Are you looking for a new way to save on your household energy use that doesn’t sacrifice any comfort?

Maybe it’s time to consider a water-efficient showerhead - they use about 50% less water which helps you save on your energy bills.  

The newest water-efficient showerheads have been engineered specifically to maintain water pressure while reducing the flow of water. This means you can still shower under a strong blast if you replace your showerhead.

So how do you know if you’re ready to make the switch?

You can do a simple test to determine if your showerhead is a good candidate for replacement. Start by turning your water fully on and place a two litre jug or container in your tub. If it fills it up in less than 10 seconds, you should consider upgrading to a more efficient model.

What to look for in a showerhead

To find the most efficient showerhead when shopping, look for the ENERGY STAR certified label. These water-efficient models have been tested and rated to be the most efficient and yield the greatest energy savings.  

You should choose a showerhead with a low gallon per minute rating- this is usually on the package. We recommend models with a rating of 1.6 gallons per minute (GPM) or less.

Showers can account for up to 25% of your household’s hot water use. Imagine how much that can begin to cost the more people you add to your home? Here’s a breakdown of what the water use looks like for an average family of three with both a regular and water-efficient showerhead.

If you have kids, you’ll know they love to take their time in the shower. While we recommend limiting your shower to 10 minutes to see added savings on your power bill, it’s not always the case when you have a full house. An efficient showerhead can help limit the amount of hot water used, even if you have a family member who likes to take longer showers.

Use the installation of your efficient showerhead as an opportunity to discuss — as a family — the costs associated with hot water and other energy uses throughout your home.

Until the end of April, you can save even more on water-efficient showerheads with our Smart Habits rebate of $10 on select models at participating retailers.

Walking through the hallways leading to the NB Power products and services lab is like traveling through time. Designs on the walls outline the present, past and achievable future of NB Power.

The lab is just one of 3 lab environments that support the incubation of ideas for products and services that will integrate with New Brunswick’s Smart Grid- together, these labs form the Smart Grid Innovation Network.

Who’s involved in the Smart Grid Innovation Network?

NB Power has partnered with Siemens Canada and the University of New Brunswick to create this unique opportunity for companies to bring their Smart Grid visions to life.

It all starts at UNB: it is the idea incubator and physical device research facility.

Siemens comes in to work with products creators to establish connectivity and ensure the product is “Smart Grid ready.” Then the product functionality and effectiveness is tested at the NB Power lab. This lab is the last stop before launching new innovations.

Both Siemens and UNB are indispensable partners in the Smart Grid Network.

The NB Power lab

The hallway leading to the product lab and showroom detail our utility’s history through a timeline of important events that showcase our evolution to this point, and the challenges that face us for the future.

We’ve got one of the most diverse electric systems in North America that already incorporates a lot of renewable energy (wind up north, a little solar, and lots of hydro.)

We’re starting from a good spot, but the challenge remains- finding a way to reduce and shift energy demand to ‘beat the peak’ that happens in the morning between 6-9am and in the evening from 4-8pm.

We are aware of the changing interests and behaviours of our customers. In previous years we didn’t have to know what happens beyond the meters, but now we have to work with customers in order to keep up and grow.

The two-and-a-half year old lab is where NB Power engineers test out new and innovative products. It is ground control for our engineers to monitor the input from smart devices being tested in the field right now in pilot projects.

The product demo room

Here are products that will help you become more energy efficient as well as products that will help us manage your load.

On one wall you will see electric vehicles, solar panels and smart batteries. All are examples of new technologies that are already available.

Smart water heaters are another. We can communicate with them remotely and tell them to consume power when it’s the best time to do so.

Energy efficient products, heat pumps, energy-efficient fridges are on another wall.

On the floor you will see an illustration of Integrated Load Management System. This is the brain behind everything. It is the network which connects appliances to the lab.

Get involved

Do you have an idea for a product or service that would integrate with the Smart Grid? Get in touch with the Smart Grid Innovation network here.