Get us involved early in your building or renovation project. You can download and print this handy pamphlet to help guide you through the steps required to connect power.

Don’t forget about energy efficiency when making your plans. Visit SaveEnergyNB.ca for incentives and advice to help you use less energy, save money and help the environment.

Below are the typical steps that you need to follow. We’re here to help if you have questions.

STEP 1

Contact Us – Customer dependant

Start by simply giving us a call at 1 800 663-6272 or if you prefer to do it online: 

• For a new construction, start with our online moving wizard.
• For renovations, start by submitting a Customer Service Inquiry form.

To get started, you’ll need to have this information handy: 

• Your contact information, including an email address, so we can send you status updates
• Contact details for your certified electrical contractor if you’d like us to be in contact with them
• Two pieces of government-issued ID (one must include your date of birth)
• The exact location of your property or nearest civic number, lot number, or 911 address
• You must be of legal age to enter a legal contract with NB Power (the legal age in New Brunswick is 19)
• Have a basic understanding of the work being performed by your electrical contractor
  Click the + to see examples of questions to consider

  • Should the new service contract be set up in your name (new customer) or the contractor’s name? (If your contractor will be responsible for the power bill until completion of the project, they are required to complete the application of service.)
  • Will both temporary and permanent power be required for construction?
  • Is there a power line currently running by your property?
  • How far is your home from the power line? (Approximate distance in meters)
  • What size electrical entrance will you require?
  • Are you planning for underground service?

We will provide you with an NB Power work order number right away to give to your electrical contractor.

STEP 2

Wiring permit application – Customer/Electrical contractor dependant

Your electrical contractor will require a Wiring Permit Application. This permit is issued by Technical Inspection Services through the Department of Public Safety. 

There will be non-NB Power fees that will apply, and you will be responsible for covering these charges through your contractor. They will outline the permit costs for your specific project. 

For more information, go to Technical Inspection Services - Public Safety (gnb.ca).

STEP 3

Site consultation – This usually takes up to 30 business days*

Once we receive your Wiring Permit Application, NB Power will reach out to you within five business days to discuss the work that needs to be performed and arrange a site visit, if required.

*The time required to detail your site could change depending on the complexity of your project.

STEP 4

Customer contribution – This usually takes two business days after the detailing is complete

Depending on your project, NB Power may require a customer contribution payment to proceed with the work order. We will send you the details if it’s needed. This payment may include costs for additional poles and other materials. Once your contribution payment is received, we’ll initiate the next step required to establish a connection. In some cases, a contribution must be made to a third party as well.

STEP 5

Your to-do list – Customer dependant

There may be a few actions you’ll need to do before we can get started on the work, including:

• Applying for a building permit
• Tree trimming on trees that are not located near energized powerlines (we’ll take care of these ones to keep everyone safe)
• Paying a customer contribution, if needed
• Completing the foundation of your building
• Having your prefab building on site
• Ensuring easement access
• Requesting underground locates for fuels, water, municipal connections, telecommunications, etc. if required. Please note that we only check for NB Power-owned underground power lines. You are responsible for having your work site checked for all other potential hazards

For more information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

STEP 6

Our to-do list – Project dependant

NB Power may also have a list of actions to complete for your request, including:

• Adding poles or powerlines
• Underground locates for electrical wires
• Tree trimming if needed near energized lines (all other tree trimming is the customer’s responsibility)

STEP 7

Final requirements – This usually takes two business days

• For new construction: your electrical contractor is responsible for contacting Technical Inspections Services (New Brunswick Department of Public Safety) to coordinate the final inspection.
• For renovations: your electrical contractor needs to contact NB Power to schedule an appointment to safely disconnect and reconnect the meter.

STEP 8

Connecting your power – This usually takes 10-30 business days*

Once all requirements have been met, we’ll connect your house to the grid. We’ll provide the connection date by email if you’re signed up for updates, or you can call us to confirm your connection date.

*The time required to connect your power could range from 10-30 business days depending on the complexity of the project, time of year, area of the province, and other external factors.

For example:

New service for a house - once requirements are met, the time required typically ranges from 10-12 business days.
Line extension - up to 15 poles and/or more wires, the time required is typically up to 30 business days.