For almost 40 years, Sue Davis has lived in her home in the Saint John area. She loves the quiet and the surrounding trees but staying warm in her home was a challenge. The baseboard heaters made it hard to keep a steady temperature. In the winter, the house often felt cold and damp. In the summer, the heat started to become overwhelming.
Learning About the Enhanced Energy Savings Program
Since 2022, more than 10,000 homes across New Brunswick have been upgraded through the Enhanced Energy Savings Program, helping homeowners feel more comfortable and in control of their energy use.
Sue first heard about the Enhanced Energy Savings Program from friends and family. Many had received heat pumps and she wondered if there was a catch. There wasn’t. The program helps fixed-income New Brunswickers with low and moderate incomes make important upgrades at no cost.
“I’m a procrastinator and I wasn’t sure how much paperwork there would be,” she says. She finally applied and was relieved to learn the process was simple.
Registering and Waiting for Her Turn
After registering, Sue waited for a little more than a year and says the SaveEnergyNB team helped keep her hopeful. When the call finally came, Sue was thrilled. “It was my turn.” Each year, the Enhanced Energy Savings Program aims to help as many people as possible in a budget year, with over 5000 households receiving upgrades last year alone.
An Easy, Step-by-Step Experience
Through EESP, every home receives the upgrades that make the biggest difference. While Sue received a heat pump and smart thermostats, many homeowners also qualify for insulation upgrades, draft-proofing to fix air leaks, improved ventilation or new central heating systems. The process includes a home energy evaluation, a discussion about what qualifies and the installation. What stood out most for Sue was how simple the process felt. “It was so easy, and they took care of all the steps.”
Comfort That You Can Feel
The heat pump made a bigger difference than Sue expected. “It’s a cozier heat- like a blanket.” Her home now warms quickly, stays cool on humid days and feels less damp. The smart thermostats also help her stay comfortable and in control.
A Gift During a Time of Rising Costs
For Sue it’s been emotional. “Everything is getting more expensive,” Sue says. “So to have something that lowers my costs and doesn’t cost me anything up front, that’s huge. It’s reduced my financial stress. It feels like a gift.”
A Home That Finally Feels Like Home
Beyond savings, the biggest benefit for Sue is comfort. “It really and truly has made a difference in how comfortable I feel in my own home.” She also enjoys hosting again. “I used to turn all my baseboards on before company came,” she says. “Now I know the house will feel warm and welcoming.”
A Program Making a Real Difference for Homeowners
Sue is proud to be part of a growing community of homeowners seeing real improvements through this program. “Thank you to everyone at SaveEnergyNB. It has made a difference in my life.”
