What is the First Nations Energy Efficiency Program?

The First Nations Energy Efficiency Program helps First Nations who are looking to make their community more energy efficient through targeted energy evaluations and upgrades by covering 100% cost of eligible upgrades.

Who is eligible?

All of New Brunswick’s First Nations are eligible for this program.

How does it work?

The First Nations Energy Efficiency Program team contacts Housing Administrations to discuss the community’s needs, and the number of homes requiring upgrades. Each fiscal year, communities can apply for upgrades for a specific number of homes.

What is the cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate in the program. This program is funded by the Government of New Brunswick and administered by NB Power.

What buildings are eligible to participate?

• Homes must be on-reserve and can be owned by community members or Band Council. If owned by Band Council, they must provide NB Power with authorization for the Home to be eligible to participate in the program.
• Homes must be structurally sound, habitable (plumbing, electrical and heating system in place), and capable of having an energy evaluation.

I live off-reserve. Am I eligible for this program? ​

No. While this program is only open to homes on-reserve, homeowners and businesses outside these communities can go through our other programs for home or business, if they meet the individual program requirements. ​

What are the eligible upgrades?

The program will cover 100% of the cost of the following energy efficiency upgrades, provided they are pre-approved by NB Power following an initial energy evaluation of each registered home.

• Insulation
• Air sealing
• Heat pumps
• Hot water tanks
• Ventilation upgrades
• Digital and programmable thermostats

How can I participate in the program?

Participation is coordinated through your community’s Housing Administration. Individual homeowners or renters cannot apply directly. If you’re interested in having your home considered, we encourage you to express your interest to your Housing Administration. While expressing interest does not guarantee inclusion, it helps your community identify homes for potential upgrades when applying to the program.

What contractors are used for this work?

Contractors are selected and hired by the First Nations community participating in the program. The First Nations Energy Efficiency Program team encourages the use of companies that are owned by First Nations members or who employ First Nations people to complete the work. While the program team representing NB Power does not select contractors, it reserves the right to request proof of qualifications for all Certified Contractors and/or Qualified Persons.

How can I learn more about the program?

For more information, please consult the program guidelines.

We respectfully acknowledge that New Brunswick is situated on the unceded and unsurrendered territories of the Wolastoqey, Mi'gmaw, and Peskotomuhkati peoples. We seek to repair and rebuild meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples and honour these lands which hold the hopes of future generations.