Does NB Power have special EV charging rates?

NB Power does offer time-of-use rates that can significantly reduce EV charging costs, but they don't have a dedicated EV-specific rate program like some other provinces.

NB Power's Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are available to residential customers and can cut your EV charging costs substantially. Under this rate structure, electricity costs less during off-peak hours (typically evenings and weekends) when demand on the grid is lower. Since most EV owners charge overnight anyway, this timing works perfectly for maximizing savings.

The off-peak rates can be 30-40% lower than standard residential rates, which adds up quickly when you're charging a vehicle that uses 30-50 kWh per charge. For a typical EV owner driving 20,000 km annually, switching to time-of-use rates could save $200-400 per year just on charging costs. Most Level 2 EV chargers (Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, etc.) have built-in scheduling features that let you automatically charge during these cheaper off-peak periods.

NB Power's rate structure differs from provinces like Ontario or Quebec that have specific EV charging programs. However, the time-of-use option provides similar benefits without requiring special enrollment beyond switching your rate plan. You'll need to contact NB Power directly to switch from standard residential rates to time-of-use billing - this typically requires a smart meter installation if you don't already have one.

When installing an EV charger in New Brunswick, your electrician will typically install a dedicated 40-amp circuit for a 32-amp Level 2 charger. This requires a TSANB permit and inspection, with total installation costs ranging from $1,200-$1,800 if your panel has adequate capacity. If a panel upgrade is needed to handle the additional load, costs increase to $3,000-$5,000 including the charger installation.

For maximum savings, combine NB Power's time-of-use rates with an Energy Star certified Level 2 charger that has smart scheduling capabilities. Many homeowners see their total "fuel" costs drop to the equivalent of $0.30-$0.50 per liter of gasoline when charging during off-peak periods.

Need help finding an electrician for EV charger installation? New Brunswick Electrical can match you with local licensed electricians who specialize in EV charging systems and understand TSANB permit requirements.