NB 94
Jan. 24, 2007
MIRAMICHI (CNB) - Premier Shawn Graham today unveiled a comprehensive set of four residential energy efficiency programs that are immediately available to New Brunswick homeowners.
"These wide-ranging programs, developed and administered by Efficiency NB and the Department of Family and Community Services, are the most innovative and comprehensive package of home energy efficiency programs offered by any jurisdiction in Canada, making New Brunswick the national leader in providing home energy efficiency programs," Graham said. "These programs represent a commitment of more than $26 million in 2007-2008 by the provincial government for residential energy efficiency improvements - that's an increase of more than 200 per cent. Clearly, we are serious about energy efficiency and we want to help New Brunswickers do even more."
The premier said the benefits of these programs would be immediately available to the owners of new and existing homes, as well as to the owners of small apartment buildings - the first provincial program of its kind in Canada.
"We recognize that New Brunswickers need home energy efficiency programs that are flexible and provide choice for property owners," Graham said. "The programs that we have announced today will help reduce both energy use and energy costs for homeowners, as well as landlords, or tenants who pay the energy bill."
"These home energy efficiency programs are a win/win for both New Brunswick homeowners and for the environment," said Energy Minister Jack Keir, Minister responsible for Efficiency NB. "An energy efficient home provides comfort and value to the homeowner, and it produces far less greenhouse gas emissions. Using energy more efficiently is a key factor in combating climate change and global warming."
Graham said that by expanding the funding available to existing homes for energy efficiency renovations through Efficiency NB's 'Existing Homes Upgrades Program', more New Brunswickers will be encouraged to undertake energy efficiency improvements.
To assist in this objective, the government has reduced the cost of an EnerGuide rating-based home energy evaluation. Homeowners will now pay only $50 for an EnerGuide rating-based evaluation on an average-sized home. New Brunswickers now have access to the most affordable home energy evaluations in the country.
Today's announcement includes:
- The Expanded Existing Homes Upgrades Program offers homeowners a grant of up to $2000 or an interest free loan of up to $10,000 to make energy efficient improvements to their home.
- The Multiple Unit Residential Building Program (MURB) provides financial assistance to small apartment owners who want to make their buildings more energy-efficient. This provincial program is the first of its kind in Canada.
- The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program for low-income households provides free home energy evaluations and a provincial grant of up to $4500 towards energy-efficient upgrades to individual homes and $1,500 per unit for low-income apartments and rooming houses.
- The New Homes Program provides financial assistance to support the construction of new homes built to the EnerGuide 80 or R2000 certification. Additional incentives are available under this program for homeowners who choose non-electric central heating options as well as an Energy Star lighting and appliance package.
Electric heat is one of the least efficient and least environmentally friendly heating options a homeowner can choose. Because of losses at the power plant and in transmission lines, electricity for space heating is only 30 per cent efficient once delivered to a homeowner's door. Because more than half of our electricity is generated from oil and coal, an electrically heated home produces twice as much greenhouse gases as one heated by an oil or natural gas home heating system.
"If we are to build a sustainable energy future in New Brunswick, then we need to reduce the amount of electricity needed to heat our homes, and the best time to do this is before you build that new house," the premier said. "I am delighted that a number of fuel companies and industry organizations, such as Enbridge Gas New Brunswick, Irving Oil and the Canadian Oil Heat Association have shown their support for these programs, by offering additional incentives to homeowners who qualify for the New Homes Program."
"The Department of Family and Community Services is pleased to continue its partnership with Efficiency NB in the delivery of the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program for low-income households," said Mary Schryer, Minister of State Responsible for Housing. "This program provides financial assistance to help low-income New Brunswickers make their homes more energy efficient while reducing their energy consumption."
The premier also welcomed the federal government's announcement earlier this week indicating their renewed commitment to home energy efficiency initiatives.
"We applaud their intention to support our programs, and we look forward to a full and productive partnership with them," Graham said. "Our goal is to ensure that home energy efficiency is within the reach of every New Brunswicker. To that end, Efficiency NB will continue to develop leading programs to ensure that New Brunswickers have the information, programs and services that they need to make informed choices that will maximize home energy use and reduce its impact on the environment."
For additional information about the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program for low-income households, contact your local regional office of Family and Community Services directly.
All programs forms and details will be available to the public through:
- Efficiency NB toll free line 1-866-643-8833
- Efficiency NB online
- SNB Service Centres
- SNB toll free line 1-888-762-8600
- SNB online
As well, New Brunswick homeowners can obtain an application from the constituency office of their local MLA.
07/01/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Whitehouse, Marketing & Communications Director, Efficiency NB, 1-506-643-7826.
Reference to Efficiency NB Program Backgrounders:
- Expanded Existing Homes Upgrades Program
- Multiple Unit Residential Building Program
- Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program for low-income households
- New Homes Program
07/01/24
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