We’re excited to let you in on a little secret- we’ve got a new website, and we think it’s pretty great. Our team here at NB Power has been working hard over the last few months to bring this new site to life.

The new nbpower.com will give you quicker and easier access to the information you want. This includes better outage viewing and reporting, an improved search feature and a new self-serve option to let you pay your bills when it’s convenient for you. The new site is better optimized for mobile devices too, making it easier for you to do what you need to, even when you’re on the go.

You’ll also find our improved “Products and Services” and “Smart Habits” sections right on our homepage. Here, you’ll find information on new products, services, programs and rebates we will offer to help you reduce your energy consumption. In our Smart Habits section you’ll also find our new appliance calculator that will help you see how much energy each device in your home uses so you can better manage your energy use and save money on your bills.

Check out this video for a quick walk-through of the new site before you head over and start exploring.

As with any new site, we will be continuing to make enhancements and add new features going forward, so stay tuned for those. In the meantime, if there’s anything you’d like to see on our new website that isn’t there, let us know in the comment section below or by email.

NB Power has a great relationship with local, New Brunswick-based businesses, who help us keep power lines and infrastructure free from vegetation that could potentially cause power outages when severe weather events happen. One of our contractors, Jeremy How of Asplundh Tree Expert Co.tells us what it’s like to be in the vegetation management business.

What is a tree trimmer?

A tree trimmer would be anyone who works in the Arboriculture business, either commercial or private.

What made you want to work in the tree-trimming business?

Having a back ground in rock climbing I wasn't afraid of heights. I also grew up working part time in the woods on my family property. So, when a job posting came up for a tree climber trimmer, I applied and got it. 

How long have you been in the tree-trimming business?

I have been in the industry for 10 years. 

What are the main responsibilities of your current position?

The main responsibilities of my current job as manager of Asplundh New Brunswick is bidding and managing contracts, managing our training and safety programs, equipment fleet manager and hiring new employees.

What else does your job involve?

Other duties of my job include getting back into a bucket truck or a tree to work along with the crews when required. 

Please describe a typical work day for you.

A typical work day for me begins at 6 a.m. when I drive into our shop on Hanwell Road, in Fredericton. I run through the game plan for the crews in my head to make sure everything will run smoothly.

When I arrive at work, I make sure all the crews leave the yard in a timely manner. After everyone leaves the yard, I have a quick talk with my Project Foreman, who is in charge of direct supervision of the crews. I usually give the crews a couple hours before I visit individual sites to check safety, production and quality. 

The afternoons are usually reserved for administrative work and or meetings with NB Power. My day ends usually at 5.30 p.m. although oftentimes, I receive evening phone calls from employees or customers.  

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

What’s most rewarding for me is to watch our company grow in New Brunswick. Before I moved back to Fredericton from Halifax, Asplundh had never worked here. Three other employees and I worked on our first contract six years ago. Now we have approximately 50 employees working in New Brunswick.  

What keeps you going?

What keeps me going is the fact that so many employees and indirectly their family's rely on the job we provide for them. If I didn't do my job of managing their contracts correctly, they may not have a job the next time we submit a bid for work. 

Have you been a part of any of NB Power’s restoration efforts after a major storm?

I have been part of many ‎storm restoration efforts, basically after every major storm we’ve had in the last five years. Our company makes every effort to provide all requested resources during storms. It's very rewarding to watch customers regain their power.

Although our employees love the chance to work the long hours we put in during storms to help out, when the storm is over, it’s very nice coming home and spending time with our families. I feel we have a good relationship with NB Power. They are always open to hear my concerns likewise I am to theirs.

What do you think are the most important things homeowners need to know about tree trimming and their property?

It's very important that homes owners are given notice before we go into their back yards to trim their trees. In my experience if the home owner has a chance to express their concerns and if we explain to them why we have to trim their trees the experience goes much smoothly. 

A lot of the time the homeowners want to speak to an NB Power employee rather than a contractor. Also homeowners need to be aware of the dangers of trimming trees around power lines themselves. Most do but we still encounter people who know the danger but do not accept the risks.

Read more about NB Power’s tree maintenance program and the ways contractors like Jeremy prune trees around power lines here.

It has been a long, cold winter. But with trees budding and flowers blooming, it’s time to get your home energy ready for the summer ahead. Taking these small steps can help you reduce your energy consumption during the warmer months, without sacrificing on comfort.

1. Shut off baseboard heaters

   Did you know that heating typically accounts for 50% of an average 3-4 person family’s annual energy bill? Imagine the savings after winter is gone! Shut off your baseboard heaters at the breaker to keep them from kicking in during the summer. Once they’re shut off you can take this opportunity to clean your baseboard heaters. If you vacuum these once a year, it can help you get better air circulation during the cooler months.
   Tip: The fins inside your heaters are very delicate, and can bend with even the slightest pressure. So take care when vacuuming as bent fins could also hinder your air circulation.
   

2. Turn off HRV

   As it gets nicer outside, you may want to open your windows. When windows are open,you are ventilating your home for free, so take the opportunity to shut off your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV.)
   

   
   Tip: Doing this after you turn your baseboard heaters are off at the breaker will prevent cool outside breezes from triggering your heaters to turn on.

3. Clean air filters

   Take advantage of having your HRV shut off to make sure it’s working in tip-top shape. Check the manufacturer’s manual for suggested maintenance or get it checked by a certified professional. This maintenance will include cleaning or replacing e the air filters, and verifying that the outside intake and exhaust vents are free of debris. If you have a central heating system it also has filters to clean or change. When these filters become clogged with dirt, the motor works harder, uses more energy and can lead to premature failure of the motor.

4. Use a clothesline

   Add a springy breeze to your clothes by using a clothesline instead of your dryer. This will also help you save on your energy use.
   
   

5. Brighten up your backyard

   Use LED lighting products to brighten up your outdoor spaces this summer. Did you know LED’s use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs? You can find even more savings by adding timers or motion sensors to your outdoor lights so they’re only running when you need them.

How do you get your home ready for the summer? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comment section below.

It’s National Electricity Month!

Every June, members of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) host or take part in events across Canada to put a focus on all facets of the electricity system to help Canadians learn more about the value it can bring to their everyday lives.

We love the idea of opening our doors and getting into the community to talk about energy and the exciting ways we’re working to make New Brunswick’s energy future better. It’s also a great chance to hear any questions you have about energy in your life.

For National Electricity Month this year, we’re talking about clean, sustainable energy- both what it looks like now and what it could look like in the future.

Energy conservation plays big role in that, which is why we’re hosting our first Smart Habits event at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market in Fredericton on June 13. Our education partner, The Gaia Project will join us with their Mobile Energy Centre, a four-meter long trailer decked out with interactive learning tools such as a bicycle generator, a weather station and wind turbines. We’ll also have activities for kids and one of our electric vehicles on site.

We’re also supporting the E-mazing Race as it rolls through New Brunswick this month. It’s a fun and sustainable way for electric vehicle drivers to see Canada this summer. Any participating driver who charges up at an NB Power charging station will receive bonus points on their tour of New Brunswick.

On June 25, we’re opening up the doors at the Mactaquac Generating Station for the public to take one of our new tours of the Station to see how hydroelectricity works and learn more about the history and potential future for the station.

We’ll also be announcing a new program this month designed to help you save money and energy on your bills. Keep your eyes on our Twitter and Facebook sites for more on that. Make sure to follow or like us to keep up to date on all the latest updates, events and activities throughout National Electricity Month.

How are you going to celebrate National Electricity Month? Let us know in the comments below.