to 1.75 per cent of sales per year;
  2. sustained funding, including financial incentives and financing mechanisms, to support enhanced progressive long-term programs;
  3. expanded capacity and programs to support low-income New Brunswickers;
  4. active promotion and recruitment of participants to enhance program uptake;
  5. training for building contractors through partnerships with the New Brunswick Home Builders’ Association and other stakeholders;
  6. coverage of all sectors (i.e., transportation, industry, commercial, residential) and all fuels;
  7. the scope to include distributed clean energy options such as solar, wind and bio-energy;
  8. performance auditing and reporting periodically; and
  9. legislative and regulatory authority to enable energy efficiency delivery agents to meet the above conditions

In November, 2022, the province released an updated Climate Change Plan 2022-2027 in which items 7, 8, 11, and 17 outline energy efficiency priorities. These include strengthening investments and broadening the scope of energy efficiency and demand-side management initiatives and setting clear electricity efficiency performance targets and reporting requirements for NB Power.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Efficiency Potential Study and Energy Planning

New Brunswick Power's Integrated Resource Plans are revised every three years. The most recent plan was published in 2020 and covers 2020-2040.

NB Power and the Government of New Brunswick released a long-term, multi-fuel demand-side management potential study in 2019. The study quantified energy and demand savings potential from multiple DSM sources.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Cost-Effectiveness Testing

NB Power uses the Program Administrator Cost Test as its primary screening test, applied at the program level. The participant cost test is used as a secondary test.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Evaluation, Measurement and Verification

Individual initiatives at NB Power are generally assessed by a third party on a three-year period. Interviews with employees and stakeholders (contracted parties, distributors, and participants), site inspections, EM&V analysis, design and implementation analysis, and savings analysis are all part of the process.

Every three years, an EM&V Plan is created. This paper describes NB Power's EM&V techniques and activities, as well as the assumptions that underpin them. It comprises two documents: 1) an EM&V framework document, which provides a consistent framework for program evaluation with industry standards and best practices, and 2) a three-year assessment plan of NB Power's present programs.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Support for low-income energy efficiency programs

NB Power administers the Low Income Energy Efficiency program on behalf of the Department of Social Development.  The program is funded by a combination of the Provincial Department of Social Development, the Provincial Climate Fund, and the Low Carbon Economy Fund. It focuses on weatherization and some elements of heating system upgrades and direct install components.

NB Power also administers a Community Outreach Program, that works with non-profit and community organizations to help clients improve energy efficiency.

Recent amendments to the Electricity Act now allow NB Power to spend additional funds on low-income programs.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Enabling Policies See All

Enabling policies refer to policies, regulations, and other activities that build supportive infrastructure and policy frameworks to advance energy efficiency in a province. 

Support for Financing

No support for financing identified.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Research and Development

Dedicated innovation funding

NB Power includes an Enabling Strategies budget in its DSM planning, which can be used for planning, evaluation, and market transformation.

Pilots, projects and demonstrations

NB Power has partnered with NRCan to gather cost and energy savings data on the feasibility of using heat pump water heaters in the province.

Program innovation

The Smart Grid Innovation Network is a partnership between NB Power, the University of New Brunswick, and Siemens Canada that has supported RD&D in a number of smart grid related areas. 

Last reviewed: November 2022

Lead by example

Buildings
Under the Green Building Policy larger buildings (floor area greater than 2,000 m2) shall achieve a minimum LEED silver certification, or Green Globes standard. Buildings with floor area between 1,000-2,000 m2 shall meet a prescribe programs designed to reduce energy savings by at least 20-30% beyond the 1997 Model National Energy Code for Buildings, and meet the intent of the LEED Canada-NC requirements. Smaller buildings (floor area between 500-999 m2) have prescriptive requirements based on “Advanced Building Core Performance” Guide requirements.

The province’s most recent Climate Change Action Plan lists a number of actions for provincial buildings, including strengthening the Green Building Policy to include higher performance standards for energy efficiency.

Fleets
The Green Vehicle Policy was adopted in 2008, requires that replacement vehicles be in the top 10% in their class for fuel efficiency, with extra incentives to purchase hybrid electric vehicles, and restrictions on non-hybrid SUV and pick-ups.

The province’s most recent Climate Change Action Plan indicates the government will develop a green transportation policy to electrify government fleets, implement new fleet procurement practices, and promote a culture of minimized travel for public servants.

Last reviewed: November 2021

Grid Modernization

Advanced metering
In 2017 NB Power applied to the NB Energy and Utilities Board seeking approval to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure; the board denied its request. NB Power reapplied in 2019 with a revised business case. The regulator approved this second application in September 2020. The project is underway with meter upgrades expected to begin in March 2022 and the project completing in 2024.

Saint John Energy has a number of grid modernization and smart projects that aim to use data, storage dispatching, and load control to optimize the energy system.

Non-wires alternatives / Geotargetting

NB Power conducted engineering analysis at four locations to evaluate the potential of non-wire solutions to reduce the cost to serve sparse customer populations in remote areas of the province. The study involved residential load profile analysis, localized feeder current monitoring and obtaining equipment cost estimates. None of the areas were financially viable and the project was closed, with plans to re-evaluate one of the locations in the future.

Conservation voltage reduction
NB Power completed a conservation voltage reduction as part of a Grid Modernization Research and Development Pilot Project, with Siemens, Natural Resources Canada, and the National Research Council. Approximately 5,000 NB Power homes and businesses in specific areas of the province were part of this one-year pilot project. Broader CVR implementation is planned to start in 2022/2023.

Other
New Brunswick Power’s ten-year plan (2019-2028) includes “Energy Smart NB” (formerly known as “Reduce and Shift Demand”) is a long-term plan to modernize the decades old grid and shift in-province electricity demand to defer the next significant generation investment. It includes “smart grid” (technology and software), “smart habits” (energy efficiency and demand response), “smart solutions” (new products and services that engage consumers and leverage demand side management and smart grid technology) elements.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing revenues began being collected on April 1, 2020. Approximately 55% of proceeds go to reducing the burden on the natural gas utility and compensating for a reduction in the fuel/diesel excise tax. The remaining portion goes to a Climate Fund, administered by the province.

The province reported $25.9 million in revenues for 2020, of which approximately 45% went to supporting various energy efficiency-related programs and initiatives.

The province reported $36 million in revenues in fiscal 2021-2022, of which the province estimates 25% went to supporting various energy efficiency-related programs and initiatives. 

Last reviewed: November 2022

Buildings See All

Buildings are a significant and often neglected component of Canada’s infrastructure, and high-performance buildings are important for our quality of life, physical and mental health, and economic productivity

Building Codes

Building Codes

Legislation introduced in March 2020 gives cabinet the authority to adopt the latest versions of the National Building Code and the National Energy Code for Buildings.

In New Brunswick's updated Climate Plan released in September, 2022, the province makes a commitment to adopt the 2020 model codes in 2023.

Stretch or Step Codes
No stretch or step code. 

Net-zero energy ready commitment
In New Brunswick's updated Climate Plan released in September, 2022, the province makes a commitment to adopt net-zero energy ready codes by 2030.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Building Code Compliance

As a delivery agent through the Climate Change Action Plan, New Brunswick Power has a requirement to ensure training and capacity building with respect to code updates and adherence. In 2021, NB Power's New Commercial Construction pilot program offered funding for energy modelling to, in part, demonstrate NECB compliance.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Home Energy Rating and Disclosure

Mandatory home energy rating and disclosure: No
Home energy labelling voluntary or pilot program: No

The 2016 Climate Action Plan, Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy, stated that the government would “if viable, require energy labeling for all new building construction, both residential and commercial”.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Building Energy Rating and Disclosure

Mandatory large building energy rating and disclosure: Yes (Government buildings)
Voluntary building benchmarking and transparency program: No

New Brunswick’s 2016 Climate Action Plan set an objective to require energy performance identification for all publicly funded new construction and major building renovations. Only aggregate GHG emissions are disclosed publicly, though departments can voluntarily disclose more if they choose.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Appliance and Equipment Market Transformation
Space Heating Windows Water Heating
Research and development - - -
Pilots and demonstrations - - -
Information and awareness - - -
Technology and installation training - - -
Upstream or downstream incentives NB Power provides downstream incentives for heat pumps NB Power provides downstream incentives for retrofits that include windows NB Power provides downstream incentives for water heaters.
Regulation, codes and standards New Brunswick regulates heat pumps under the Energy Efficiency Act, and is working to harmonize the legislation with federal standards. - New Brunswick regulates water heaters under the Energy Efficiency Act, and is updating legislation to harmonize with federal standards.

Last reviewed: August 2020

Appliance and Equipment Standards

New Brunswick regulates appliances and equipment through regulation 95-70 under the Energy Efficiency Act.

Amended regulation to harmonize with the federal energy efficiency regulations underwent public consultation which ended June 11, 2021.  The new regulation will came into effect Sept 1, 2021. Prior to this, the Government of New Brunswick’s website stated that minimum levels of appliances and equipment would be upgraded on a two year cycle. With harmonization, New Brunswick now adopts Federal standards automatically as they are updated for appliances and equipment.

Outside of federal standards, the province regulates solid fuel burning heating appliances.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Efficiency Requirements for Government Supported Housing

The Province of New Brunswick Green Building Policy for New Construction & Major Renovation Projects contains mandatory guidelines for provincially funded social housing projects. The policy was released in 2010 and revised in 2011. New homes must achieve a minimum EnerGuide rating of 83 (or follow prescriptive guidelines). It also recommends homes be solar ready and to use materials produced using recycled content, that are produced regionally.[1]

In July 2018, New Brunswick announced a new 10-year housing agreement with the federal government to invest $300 M in social housing. This investment includes upgrades. No efficiency related targets or budgets to improve energy efficiency in particular are noted.

Last reviewed: August 2019

Transportation See All

Policies tracked in the transporation area reflect the potential energy savings of closer integration of private transportation with buildings and electricity grids. 

Zero-Emission Vehicles Mandate

There is no zero-emission vehicle mandate in New Brunswick.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Electric Vehicle Charging Program

The e-Charge Network launched in 2017 by NB Power provides public networked level 2 and DC Fast Charging throughout the province. 

In 2019 and 2020 NB Power partnered with NRCan to launch an Electric Vehicle Education and Awareness Campaigns. The 2019 campaign delivered the message you can travel the entire province in an electric vehicle without range anxiety. The 2020 campaign educated New Brunswickers on the total life cycle cost of electric vehicles including the maintenance and fuel savings. The utility is currently working with Plug'n Drive to build on the EV public education and awareness campaigns. 

NB Power is working with one of our customers in the long haul trucking industry to pilot a 175kW charging station at their distribution depot. The usage data from this charging station will be shared with NB Power to inform and understand the impact of logistics adoption of EVs on the NB Power’s distribution system.

Last reviewed: November 2021

EV and PHEV Financial Incentives

Consumer Incentives

The Government of New Brunswick announced new direct-to-consumer incentives in July 2021, wherein purchasers of new battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle may receive a rebate of $2,500 to $5,000 and purchasers of used BEV and PHEV vehicles may receive $1,000 to $2,500.

Commercial / Fleet electrification Incentives

As of July 2021, New Brunswick’s EV rebate program applies to commercial LDV fleets that meet the same EV criteria as the iZEV program. Commercial entities can access 10 vehicle incentives per calendar year.

Last reviewed: November 2022

“EV Ready” Building Code

There are no provisions in building codes to support EV/PHEV charging infrastructure.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Industry See All

In recognition that the industrial sector is highly varied across Canada, this database tracks policies that are broadly applicable to all industrial subsectors and provinces.

Energy Management

The EMIS track of New Brunswick’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Program offers financial assistance to qualifying large industrial customers with an average monthly demand of 2 MW or more. The support helps those customers analyze and roll out new EMIS systems or optimize existing ones. NB Power provides technical and financial support for scoping and feasibility studies, and for implementation of technical changes at the customer’s facilities that address the wide range of customer requirements and energy efficiency initiatives.

Strategic Energy Management is being piloted during fiscal year 2021 and will be implemented under the Energy Management track of the program if cost-effective. The pilot program is based on the SEP-50001 standard but will not require certification.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Co-generation / Combined Heat and Power

NB Power’s most recent efficiency potential study includes an analysis of CHP potential in the province.

Last reviewed: August 2019

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