How do I apply for insulation rebates through NB Power? | Insulation IQ?

Applying for insulation rebates through NB Power follows a structured sequence — the key thing to understand upfront is that you cannot simply complete insulation work and then apply for a rebate after the fact. The program requires that you enrol and have a pre-retrofit energy assessment completed before work begins. Skipping that step means you will not qualify for rebates, regardless of how much insulation you install.

Here is how the process works in practice for a New Brunswick homeowner:

Step one is enrolment and the pre-retrofit assessment. Contact NB Power directly or visit their website to register for the Total Home Energy Savings Program (THES). Once enrolled, NB Power will connect you with a licensed energy advisor registered with Natural Resources Canada to conduct a home energy assessment. This typically costs $400 to $600, though a portion (up to $300) can be reimbursed through the Canada Greener Homes Grant. The energy advisor visits your home, conducts a blower door test to measure air leakage, inspects existing insulation levels in your attic, basement, walls, and crawl space, and models your home using EnerGuide software. At the end of the assessment, you receive a report showing your current EnerGuide rating and a prioritized list of recommended upgrades.

Step two is reviewing your upgrade options and rebate estimates. The energy advisor's report will identify which measures — for example, adding blown-in insulation to bring your attic from R-20 to R-50, or insulating your basement rim joist — qualify for NB Power rebates. You'll get an estimate of what each upgrade is worth in rebates. At this stage, if you want to use NB Power's on-bill financing, you work out the financing terms for your approved scope of work.

Step three is hiring a contractor and completing the work. NB Power's program generally requires that insulation work be completed by a qualified contractor, not as a DIY project, particularly for rebate purposes. The contractor should document the work clearly — R-values achieved, materials used, areas covered — as this documentation supports your post-retrofit assessment. Throughout New Brunswick, contractors who regularly work within the THES program are familiar with what the energy advisor will be looking for at the post-retrofit stage.

Step four is the post-retrofit assessment. Once work is complete, contact your energy advisor to schedule the follow-up assessment. They return to the home, repeat the blower door test, verify the insulation improvements, and recalculate your EnerGuide rating. The post-retrofit report confirms what upgrades were completed and demonstrates the improvement in energy performance.

Step five is rebate payment. NB Power processes your rebate based on the confirmed improvements from the post-retrofit assessment. Payment is typically made by cheque or direct deposit within several weeks of the final assessment being submitted. If you are also claiming the Canada Greener Homes Grant, that application is submitted separately through Natural Resources Canada's portal using the same pre- and post-assessment documentation — the two programs run in parallel.

A few practical notes for New Brunswick homeowners:

• Keep all receipts and invoices from your contractor. You will need these for both the NB Power rebate and the Greener Homes Grant claim.
• Rebate amounts change. NB Power has adjusted its rebate schedules over the years, so always confirm current amounts before budgeting. What was offered in 2024 may differ from what is available today.
• Time your project with the seasons. Attic insulation can be installed year-round, but spray foam and certain exterior work is weather-sensitive. Starting the enrolment and assessment process in late winter or early spring — before contractors get busy — is a smart move for homeowners in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John.
• Multi-unit properties have separate eligibility rules. If you own a duplex or small multi-unit building, ask NB Power specifically about eligibility for your property type.

For guidance on navigating the rebate application process, the insulation professionals listed through newbrunswickinsulation.com work regularly within the NB Power program and can help ensure your project documentation is complete.

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• Gionetterenovations
• Arctic Fox Construction Inc.
• Brunswick insulation & roofing
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• Thirty Four Renovations

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