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|terms_and_conditions

This program offers financial incentives to support energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings, aiming to reduce energy costs and enhance building performance. The financial support is structured to facilitate both initial audits and the implementation of energy-saving measures.

Up to $8,000 for conducting an energy audit to evaluate the energy efficiency potential of commercial buildings.
Implementation incentives of up to $1.25 million for selected energy efficiency improvements, calculated based on saved gigajoules of electricity or project costs for non-electric fuel reductions.
Electricity reduction projects receive $120 per gigajoule saved, with a maximum incentive of $250,000 per fiscal year.
Incentives for non-electric energy saving measures are set at 25% of total project costs, excluding taxes, with a cap of $1 million per entity per fiscal year.
Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with eligibility for returning recipients if the program agreement from previous participation has expired.
Incentives are available post-project completion and require comprehensive documentation, including energy audits and proof of implementation.

grant_single_labels|projects

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 120,000

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

$ 300,000

Upgrade HVAC systems in a commercial building to enhance energy efficiency

$ 125,000

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

$ 150,000

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

$ 350,000

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

$ 600,000

Install solar panels to reduce electricity consumption in a warehouse

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for the grant, the building type and energy savings measures must be eligible, and the mandatory requirements must be met.

Eligible buildings include 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, standalone warehouses, water and wastewater treatment plants, and pumping stations.
Buildings owned by a municipality are eligible.
Multi-residential buildings with three units or more are eligible.
Mixed-use commercial/residential buildings, including converted houses for commercial use, are eligible.
Owners of multiple buildings or national accounts with similar building types, such as franchises, pharmacy chains, and grocery chains, are eligible.
Buildings undergoing a change in occupancy during renovations are eligible, subject to special verification requirements.
Adding capacity to a building is eligible if it results in energy savings over standard equipment that would have been installed without energy consultation.
The building must be at least two years old.
The building must have a permanent address in New Brunswick.
The applicant must be the owner, manager, or tenant of the building.
A summary or one-year baseline of utility bills must be provided.
A copy of one month's electricity bill must be provided, regardless of whether the tenant is responsible for utilities.
For buildings connected to another structure, it must be clearly distinguishable as an independent unit and have a separate utility meter or detailed technical analysis supporting current energy use and consumption profile.
A group of eligible buildings served by a central heating plant with the same owner is eligible.
Measures must be tested or approved by a recognized third-party organization like CSA, ASHRAE, IESNA, or similar, and must result in reduced energy consumption.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Programme d'Amélioration Énergétique des Immeubles Commerciaux is aimed primarily at commercial and institutional building owners and operators in New Brunswick looking to implement energy efficiency projects. Eligible applicants include various types of buildings, provided they meet the necessary criteria.

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, standalone warehouses, water treatment and wastewater facilities, and pump stations.
Municipally owned buildings.
Multifamily residential buildings with 3 or more units.
Mixed-use commercial/residential buildings, including houses modified for commercial use.
Owners of multiple buildings or national accounts, such as franchisees, pharmacy chains, grocery chains, etc.
Buildings undergoing a change in occupancy during renovation, provided special verification requirements are met.
Buildings adding capacity during retrofit that results in energy savings.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain types of buildings from eligibility, focusing on ensuring that funds are directed toward specific categories that align with the program's objectives.

Manufacturing facilities, including warehouses and attached facilities.
Residential buildings such as houses, duplexes, and townhouses.
Buildings owned by the federal government.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of energy efficiency projects in commercial buildings.

External project management costs.
Purchase and installation of approved equipment.
Removal or decommissioning of replaced equipment under the program.
Project inspections required due to legal and regulatory provisions.
Shipping, delivery, customs, and other costs related to the delivery of equipment to the eligible project site.
Consultant fees directly involved in the design, selection, purchase, and installation of approved upgrades, including specialized services, engineers, scientists, technicians, managers, and contractors, as well as those necessary to train employees for the project’s successful operation.
Additional studies or other costs approved by Energy NB at its sole discretion.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant specifically supports projects within the province of New Brunswick, Canada, as indicated by the administration and funding source outlined in the program guidelines.

Energy projects conducted within New Brunswick.
Applicants with buildings that have a permanent address in 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

Here are the steps to apply for the grant:

Step 1: Contact a Commercial Energy Advisor
Reach out to a Commercial Energy Advisor at Energy NB by calling 1 800 663-6272, option 5, or by emailing CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 2: Plan Your Energy Audit or Feasibility Study
Contact an approved Energy Management Services Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP) to schedule an energy audit or feasibility study.
The EMSP/SSP will conduct the audit or study and submit the application on your behalf to Énergie NB.
Step 3: Submit the Program Agreement
Receive required program documents via email from Énergie NB after submitting the application for participation.
Send a signed copy of the Program Agreement to CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 4: Submit the Statement of Work
After receiving the audit or feasibility study, submit the Statement of Work to Énergie NB.
Fill out the Statement of Work form detailing the planned projects and send it to CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 5: Obtain Approval to Proceed
Énergie NB will review and provide approval for the Statement of Work.
Begin implementing the energy efficiency improvements upon receiving approval from Énergie NB.
Step 6: Submit the Incentive Payment Request
Upon completion of the upgrades, submit a signed Payment Request Form along with copies of invoices, receipts, and other necessary documents to CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
Step 7: Site Visit
An Énergie NB staff member may conduct a site visit to verify the installation of the energy efficiency measures.
Step 8: Receive the Incentive Payment
Receive the incentive payment within 60 days of Énergie NB approving the payment request.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the program budget.
NB Power reserves the right to restrict the number of accepted projects or reject applications based on eligibility and program criteria.
The program emphasizes the completion of multiple energy-saving measures for maximum incentives.
Changes in building occupancy or expansions require specific auditing considerations to ensure energy efficiency improvements.
The audit report must demonstrate comprehensive analysis, including potential interactions between different energy-saving measures.
Participants must officially request extensions if construction is delayed beyond the timeline outlined in the program agreement.
Ongoing participation is possible for buildings that have previously completed the program, given previous agreements have expired.

grant_single_labels|contact

CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com

1-800-663-6272

Apply to this program

Enhance Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings

The Energy NB Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Improvement Program provides financial incentives for commercial property owners to adopt energy-efficient measures. This initiative supports projects aimed at reducing energy consumption, improving competitiveness, and enhancing workspace comfort.

In-Depth Insight into the Energy NB Energy Efficiency Program

The Energy NB Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Improvement Program is a strategic initiative facilitated by Énergie NB in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick. This program is specifically designed to empower owners and operators of commercial buildings to invest in energy efficiency improvements, ultimately leading to significant reductions in energy consumption and operating costs. By providing substantial financial incentives, the program aims to stimulate a broader adoption of energy-saving practices and technologies.

The program offers attractive monetary benefits to stimulate energy efficiency interventions. Businesses can receive up to $8,000 towards conducting an energy audit designed to explore the potential for efficiency improvements within their facilities. Further financial support, reaching a maximum of $1.25 million, is allocated for implementing the proposed energy efficiency measures discovered during the audit phase. This comprehensive support underscores the program’s commitment to fostering extensive retrofits and updates that might not be economically feasible without external assistance.

Eligibility for this program covers a wide range of commercial and institutional buildings, ensuring that various sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and retail can all benefit from the available resources. However, the program excludes specific types of buildings, such as federal government facilities and private residences, redirecting them to other suitable offerings under Énergie NB's diverse portfolio. Moreover, the program requires potential participants to demonstrate the financial and operational capacity to carry out the proposed projects, ensuring that the funds are directed toward feasible and impactful initiatives.

Each project must undergo a detailed audit conforming to ASHRAE level II standards, entailing a comprehensive on-site evaluation and analysis that identifies all viable energy reduction opportunities. This ensures that the selected measures are well-planned and likely to yield significant energy reductions and cost savings. Projects that receive funding must be new initiatives and cannot commence until all legal agreements with Energy NB are finalized, preventing the allocation of funds to projects already underway.

Financial incentives are structured flexibly to cater to both electricity-saving measures and those targeting non-electric energy resources. Projects focused on reducing electricity consumption can benefit from incentives calculated at $120 per gigajoule saved, capping at $250,000 per fiscal year. Meanwhile, efforts aimed at cutting non-electric energy usage and lowering greenhouse gas emissions can receive up to 25% of the project cost, with a ceiling of $1 million per fiscal year. This bifurcated approach ensures a comprehensive impact across different energy sources, aligning with broader sustainability and environmental goals.

The program also assists with implementation, providing consulting services for project management, equipment procurement, and post-installation inspection. By mandating a thorough vetting process for both the initial audit and the subsequent installation phases, the program ensures that only high-impact, feasible projects receive support, maximizing the return on investment for energy efficiency upgrades.

Ultimately, the Energy NB Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Improvement Program is an excellent opportunity for businesses and institutions to reduce their environmental footprint while simultaneously enhancing their operational efficiency. Participants not only gain from immediate cost savings and enhanced building performance but also contribute towards a long-term vision of sustainable energy practices that benefit communities across New Brunswick. By facilitating these crucial upgrades, the program helps pave the way for a more efficient, competitive, and eco-friendly commercial sector.