Does the NB government offer low-income insulation assistance programs? | Insulation IQ?

Yes — New Brunswick has a layered set of programs specifically designed to help low-income households access insulation and home energy upgrades, and navigating the right combination can result in significant work being done at little or no direct cost to eligible homeowners.

The flagship program for low-income households is the Efficiency NB Energy Efficiency Assistance Program (EEAP). This provincially administered program provides fully subsidized insulation and other energy improvements to qualifying homeowners and tenants in owner-occupied homes. Eligibility is based on household income thresholds, and the program targets homes with high energy consumption relative to their income burden — which in New Brunswick's climate zone 6 means attic insulation, basement rim joist sealing, and air barrier improvements are commonly addressed. Work is performed by pre-qualified contractors at no cost to the homeowner once eligibility is confirmed. Income thresholds are updated periodically, so contacting Efficiency NB directly at their Fredericton office or through their website is the most accurate way to confirm current limits.

The NB Power Home Insulation Program also has a low-income stream. For customers of NB Power who fall below the qualifying income threshold, the program can cover a higher percentage of project costs — in some cases up to 100 percent of the cost of approved insulation work. NB Power customers in Moncton, Bathurst, Edmundston, and elsewhere who heat with electricity and meet income criteria should apply through NB Power's energy efficiency portal before beginning any work.

At the federal level, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative included both the grant stream (up to $5,600 for eligible upgrades) and a loan component of up to $40,000 at zero percent interest for deep retrofits. While the grant component was paused in early 2024, the loan stream was maintained for qualifying applicants. For low-income households, the combination of a federal interest-free loan with provincial subsidy programs can make substantial whole-home insulation work accessible. The federal Canada Greener Affordable Homes program specifically targeted affordable housing providers and low-income homeowners with deeper subsidy levels.

Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick and community organizations in the Saint John and Moncton areas have at times partnered with energy efficiency programs to deliver home repair and insulation work to qualifying households. These partnerships are worth investigating through local social services offices or by contacting Efficiency NB directly.

For renters, the situation is more limited — most programs are tied to property ownership — but some municipalities and the province have pushed for landlord participation in efficiency programs. A landlord who upgrades a rental unit's insulation may pass on utility savings to tenants through lower included utility costs, and certain programs do provide incentives for landlords with low-income tenants.

The New Brunswick Low Income Seniors' Benefit and programs through Service New Brunswick may also interact with energy assistance, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes who face high winter heating bills. The provincial Department of Social Development can connect qualifying residents with relevant programs.

One critical piece of advice: do not begin any work before confirming eligibility and getting an approved pre-inspection. All the major programs — Efficiency NB EEAP, NB Power, and the federal programs — require a pre-approved audit or assessment before work starts. Work completed without pre-authorization is typically ineligible for funding, regardless of income level.

If you're unsure where to start, Efficiency NB's intake process is designed to screen households for all available programs simultaneously and route applicants to the right stream. You can reach them through the provincial government's 1-800 number or through the Efficiency NB website. Connecting through the New Brunswick Construction Network's insulation category can also help you find contractors who are pre-qualified with these programs and familiar with the paperwork process.

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• Brunswick insulation & roofing
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• Gionetterenovations