Experts Recommend Demand Reduction Over New Power Plant for N.B. Power
Energy experts are urging N.B. Power to prioritize demand reduction strategies over its billion-dollar power plant proposal to address a projected electricity shortage in 2028. They advocate for the implementation of demand-side management technologies, which have already shown success in reducing peak demand through programs like home energy savings and pilot initiatives. Currently, N.B. Power's demand reduction target of 0.75% by 2028 falls short of Nova Scotia's goal of 1.5%.
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Energy experts are questioning N.B. Power's plan for a billion-dollar power plant to prevent a predicted electricity shortage in 2028, suggesting instead that demand reduction strategies could address this issue.
Demand-side management technologies, such as insulation and heat pumps, could help decrease electricity consumption. Currently, 30% of New Brunswick households use electric baseboard heaters, but upgrades have been made through N.B.
Power's home energy savings program, which has supported nearly 29,000 households since 2018. Additionally, a demand-response pilot in Shediac showed a 3.3% peak demand decrease through time-of-day discounts and battery storage systems.
N.B. Power's savings target for reducing demand is set at 0.75% by 2028, lagging behind Nova Scotia's 1.5%. Experts advocate for a shift in planning to prioritize energy efficiency as a viable alternative to new generation capacity.
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