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1. What causes power outages?
Tree branches and animals are the leading cause of outages. Wind and heavy snow
very often blow or weigh trees or branches down into the line. Small animals,
such as squirrels, sometimes get caught up in the transformer wires. Lightning
is the next major cause followed by equipment failure, which includes faulty
insulators, transformers, switches and other equipment. Less frequent problems
include vehicle accidents and vandalism.
2. I am thinking of buying a computer, how much will my energy consumption
increase?
A personal computer uses about as much electricity as a 100 watt light bulb. If
you were to use your computer for one hour each day for 30 days, the computer
would use about 25¢ each month. For information on the electrical consumption
of other household appliances visit Energy Information
3. How does equalized billing work?
Equalized billing is a free service from NB Power where you pay the same, equal
amount each month based on yearly consumption divided by 12. This amount covers
the monthly service charge, energy charges, water heater and dusk-to-dawn light
rental charges (if applicable). Equalized billing makes budgeting easy because
it removes guess work. One time each year there is an annual settlement billing
month where any accumulated difference between your actual usage and the
equalized amount will be due. A common misconception is that you cannot apply
for equalized billing until you have been receiving service for at least 12
months. This isn't true and you can apply for this service any time. For more
information call our customer service line at 1 800 663-6272 or submit your
request via our Request A Service area.
4. What is PPP?
PPP stands for Pre-authorized Payment Plan, this is a free service that allows you to have automatic withdrawal from your designated bank account when your
payment is due. It saves you time and postage. It provides worry-free and
guaranteed on-time payments every month.
5. If I choose to have equalized billing, do I also have to have PPP?
No. The choice is yours.
6. Can I pay my electric bill by credit card?
No. Effective July 1 st, 2005 credit card payments will no longer be an option. NB Power’s participation with Aliant Customer Care (Aliant Express) will also be discontinued at the same time.
7. How do I get electrical service to my new home?
The first thing is make sure that your electrical contractor arranges for the
wiring permit through the Provincial Department of Labour. NB Power cannot
schedule electricity service until we receive the signed wiring permit. Once
the permit is received, a service call will be scheduled within 12 days.
8. What is the cost of a line extension?
There is no charge for the first 90 meters. Anything over 90 meters is charged
at a set percentage of estimated cost. This must be paid before the work is
done. Please note that you may be entitled to receive some of this money back
under our customer contribution program. Please call us at 1 800 663-6272 for
further information or visit Policies.
9. How much notice should I give when I move?
One business day for a reconnection. Two business days for a disconnection.
This work does not take place on weekends or holidays. A common misconception
is that your power can be connected or disconnected from our offices by "pushing a button". In fact, a service person is required to come to your
location to activate or de-activate your power.
10. When I move but still want electricity from NB Power will I be charged a
disconnect fee and reconnect fee?
No, you will not be charged a disconnect fee. You will just be charged a
reconnect fee that will appear on your first bill.
11. I rent a water heater from NB Power. Who should I call when it stops working
during non-business hours or the weekend?
We provide free, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week maintenance service and power
restoration service. Call us at 1 800 663-6272.
12. Can you provide me with energy saving tips?
Visit our Tips section for great tips on saving energy.
If you prefer, you may call customer service at 1 800 663-6272 to make an
appointment to speak with a home energy advisor.
13. How do your rates compare to the rest of Canada?
They compare very well, especially in Atlantic Canada. For more information,
visit Rate Comparisons.
14. How do I flush my hot water heater?
All water heaters are equipped with a drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
This drain valve is equipped with a standard hose bib so that a regular garden
hose can be attached. Simply attach the garden hose to the drain valve and the
other end to an adequate drain. Open the drain valve and allow water to run
until it is clear. This ensures all sediments at the bottom of tank has been
removed. Close the valve tightly (hand tight) and remove the hose. Removing two
to three gallons of water is sufficient. This should be repeated every six
months.
15. What is an easment?
Here is what the lawyers tell us. An easement is a nonpossessing interest held
by one person in land of another whereby the first person is given partial use
of such land for a specific purpose. An easement restricts but does not abridge
the rights of the fee owner to the use and enjoyment of his land.
16. What does it mean if I have a utility right-of-way on my property?
A utility right-of-way on your property would be an easement for certain
utilities, such as NB Power or NBTel, for placing and maintaining their
facilities like poles, wires, etc. Usually this is referred to on subdivision
plans and can be anywhere from 0.762 metres to 6.096 metres wide.
17. Who do I call regarding branches from trees laying on my power line?
If you have a tree on your property close to an overhead conductor and you are
unsure whether a hazard exists with cutting that tree down, please contact your
local NB Power office and a customer service representative will visit the
site. The customer service representative will:
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Advise you of the clearances that are appropriate to safely remove the tree.
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Prune the tree to a safe distance to allow you to finish the job.
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Schedule the tree for removal by NB Power crews or a tree contractor. (Please
note that NB Power is not responsible to pick up the brush.)
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Please always work safely and "Look Out for the Lines"
18. Recently I called the customer service line and have been asked for credit
information and identification. Why?
NB Power arranges most of its customer service over the telephone and before we
can enter into a contract with a customer to provide service, we must be able
to identify the customer otherwise a legal agreement does not exist.
That is why all residential applicants must provide identification prior to
connection or reconnection of service or before payment arrangements are made
on an overdue account. NB Power accepts two of the three following three pieces
of identification; driver's license, social insurance number and date of birth.
The information assists NB Power in identifying customers and reduces the
possibility of someone fraudulently using another name to obtain service.
19. Is it OK to attach a clothesline to a utility pole?
No. Attachments such as clotheslines, mail boxes, realty or election campaign
signs, "911" address numbers, etc. all create a hazard for line workers. Our
line workers have been instructed to remove any non-utility related attachments
before climbing the pole.
20. What are the large electrical boxes found in yards or alleys?
This is likely a distribution pad mount transformer. These units serve the same
purpose as the grey transformers on poles but are for larger electrical loads
such as malls, restaurants, department stores etc. For public safety, they are
secured with bolts and padlocks that keep the door in the closed position.
These transformers are completely safe, however, if the unit is broken open due
to vehicle contact, it should be avoided because there are electrical
components inside that could cause serious harm to anyone coming in contact
with the equipment. Please call us immediately at 1 800 663-6272 if you suspect
any safety hazards with a pad mount transformer.
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