How much did NB Power rates rise in 2026?

The Energy and Utilities Board approved a uniform 4.29% increase for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, implemented April 14, 2026. NB Power had asked for 4.75%.

Can New Brunswick homeowners still apply for oil-to-heat-pump funding?

Not as new registrants. Save Energy NB says registration for the co-delivered Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program closed June 30, 2026, paperwork was due October 1, 2026, and upgrades must be completed by March 31, 2027.

New Brunswick Heating Market: NB Power Rates, Programs

New Brunswick is a province where electricity and heat pumps already shape most heating decisions. Electric heat is the largest single category, heat pumps are the primary system in more than a quarter of homes, and NB Power's rates rose again in April 2026. For contractors, the conversation is less about whether to adopt a heat pump and more about sizing, backup heat and service.

The heating mix

The short answer: electricity first, heat pumps widespread, wood still present.

Statistics Canada's 2023 survey shows 39% of New Brunswick households using electricity and 6% wood for their primary heating system, with heat pumps as the primary system in 27% of households. Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton are the largest markets, along with Dieppe, Riverview, Quispamsis, Miramichi and Edmundston.

Climate and the season

The short answer: cold, snowy winters, colder inland and north.

The Bay of Fundy coast is milder than the interior and the north, where the heating season is longer and cold snaps more severe. Cold-climate performance and backup heat are standard questions from homeowners in Edmundston or Miramichi.

Rates and prices in the news

The short answer: 4.29% on every rate class, below what NB Power asked for.

The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board published its reasons on August 26, 2026 for a uniform 4.29% increase, implemented April 14, 2026, after cutting NB Power's revenue requirement by about $7.0 million. Our report on the NB Power decision covers the refused rate rider, approved efficiency spending and water heater rental prices. Heating oil, used in some rural homes, also rose sharply: see our report on September's fuel oil prices.

Programs as of October 2026

The short answer: NB Power's efficiency programs continue; the oil program closed to new registrations.

Total Home Energy Savings Program (NB Power, through Save Energy NB): incentives for energy-saving renovations including heating, insulation and windows.
Enhanced Energy Savings Program: income-qualified upgrades, listed on Save Energy NB; we did not confirm current details.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (NB co-delivery): registration closed June 30, 2026; paperwork was due October 1, 2026; upgrades must be done by March 31, 2027, according to Save Energy NB.

The Board approved NB Power's $55.8 million demand-side management budget for the test year, which supports continued program activity. New Brunswick had no Canada Greener Homes Affordability agreement as of October 2026.

Regulators to know

The short answer: Technical Inspection Services for gas, electrical and boilers; the EUB for rates.

Technical Inspection Services, in the Department of Public Safety, covers boilers and pressure vessels, electrical, plumbing, propane and natural gas installations, with related licensing.
The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board approves NB Power's rates.
WorkSafeNB covers workplace safety; New Brunswick is officially bilingual for provincial government services.

We link and summarise only.

How we approach marketing in New Brunswick

The short answer: service and upgrades for an installed base, with bilingual reach where it helps.

Heat pump service and replacement. With heat pumps already in many homes, maintenance and replacement content matters as much as new installs.
Baseboard-to-heat-pump comparisons using NB Power's current rates. See fuel-switching campaigns.
Deadline honesty. Oil-program customers mid-project need accurate dates, not new sign-up promises.
French where your market speaks it. In Moncton, Dieppe and the north, French pages extend reach.

A seasonal calendar for New Brunswick

October: NB Power files its rate applications early in the month, which is a good moment to update your rate explainer.
December to February: heat pump service calls rise in the coldest weeks inland and in the north.
Spring: plan replacements and baseboard-to-heat-pump projects, with current Save Energy NB program terms.

Back to all provinces and territories, or call, text or email to discuss your New Brunswick market.

The New Brunswick heating market for contractors