Net metering changes and the elimination of the solar incentive

May 5

2 min read

Solar NB Solaire's Board of directors met yesterday evening to discuss two big developments announced last week:

The elimination of the $200 per installed kilowatt solar incentive offered as part of the Total Home Savings Program (to be eliminated as of May 27)
Proposed changes to net metering in NB (to take effect in the fall of 2026)

The Board agreed that we need to prepare a robust, evidence-based response. We developed a rough framework for that response, and are engaging some expert help to help us execute in the coming days and weeks. More updates will be coming soon.

In the meantime, please read on to find out how you can learn more about proposed changes and how you can help.

Demand charges to be implemented for net metered clients

One of the most significant proposed changes to net metering is the proposed inclusion of a monthly demand charge of $13 per kilowatt. As proposed by NB Power, it would be charged on the highest demand 15-minute period of each billing period. So a net metered customer whose home uses a peak of 20 KW for just 15 consecutive minutes during a billing period would see $260 added to their bill.

The above example, taken from NB Power's submission to the Energy and Utilities Board, shows the impact of the proposed changes on a typical net metered customer's bill - an increase of over $90.

The impact of demand charges will be part of SNBS's forthcoming response. NB Power's full submission to the EUB can be found at the link below. It's a cumbersome site; you need to enter "EL-002-2026" as the 'Matter Number'.

Building our resources for the work ahead

Preparing an impactful, professional response to the proposed net metering changes promises to be a major, work-intensive undertaking that will exceed our current financial resources. Yet this is the very reason SNBS was established 16 months ago: to represent the interests of our solar industry and solar system owners; and to help NB take advantage of the full economic, energy and environmental potential of solar. This is our moment to do just that.

Thank you for already helping by being a Regular or Supporting member. But two asks:

The above table shows the levels and benefits of SNBS's sponsorship program. If you've been thinking you might like to sponsor our organization, now would be the perfect time. Just email solarnbsolaire@gmail.com for all details.
There are over 1500 installed net metered solar systems in NB, but so far only a fraction of those owners are Suporting members of SNBS. Numbers matter, so please help us grow our organization quickly by inviting anyone you know with solar to visit our website, click the 'Join Us' tab and sign up.

Thanks for supporting us and amplifying our messages!