NB Power energy efficiency program criticized by auditor general
Global News
New Brunswick's auditor general says NB Power's energy efficiency programs are 'effective' but create disadvantages for those who cannot afford the cost of retrofits upfront.
New Brunswick’s auditor general says NB Power’s energy efficiency programs are “effective” but the fact that people have to pay for their retrofits upfront is a disadvantage for low- and middle-income earners who cannot afford the cost.
Paul Martin, who was recently appointed to the position, made the comments about both NB Power and the Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the utility, in a presentation to the standing committee on public accounts on Thursday.
“New home programs were only available to those who installed electricity as the primary source of heat for the home,” he said in the committee meeting. “The department did not mandate NB Power or any other entity to implement a financing mechanism to assist those who may not be able to afford upfront upgrade and retrofit costs for program participation.”
NB Power provided a list of eight programs it has related to energy efficiency, including three that are specific to residential homes: the low-income energy savings program, the total home energy savings program and the new home energy savings program.
For the low-income energy savings program, NB Power said it has completed retrofits on 466 homes and reduced the waiting list from 1,700 to 380 homes.
“NB Power is looking at options to expand this program,” it said in an email statement.
It said it appreciates “the comments of the Auditor General and will be having discussions on these issues and other potential improvements in the months ahead.”
But critics say the programs and the auditor general’s finding only place more strain on those who live in energy poverty.
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