At NB Power, we’re committed to providing New Brunswickers with a safe, reliable and secure supply of electricity. Our team is focused on doing everything we can to support New Brunswickers and provide them with the level of customer service they deserve.

We have to take the steps that are necessary to provide the services our customers expect today as well as prepare for tomorrow. We’re committed to making the necessary investments so our transmission, distribution, and generating systems stay strong for today and are ready for the future. This means your power remains steady even as demand grows and challenges arise.

Aging infrastructure, an increased demand for electricity and stronger weather systems due to climate change mean rate increases continue to be necessary.

General Rate Application Filing 

On October 1, 2025, NB Power submitted a new General Rate Application (GRA) to the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (NBEUB) for the 2026/27 fiscal year requesting a rate increase of 4.75% across all rate classes. If approved, this will make a difference of approximately $10.90/month for the average residential customer using 1,350 kWh/month.

Motion for Interim Order Filing 

On January 22, 2026, NB Power submitted a motion for interim order to the NBEUB outlining two requests:

1. An interim rate increase starting April 1, 2026, or 
2. Allow NB Power to recover any loss in revenue associated with a delay in implementing new rates after April 1, 2026, over the remainder of fiscal year once the decision has been rendered on the GRA.

This measure, in accordance with the NBEUB regulatory process, was deemed necessary because of the delayed hearing date for the GRA – a scheduling issue that was the result of the Renewables Integration Grid Security (RIGS) Project that is also moving through the NBEUB regulatory process this winter and spring. Any delay to that start date will significantly impact the utility’s revenue and its ability to make critical investments or improve its financial health.

Typically, a GRA hearing and decision would have occurred in time for any new rates to take effect at the start of the utility’s new fiscal year, April 1, 2026.

The utility asked for rates to be approved as outlined in the GRA above.

GRA Hearing

The hearing on the GRA was held over ten days in March 2026. As always, all customers were welcome to participate and have their voices heard.

On March 9, 2026, the NBEUB issued a decision not to grant NB Power’s motion for an interim order.

The NBEUB’s decision on the overall GRA is expected later this year and NB Power will communicate any potential rate changes to customers before they take effect.

Even with these rate changes, NB Power customers pay among the lowest rates in Atlantic Canada and northeastern North America.

The rate application material can be viewed on the NBEUB website by searching Matter EL-003-2025. 

For details on what’s driving this rate increase request and where the money will go, please click here. 

As a cost-of-service utility, we only charge what we need to cover the cost of delivering electricity to New Brunswickers. We go to great lengths to ensure New Brunswickers pay the lowest electricity rates possible, and we look at every opportunity we can to reduce our own costs and increase our internal efficiencies before we raise rates.

Where is the money going?

These funds will go directly toward upgrading essential infrastructure, ensuring a reliable supply of power for homes and businesses, and supporting the transition to clean, modern energy solutions.

What are the primary drivers for the rate change?

• 80 per cent for improvements in reliability and station performance to address infrastructure deficit
• 20 per cent due to inflation, market prices and customer support

What improvements will be funded by this rate change?

Through this rate request, specific investments will be made in

• Generating Station Reliability
• Vegetation Management
• Cybersecurity
• Energy Efficiency Programs

How are New Brunswickers benefiting from recent rate changes?

• Over the past three years, $244.8 million has been invested in reliability projects across the province, strengthening our transmission and distribution systems to provide more reliable service for customers.
• $918 million has been invested in our generating stations as we continue to improve their reliability and performance to maximize the value they provide for our customers.
• We’ve also been able to expand energy efficiency programs and services, helping customers lower their energy use and manage costs.

Variance Account Recovery (VAR) Filing

On December 15, 2025, NB Power submitted its annual update on the Variance Account Recovery (VAR) mechanism, which adjusts variances between budgeted and actual costs largely outside NB Power's control.

Starting April 1, 2026, all customers will see a change in their Variance Account Recovery (VAR) charge on their monthly bills. It shows in the Current Charges section of your bill as “Variance account amount for electricity you used”.

For the fiscal year starting April 1, 2026, the VAR charge, as approved by the NBEUB on March 6, 2026, will be 0.04¢/kWh more than the current charge. For the average residential customer, this means an increase of about 54 cents per month. 

Managing Your Energy Costs

We know New Brunswickers are looking for support to help them manage their energy use and bills. That’s why we are rolling out new customer education initiatives to promote tangible steps to help customers reduce their energy consumption. We want our customers to better understand how they use electricity so they can take action to help lower their usage and therefore bills wherever possible.

NB Power also offers the following programs to help New Brunswickers manage their energy usage and bills:

• The Enhanced Energy Savings Program provides free heat pumps and insulation to eligible households. 
• Equalized Payment Planshelp customers budget with predictable monthly payments. 
• Payment assistance resources are available for those in need. 
• Visit saveenergynb.ca for more information on energy efficiency programs and practical, energy-savings tips.