How much funding can be received?

If you own or operate a commercial building in New Brunswick, you could get up to $1.25 million to implement energy efficiency projects in order to reduce electricity consumption, increase competitiveness, and produce a healthier and more comfortable work

grant_single_labels|projects

Yes, there are several project activities eligible for this grant that focus on energy-saving measures.

Interior and exterior lighting including controls and LED fixtures
Building envelope improvements, such as insulation, airgap sealing, and glazing
Energy Management Controls Systems (EMCS) including direct digital controls (DDC), vacancy/motion sensors, and smart thermostats
High-efficiency water heating and heat pumps
High-efficiency motors and variable speed/variable frequency drives (VSD/VFD)
Upgrading Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and installing heat pumps and economizers
Replacement of commercial appliances with energy-efficient options
Renewable energy projects like solar, wind, biomass, and methane capture

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$125,000

Dieppe

Upgrade insulation in a commercial building to reduce heating and cooling costs

$150,000

Halifax

Integrate a Building Management System to optimize energy use in a university campus

$300,000

Fredericton

Upgrade HVAC systems in a commercial building to enhance energy efficiency

$350,000

Bathurst

Retrofit windows and doors to improve energy efficiency in an office building

$600,000

Saint John

Install solar panels to reduce electricity consumption in a warehouse

$120,000

Moncton

Implement LED lighting across a retail store to cut down energy use

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program are designed to ensure that only appropriate building types and projects focused on energy efficiency are considered. These criteria help identify buildings and measures that can receive financial incentives for implementing energy-saving upgrades.

The building must be 2 years old or more.
The building must have a permanent address in New Brunswick.
The organization must own, manage, or lease the building.
A one-year summary or baseline of utility bills must be provided.
A copy of one month’s electricity bill must be provided regardless of whether a tenant is responsible for the utility bills.
If a building is connected to another structure, it must be clearly distinguishable as an independent unit and have a separate utility meter or a detailed engineering analysis to support the current energy use and consumption profile.
A building consisting of two wings with a common wall and a common heating system will be considered as one building.
Multiple eligible buildings served by a central heating plant with the same owner are eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of buildings and companies for the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program. These include various commercial, institutional, and municipally owned buildings in New Brunswick.

Commercial or institutional buildings (e.g., agricultural buildings, arenas, grocery stores, health care facilities, hotels, institutional buildings such as colleges, hospitals, schools, universities, nursing homes, provincial buildings, office buildings, places of worship, recreational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, stand-alone warehouses, water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations)
Municipally owned buildings
Multi-unit residential buildings with three or more units
Mixed-use commercial/residential buildings, including houses modified for commercial use
Multi-building/national accounts, including franchisees, drug store chains, and food chains
Buildings undergoing occupancy changes during renovation

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant under the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program, particularly those engaged in specific activities or ownership structures:

Manufacturing facilities (including attached warehouses and facilities)
Residential buildings such as houses, duplexes, and townhouses
Federally owned buildings

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.

External project management costs
Purchase and installation of approved equipment
Disposal and decommission of equipment replaced through the program
Project inspections performed due to legal and regulatory requirements
Shipping, delivery, duties, and other costs associated with the delivery of equipment to the eligible project site
Fees for consultants directly involved in the design, selection, purchase, and installation of the approved measure(s)
Additional study costs or other costs approved by NB Power

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are buildings that have a permanent address in New Brunswick, Canada. Both building types and mandatory building requirements must be met to be eligible for the program.

A registered address within the province of New Brunswick

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant outlined in the program guide.

Eligible building types must meet the specific criteria outlined in Section 2.1.
All mandatory building requirements as listed in Section 2.3 must be satisfied.
Proposed projects must include eligible measures that result in energy savings as outlined in Section 2.4.
Ineligible measures, as described in Section 2.5, will not be accepted.
The projects must comply with eligible and ineligible costs criteria specified in Sections 2.6 and 2.7 respectively.
Applications must include all mandatory documents and information listed in Section 2.8.
The proposed project must have a simple payback period of at least one year.
NB Power's technical staff will evaluate the comprehensiveness and detail of the energy audit as per Sections 4.0 and 5.0.
Incentives are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to program budget constraints.
NB Power reserves the right to limit the number of projects or reject applications based on eligibility analysis and criteria satisfaction.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Contact an NB Power Commercial Technical Energy Advisor
NB Power Commercial Technical Energy Advisors will guide you through the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program process.
Contact NB Power at 1 800 663-6272 option 5 or by email CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 2: Schedule your Energy Audit or Feasibility Study
Contact an approved Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP) to schedule an energy audit or feasibility study.
The EMSP/SSP performs the audit/feasibility study and submits an application on your behalf to NB Power.
Step 3: Submit Program Agreement
Sign and return the Program Agreement to NB Power.
Submit the Audit Report along with the Agreement.
After submission, the ASHRAE Level II audit rebate will be issued within 60 days.
Step 4: Submit the Statement of Work
Enter the intended energy efficiency projects from the audit report/feasibility study into the Statement of Work form.
Email the signed Statement of Work form to NB Power for approval at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 5: Receive Approval to Get Started
NB Power reviews the completed Statement of Work and sends a notification of approval.
Begin implementation of the energy efficiency measure upgrades only after receiving NB Power approval.
Step 6: Submit Request for Payment
Complete the Request for Payment form along with copies of invoices, receipts, key shop drawings, or technical data sheets.
Email the completed Request for Payment form to NB Power at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 7: Site Visit
An NB Power staff member may perform a site visit to confirm the installation of the energy efficiency measures.
Step 8: Receive Incentive Payment
NB Power issues the incentive payment within 60 days of receiving the claim and invoices.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program offers substantial financial incentives to assist commercial buildings in implementing energy efficiency projects in New Brunswick.

The program provides up to $8,000 for an energy audit.
Up to $1.25 million per project can be awarded for actual implementation, based on energy savings achieved.
Projects must not begin until a Program Agreement has been signed and approval has been received from NB Power.
Eligibility includes various types of commercial and institutional buildings, but excludes new buildings under 2 years, manufacturing facilities, and federally owned buildings.
The program requires an ASHRAE Level II energy audit to be performed by qualified professionals.
Energy savings measures eligible for funding include lighting upgrades, building envelope improvements, HVAC system upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
Ineligible costs include used or rebuilt equipment, internal labor costs, and electrical service upgrades.
The application process involves scheduling an audit, submitting a Statement of Work, receiving approval, and then requesting payment upon project completion.

grant_single_labels|contact

CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com

1-800-663-6272

Apply to this program

Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program Grant

The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program by NB Power supports building owners and operators in New Brunswick with financial incentives to implement energy-efficient measures, reducing energy consumption, and improving competitiveness. The program provides up to $1.25 million for eligible retrofit projects and includes energy audit and feasibility study incentives.

Detailed Overview of the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program Grant

The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program is a strategic initiative driven by NB Power, partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and supported by the Government of New Brunswick. This program aims to assist owners and operators of commercial buildings in New Brunswick to identify and implement energy-efficient projects. By reducing energy consumption, the program seeks to increase the competitiveness of businesses and provide a healthier and more comfortable workspace.

Program Objectives and Benefits

The primary objective of the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program is to facilitate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices among commercial building owners and operators. Key benefits of participating in this program include: 1. **Financial assistance**: Up to $1.25 million for energy efficiency upgrades. 2. **Energy audits**: Up to $8,000 for conducting energy audits to identify potential improvements. 3. **Feasibility studies**: Financial support for studies to validate the viability of proposed upgrades. 4. **Energy savings**: Reduce operational energy costs and improve overall building performance. 5. **Environmental impact**: Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program, buildings must meet specific criteria related to their type and state.

Eligible Building Types

Eligible building types include, but are not limited to: - Commercial or institutional buildings such as agricultural buildings, arenas, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, hotels, institutional buildings (colleges, hospitals, schools, universities, nursing homes), provincial buildings, office buildings, places of worship, recreational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, stand-alone warehouses, and water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations. - Municipally owned buildings. - Multi-unit residential buildings with 3 or more units. - Mixed-use commercial/residential buildings, including houses modified for commercial use. - Multi-building/national accounts, like franchises and chain stores. - Buildings undergoing occupancy changes or adding new capacities that improve energy efficiency.

Ineligible Building Types

The following types of buildings are not eligible for this program but may qualify for other NB Power programs: - Manufacturing facilities and their attached warehouses. - Residential buildings like houses, duplexes, and townhouses. - Federally owned buildings.

Mandatory Building Requirements

Eligible buildings must also satisfy the following requirements: - The building must be at least 2 years old. - The building must have a permanent address in New Brunswick. - The organization must own, manage, or lease the building. - Submission of a one-year summary of utility bills is required. - A copy of one month’s electricity bill must be provided regardless of the tenant's responsibility for utility bills. - Specific conditions apply to buildings connected to other structures, including the need for separate utility meters or detailed engineering analysis.

Eligible and Ineligible Measures

Eligible Measures

Eligible measures must lead to significant reductions in energy consumption. Common examples include: - Systems upgrade: Interior and exterior lighting, building envelope improvements, energy management control systems, water heating solutions, and replacement of motors. - HVAC systems: Chillers, boilers, control systems, variable air-volume systems, pipe insulation, heat pumps, and heat recovery systems. - Commercial appliances: Upgrading refrigeration equipment, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. - Renewable energy installations: Solar, wind, biomass, and methane capture technologies.

Ineligible Measures

The program does not cover the following measures: - Non-energy reducing projects. - Already completed or in-progress projects. - Measures in new buildings (less than 2 years old). - Unproven technologies not verified by recognized third parties. - Household appliances or portable equipment. - Electronic equipment like computers and fax machines. - Measures that adversely affect equipment life or operate outside the equipment's range. - Oil-fired HVAC equipment.

Eligible Costs

The commercial retrofit program supports costs associated with: - External project management. - Purchase and installation of approved equipment. - Disposal of old equipment. - Legal and regulatory project inspections. - Shipping and delivery costs. - Consultant fees directly involved in the project. - Additional study costs approved by NB Power.

Ineligible Costs

The program does not reimburse the following costs: - Used or rebuilt equipment. - Internal labor costs. - Extended warranties. - Land acquisition and leasing costs. - Real estate fees. - Financing charges and interest payments. - Legal fees. - Taxes (PST/HST). - Electrical service upgrades.

Application Process

Step 1: Contact an NB Power Commercial Technical Energy Advisor

Participants should reach out to NB Power's Commercial Technical Energy Advisors for guidance. Advisors can be contacted at 1-800-663-6272 (option 5) or via email at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.

Step 2: Schedule an Energy Audit or Feasibility Study

Participants must contact an approved Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP) to schedule an energy audit or feasibility study. The service provider will conduct the audit, prepare the report, and submit the application to NB Power.

Step 3: Submit Program Agreement

After receiving the program application, NB Power will send the necessary documents by email. The participant must sign and return the Program Agreement to NB Power at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com. The audit rebate will be issued within 60 days after proof of payment is submitted by the EMSP.

Step 4: Submit the Statement of Work

Once the audit report or feasibility study is received, the participant must complete and submit a Statement of Work to NB Power, outlining the energy efficiency projects to be implemented.

Step 5: Receive Approval to Start Work

NB Power will review the Statement of Work and notify the participant once the projects are approved. No project work can begin before receiving approval from NB Power.

Step 6: Submit Request for Payment

Upon completing the chosen upgrades, the participant can submit the Request for Payment form along with invoices, receipts, and key shop drawings or technical data sheets to NB Power.

Step 7: Site Visit

NB Power may conduct a site visit to verify the installation of the energy efficiency measures.

Step 8: Receive Incentive Payment

After the verification, the incentive payment for the completed energy upgrades will be issued within 60 days of the approval.

Getting Started

For further information about the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program, or if there are any questions after reading this guide, participants can contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272 (option 5) or CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com. The program provides a comprehensive approach to supporting energy-efficient upgrades in commercial buildings, contributing to cost savings, improved environmental performance, and enhanced operational efficiency.