NB Power launches energy efficiency hub

NB Power has launched a new website dedicated to making your home cozier in the winter, cooler in the summer and cheaper to power year-round.

The public utility’s new energy efficiency web hub highlights ways New Brunswickers can save energy and details how you can access a variety of residential, commercial and industrial incentive programs.

In launching the site, NB Power CEO Gaëtan Thomas said energy efficiency has saved customers more than $100 million in lifetime energy costs and has pumped $77-million into local economies over the past four years.

We give you a rundown below of the different incentives available and how you can access them.

Total home energy savings program

Home owners are encouraged to have a certified energy advisor (CEA) evaluate their home. The evaluation provides customized recommendations to improve space and water heating energy efficiency. Regardless if recommended by the evaluation or not, ‘primary’ upgrades are eligible for incentives. The more primary upgrades that are done, the greater the incentive per upgrade. For example:

A ductless mini split heat pump + 3 windows + R-30 attic + R-24 Basement = $700 + $150 + $575 + $1,700 incentive respectively
A ductless mini split heat pump + 3 windows = $400 + $90 incentive respectively

Insulation incentives are given by the square foot when a minimum of 20 per cent of the building’s total component area is done.

A variety of space heating equipment and water heating equipment are eligible for incentives. When making three or more primary upgrades, the most cost-effective space heating incentive of $5,000 is provided with the installation of a new geothermal heat pump.

The greatest valued incentive of $400 is provided with the installation of a drain water heat recovery unit, allowing the item to pay for itself in potentially just a year.

Participating in this program also entitles participation in a mortgage insurance refund program which could result in a refund of up to 25 per cent of one’s premium, regardless if already paid.

Eligibility can be found here. To get incentives, an initial evaluation by a certified energy advisor is required before conducting upgrades – get started today!

Low income savings program

If accepted into the program, low-income homeowners could benefit by receiving energy-efficiency upgrades. Those in need for upgrades including possibly a ductless heat pump or better insulation or air sealing are likely eligible. A CEA evaluation is not required, and the upgrades would be entirely funded.

The current waitlist time is approximately 18 months and acceptance is based on a first come, first served basis. Sign up via e-mail or over the phone toll-free at 1 800 663-6272.

New home energy savings program

Those making plans to build a new home can also benefit from incentives. Register before you build and a certified energy advisor will be assigned to give you recommendations for your new home. Based on the owners original building plans, the CEA’s recommendations will include changes to meet at least one of the three incentives levels. The CEA also provides indication of how much energy usage can be saved if the recommendations are followed.

Community outreach program – non-profit organizations

Not-for-profit organizations are eligible to participate by email or phone. NB Power determines the type and quantity of products needed, sends energy-saving kits and trains staff on how to install them.

Commercial buildings retrofit program

After conducting upgrades, commercial buildings of any size may be eligible for an incentive of $30/GJ of electricity saved, up to a maximum of $75,000.

An energy audit is the first step, which suggests potential projects and provides detailed reporting of the estimated costs, energy savings and time for a return on investment as a result of the energy savings. Fifty per cent of the audit fee is also paid back through the program.

Industrial incentives

Industries of small or large size may also be eligible for incentives and are given in a similar manner to that of the commercial building retrofit program.

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