Would you like to know about ways you can save on your utility (electricity, heat, internet) costs?
Free or reduced-cost utility services could help lower your monthly expenses. Depending on your personal circumstances and/or income, you may be eligible for:
- home energy evaluations
- energy efficiency upgrades to your home
- reduced-cost internet services
FREE Home efficiency upgrades!
Lower your utility costs. Help protect the environment.
Are you a homeowner with a low income in New Brunswick? If so, you may be eligible for free home upgrades that could lower your heat and electricity costs.
The Enhanced Energy Savings Program is available to all New Brunswick homeowners who are customers of any utility company.
The program can cover the cost of major and minor home efficiency upgrades, including:
- the addition of basement, attic and wall insulation
- ventilation to improve air quality and/or humidity issues
- installation of energy efficient lightbulbs and/or low-flow shower heads (to reduce lighting and hot water energy consumption)
- faucet aerators
- sealing around doors and windows
- mini-split heat pumps
If your total household income is below the Household Income Limit for your area, you may qualify for the Enhanced Energy Savings Program.
Three important criteria are used to determine eligibility:
- An annual combined gross household income of up to and including $70,000. You can determine your household income by checking the most current income tax Notice of Assessment showing Line 15000 for each adult (18+) living in the home.
- You must own the home and live in it.
- Your home must have a need for major energy efficiency upgrades.
Household Income Limits
Visit the Enhanced Energy Savings Program to learn more and find out if you qualify.
Other programs to improve energy efficiency
NB Power also administers other home efficiency upgrade programs to help homeowners who may not meet the income eligibility requirements of the Enhanced Energy Savings Program.The other programs include:
- Total Home Energy Savings Program: offers money back on efficiency upgrades to homeowners. These efficiency upgrades may include insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency central heating systems, windows, doors and more. For more information on the program and how to apply online, click here.
- New Home Energy Savings Program: provides custom recommendations on building an energy-efficient home, and helps you access as much as $10,000 in incentives for energy efficiency improvements. For more information, click here. Get custom recommendations on your building
Reducing energy costs
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, there are steps you can take to lower your energy consumption. Some no-cost or inexpensive ways to save on energy costs are:
- Wash full loads of laundry with cold water. Invest in a collapsible drying rack to hang-dry items.
- Take short showers (10 minutes or less).
- Install brighter lightbulbs. When you are replacing bulbs, opt for LED which last longer.
- Unplug devices when you are not using them.
- Seal gaps or cracks around windows, vents, and exterior doors.
- Set your laptops, computers, and streaming devices to energy-saving modes.
- Follow these golden rules for key thermostat temperatures:
- at night or when you are away from home: set to 17 degrees Celsius
- when you are home: set to 20 or 21 degrees Celsius
- Visit Énergie NB Power’s website for more energy saving advice.
Sources
Are you unable to afford the cost of an internet plan, mobile phone, or other device?
If so, there may be help available to you.
The internet and mobile devices are vital tools that can help you:
- connect with loved ones,
- access food, medications, or healthcare,
- gain valuable information,
- access supports (like emergency government funding),
- manage your money,
- get what you need in a crisis,
- get an education or employment
- and more!
People who may qualify for internet and wireless plans at a reduced rate are:
- low-income older adults - aged 65 or older receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS),
- people receiving support from the Social Assistance Program
- people receiving support from the Disability Support Program
- people receiving housing support from Social Development
- youth who have lived in care
- people living with a disability,
- or families living on a low income.
Visit Internet, Mobile, and Technology Access to learn more about available supports.
