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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.