What NB provincial rebates or Efficiency NB programs are currently available for insulation upgrades in 2025?

New Brunswick's main insulation rebate program is the NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program, which offers up to $5,000 for qualifying insulation upgrades. This provincial program works alongside federal incentives and requires a pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation to determine eligibility.

NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program

The Total Home Energy Savings Program is NB Power's flagship energy efficiency incentive, covering residential insulation upgrades across all of New Brunswick. The program provides rebates based on the type and amount of insulation installed:

Attic insulation upgrades receive up to $1,000 when upgrading to R-50 or higher. Given that most NB homes built before 2000 have only R-20 to R-30 in the attic, this upgrade typically pays for itself within 3-5 years through reduced heating costs. The rebate covers blown-in cellulose, fibreglass, or batt insulation installations.

Wall insulation retrofits qualify for up to $2,000 when insulating previously uninsulated walls or upgrading existing wall insulation. Dense-pack cellulose wall retrofits are the most common application — drilling small holes through exterior siding and blowing cellulose into the wall cavities at high density for both insulation and air sealing benefits.

Basement and foundation insulation receives up to $1,500 for insulating basement walls, crawl spaces, or adding slab edge insulation. This is particularly valuable in NB where many older homes have completely uninsulated basements — often the single largest source of heat loss in the building envelope.

Air sealing improvements qualify for additional rebates up to $500 when combined with insulation upgrades. This covers weatherstripping, caulking, foam sealing, and professional blower door-guided air sealing work.

Program Requirements and Process

The program requires a pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation by a certified energy advisor before any work begins. This evaluation costs $300-$500 but identifies exactly which upgrades qualify for rebates and quantifies potential energy savings. The energy advisor provides a detailed report showing current insulation levels, air leakage rates, and recommended improvements.

Work must be completed by eligible contractors or meet specific DIY requirements depending on the upgrade type. Spray foam installation always requires professional installation, while homeowners can typically install attic batts themselves and still qualify for rebates.

A post-upgrade verification confirms the work was completed as specified. For insulation projects, this usually involves photos and invoices rather than a full second evaluation, keeping verification costs minimal.

Federal Program Integration

NB homeowners can stack provincial and federal rebates for maximum savings. The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides up to $5,000 for eligible retrofits, including insulation upgrades. Combined with NB Power rebates, total incentives can reach $8,000-$10,000 for comprehensive insulation projects.

Both programs use the same pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation, so there's no duplication of assessment costs. The energy advisor coordinates applications for both programs and ensures all work meets the requirements for maximum rebate eligibility.

Income-Based Programs

Low-income households may qualify for additional support through NB Power's Energy Savings for Low Income program, which can cover up to 100% of insulation upgrade costs for qualifying families. This program has specific income thresholds and prioritizes health and safety improvements alongside energy savings.

Commercial and Multi-Unit Programs

Small commercial buildings and multi-unit residential properties have separate rebate streams with higher dollar limits. These programs often cover 30-50% of insulation upgrade costs and include specialized applications like flat roof insulation, warehouse wall upgrades, and building envelope commissioning.

Application Timing and Availability

Program funding is allocated annually and can be exhausted before year-end, particularly for popular upgrades like attic insulation. Apply early in the year for best availability. The pre-upgrade evaluation can be scheduled immediately, but contractor availability for actual installation work is typically highest in late spring through early fall.

Important note: Program details, rebate amounts, and eligibility requirements change periodically. Always verify current program parameters with NB Power or a certified energy advisor before beginning any work. Starting insulation upgrades without the required pre-evaluation makes the project ineligible for rebates.

Need help finding a professional insulation contractor who's familiar with NB Power rebate requirements? New Brunswick Insulation can match you with experienced contractors who handle the rebate paperwork and ensure your project meets all program specifications.