Saint John Energy Zero30 Roadmap Project Update
May 13, 2026
Saint John Energy is moving its Zero30 clean energy plan from research into action, releasing a Zero30 Roadmap Project Update report today alongside a call for developers to propose new solar, wind and battery storage projects for Saint John.
It is also launching The Switch – a new initiative connecting customers with the programs, financing and guidance to make cleaner energy choices at home and on the road.
The Zero30 update shares findings from an in-depth examination of what it would take for the utility to reach net-zero carbon emissions while keeping electricity affordable and reliable for customers.
The call for projects puts those findings to work immediately.
“We’ve been focused on a big question: what would it truly take to get to net zero?” said Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO of Saint John Energy. “This update gives us real answers – and today we’re acting on them. New renewable projects mean local jobs and economic growth, and The Switch means every customer has a way to be part of what’s coming.” The Zero30 roadmap is built around three pillars: achieving an even cleaner energy supply, planning for escalating energy demand, and innovating for customers.
Key findings shared in the update include:
- Electricity demand in Saint John is projected to grow by five to 35 per cent by 2030 as residents adopt electric vehicles, heat pumps and other clean technologies, making proactive grid investment essential.
- The path forward relies on three levers: new local renewable generation, NB Power’s progress toward its 2035 net-zero target and high-quality carbon offsets for emissions that cannot yet be eliminated.
- Between $3.8 million and $7.7 million in targeted distribution upgrades will be needed by 2030, guided by advanced digital grid planning tools.
- The Burchill Wind Farm continues to show that local renewables and rate stability can go hand in hand, having reduced energy purchase and peak-demand costs by $6.5 million in 2024.
- Expanded customer programs – heat pump rentals, smart water heaters, EV charging support and more – come together under The Switch, Saint John Energy’s new initiative to help customers make cleaner energy choices at home and on the road. Details at sjenergy.ca/switch.
“Saint John Energy’s rates are among the lowest in Atlantic Canada and we are committed to keeping them that way,” Mitchell said. “Every project we pursue for Zero30 must stand up to a strong financial business case – for the utility and for our customers.”
Developers are invited to propose commercial, distribution-connected renewable energy and storage projects within Saint John through a competitive process open at sjenergy.ca. Projects will be evaluated on their ability to grow clean energy supply, support grid reliability and deliver sound value for the utility and its customers.
Zero30 is designed as a living plan – evolving with technology, policy and customer choices. The Zero30 Roadmap Project Update is available in full at Zero30.ca.
