Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program
Get up to $1.25 million in matching grants to modernize your New Brunswick commercial building. NB Power reimburses you after you pay upfront for audits and energy-saving upgrades, so you need the cash flow to cover costs first.
“The EMSP/SSP will perform the audit or study, discuss potential projects with you, prepare a report and submit an application on your behalf to NB Power.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Do not spend a dime until you receive the written approval letter from NB Power; money spent early usually does not count.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You own or operate a commercial building in New Brunswick, such as a shop, clinic, or restaurant.
- You have the cash flow to pay for audits or upgrades upfront before receiving your reimbursement.
- You are planning specific energy-saving projects like HVAC, insulation, or lighting improvements.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside New Brunswick, as this program is strictly for NB properties.
- You have already started or finished the work, since approval must come before you spend.
- You need immediate cash, because this is a reimbursement program, not a grant paid in advance.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $1.25 million total per entity, but most small businesses see smaller amounts: audits are capped between $1,100 and $8,000, electricity savings pay $120 per GJ saved (cap $250,000), and non-electric upgrades reimburse 25% of costs (cap $1 million).
What may be supported
- Energy audits and feasibility studies
- Electricity-saving upgrades (e.g., lighting, HVAC)
- Non-electric fuel-saving projects (e.g., propane, natural gas, oil reductions)
- Greenhouse gas emission reduction retrofits
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must coordinate with an approved provider, sign a Program Agreement, wait for approval, complete the work, and submit invoices for reimbursement.
- 01Contact an approved Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP) to schedule an audit or feasibility study.
- 02The provider submits the application to NB Power on your behalf.
- 03Receive the welcome kit via email and return the signed Program Agreement to NB Power.
- 04Submit the Statement of Work to NB Power and wait for the approval letter.
- 05Complete the eligible upgrades only after receiving approval.
- 06Submit the Request for Payment form with invoices and receipts to NB Power.
Who to ask: https://www.saveenergynb.ca/en/for-business/commercial-buildings-retrofit-program/enquiry-form/
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Signed Program Agreement
- Approved Statement of Work
- Invoices and receipts for eligible costs
- Request for Payment form
- Direct Deposit Enrolment Form
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN coordinates your energy audit and feasibility study, bringing in the right experts to scope eligible costs and keep you on deadline so you don't lose the funding.
- BBN designs and coordinates qualified partners for your HVAC and lighting upgrades, scoped to the program's guidelines for the matching grant.
- BBN manages the project scope for non-electric fuel-saving retrofits, aligning propane or natural gas reductions with grant requirements for a smoother claim.
- BBN guides you through the application and documentation process, helping you manage deadlines and paperwork so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- You pay the full cost first. You need the cash flow to cover the audit or upgrade expenses before NB Power reimburses you within 60 days of claim approval.
- Non-electric funds are first-come, first-served. The $1 million cap per entity is subject to available budget, which can run out mid-year.
- The grant portion is generally taxable income. Ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- You must work with an approved Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP); you cannot just hire any contractor and claim the rebate.
What are your odds?
If you qualify and the budget is available, approval is usually straightforward. The real risk is starting work before approval or the non-electric budget being depleted.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply directly to NB Power?
No. You must contact an approved Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP) who submits the application on your behalf.
When do I get paid?
NB Power issues payment within 60 days of approving your claim and invoices. You must pay for the work first.
Is the rebate taxable?
Generally, yes. The reimbursed grant portion is considered taxable income. Confirm with your accountant.
What if I start work before getting approval?
Do not start. The program states you must receive the approval letter before proceeding. Work started early may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Related BBN services
Energy-Efficiency Solutions
Lighting, HVAC, refrigeration and controls: incentive screening and qualified-partner coordination, sequenced so you don't lose a program.
Restaurant Kitchen & Energy Efficiency
Kitchen ventilation, refrigeration and lighting incentives for restaurants. Screened and partner-quoted, with deadlines tracked.
Restaurant Growth Systems
The whole restaurant setup under one care plan: menus, ordering, reviews, signage, media and efficiency screening.
What you can combine it with
Check if you can combine this with the Business Rebate Program or Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, but confirm with NB Power to avoid double-dipping on the same costs.
Related programs
BDC Financing — Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
Access flexible online financing from Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use these funds to scale operations, hire staff, or upgrade equipment…
Checked today
BDC Financing — Working Capital Term Loan
Secure the cash you need for inventory, hiring, or daily operations without draining your current funds.
Checked today
BDC Financing — Equipment Purchase Loan
Up to 125% of costs
Secure the machinery, vehicles, or tech you need to scale operations. BDC offers flexible loan terms including interest-only periods and long…
Checked today
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.