Are you a homeowner who would like to save money on heat and electricity bills?
You may be eligible for free home efficiency upgrades that could lower your heat and electricity costs through the Enhanced Energy Savings Program. The Government of New Brunswick funds the program and NB Power administers it.
The program focuses on helping homeowners in New Brunswick reduce energy costs through home efficiency upgrades.
You must go through an application process first. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the energy efficiency retrofits to your home are free of charge to you. The 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 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
Ineligible homes
Houses that are not eligible to participate in the program include:
- homes currently for sale, and
- homes that have participated in the Low Income Energy Savings Program/Enhanced Energy Savings Program and continue to be owned by the original applicant.
After you’re accepted into the program, the process should take anywhere from two to seven months from the time of the first home visit to the completion of the upgrades. The upgrades must be completed by a contractor that NB Power selects.
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 (see below for “Who qualifies.”) 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
Note: The federal government also offers the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offers grants to help homeowners make energy efficient retrofits to their homes, including insulation. For more information about the program and how to apply, click here.
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.
Fill out the online application form.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, your name will be referred to a program contractor, who will reach out to you to schedule an Energy Evaluation.
An energy advisor will visit your home to conduct the Energy Evaluation, which will include all areas of your home such as the basement and attic. After completing the evaluation, the energy advisor will discuss potential upgrades with you and provide an overview of the type of improvements for which you may be eligible. Based on the recommendations of the assessment, the contractor will submit a statement of work to NB Power for approval. NB Power will review the recommendations, project cost and estimated energy savings to determine which upgrades are feasible.
Once the work is approved by NB Power, the contractor will meet with you to confirm the upgrades that will be installed and will discuss the timelines for the project. You must review and sign the Statement of Work form to consent to the work and you must consent to a Post Upgrade Evaluation before upgrades can begin.
The contractor will create a schedule and begin upgrades. Depending on the work to be performed, you may be required to find alternate accommodations for a short time. You are responsible for these costs. Once the upgrades have been completed, an energy advisor will conduct a Post-Upgrade Energy Evaluation at your home. You’ll receive training on use, operation, and warranties of any new equipment (if applicable). You’ll receive general tips and advice about how to maintain your home for optimum energy efficiency and energy savings. Once the upgrades have been finished and the Post-Upgrade Energy Evaluation and homeowner training have been completed, you’ll have to sign the Completed Upgrade Consent Form.
Other resources
Six tips to cut energy costs
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, there are steps you can take to lower your energy consumption and save on energy costs, including:
1. Do laundry right: Wash full loads with cold water and invest in a collapsible drying rack to hang-dry items.
2. Install brighter lightbulbs: When you’re replacing bulbs, opt for LED. They last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs.
3. Unplug your devices when you’re not using them: Invest in a smart strip power bar or a smart plug that cuts the power to devices when they’re on standby.
4. Seal up gaps or cracks: Seal gaps around windows, vents and exterior doors with caulking (a tube costs under $10). You can use foam gaskets (a package costs about $5) behind light switches and electrical outlets to keep the heat in.
5. Watch streaming: Set your laptops, computers, and streaming devices to energy-saving modes so you can stream efficiently.
6. Watch the thermostat: Follow these golden rules for key thermostat temperatures:
- nighttime or when you’re away from home: set to 17 degrees Celsius
- when you’re home: set to 20 or 21 degrees Celsius
Source: NB Power
In order to qualify for the Enhanced Energy Savings Program you must provide documentation, including:
your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for proof of income