'Energy efficiency is one of the most affordable ways to fight climate change'

I can remember doing my homework by candlelight. We used a prepaid electricity system, and once the balance on our meter ran out, that was it. No electricity until we could afford to top it up again. 

It forced our family to be extremely conscious of how we used energy. But when the lights went out, it was scary and embarrassing that others could see when our home was the only one dark on our street.

This was my first experience with energy poverty, but it wouldn’t be my last.

When I moved to Fredericton to study at the University of New Brunswick, I knew I’d be stepping into a different culture, climate and life. I was excited. Nervous. Ready for a new chapter and a new energy system. 

But after starting my life here, I was thoroughly unprepared for how cold it was inside my new apartment. 

Outside, snow blanketed the sidewalks, but inside, I expected warmth. Still, the chill clung to the walls. The baseboard heaters hummed, but the heat slipped through the windows.

It was too costly to keep the place comfortably warm, so I wore layers indoors. I wrapped myself in blankets.

I spent hours in the UNB library, not just to study, but also to stay warm. Only later did I learn that the library was energy efficient. My apartment wasn’t.

I talked to friends about the problem, but everyone assumed I was cold because I had moved from a warm climate. I felt like there was nowhere to go for help, and I didn’t have the knowledge to talk about energy efficiency at that time.

Those experiences stuck with me. Today, I work with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and meet many others who know chilly homes in winter, sweltering homes in summer and energy bills that take up too much of their paycheques. 

Some people have to choose between buying groceries and paying to keep the lights on.

This energy poverty is far too common in our province, affecting one in four people.

In New Brunswick, most people rely on electricity from dirty sources, like fossil fuels, to heat and cool their homes. When that energy escapes through drafty windows or poor insulation, it hurts our wallets and contributes to climate change.

The good news is that we already have solutions, like better insulation, energy-efficient windows and heat pumps that help New Brunswickers use less energy and emit less pollution. But these solutions aren’t always available to those who need them. 

Energy efficiency is one of the most affordable ways to fight climate change. It doesn’t require major new technology, and it’s something we can do right now, making a real difference for our communities and planet.

At the Conservation Council, we want to ensure people can access affordable, efficient energy. We’re constantly pushing for programs that make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable for everyone, including renters and families with modest incomes. But we can’t do it without your help.