The Average Cost of Electricity in New Brunswick
How Does Electricity Work in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, nuclear and hydropower are the primary sources of electricity, with a focus on transitioning to a non-emitting grid through a reduction in fossil fuel reliance. The remainder was produced from wind and biomass. New Brunswick is the only province outside of Ontario with nuclear power.
New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board regulates the rates charged by NB Power, the provincially owned electric utility. NB Power provides more than 88% of the province’s generating capacity. Independent power producers supply the remainder.
Saint John Energy provides energy to the 36,500 Saint John residents. NB power is still the wholesale electricity supplier, while Saint John Energy delivers electricity to the residents and takes care of the billing.
The electricity rates by NB Power are comprised of two charges:
- Basic service charge: Includes the direct costs of metering, portions of the distribution system, as well as billing administration. This varies for urban and rural/seasonal customers.
- Energy charge: Based upon the electric energy (kWh) consumed or billed.
What Affects the Cost of Your New Brunswick Power Bill?
- Type of property (Urban or rural/seasonal)
- Business or residential
- Transmission and distribution system
- Power plant costs
- Fossil fuel prices
- Weather conditions
- Regulations
- Seasons and location
- Load factor
- Power factor
- Cost of electricity itself
- Regulatory costs
- Taxes
- Other delivery costs
- Distribution and transmission over high-voltage lines
- Fuel Adjustment Mechanism (FAM)
- Number of appliances and usage
What Are the Average Monthly NB Power Rates?
Here’s a breakdown of NB power rates effective April 1, 2023:
| Urban Service Charges | $24.57 /month |
| Rural/Seasonal Service Charges | $26.96 /month |
| Energy Charges | 12.15¢/kWh |
*The minimum bill is the basic monthly charge. These do not include any taxes or surcharges.
Average Monthly NB Power Electricity Rates Based on Usage in New Brunswick
| Consumption (kWh) /month | Urban Monthly Cost |
| 600 kWh | $98 |
| 750 kWh | $116 |
| 1000 kWh | $146 |
The Average Rates for New Brunswick Water Bills
How Does Water Work in New Brunswick?
The way water works in New Brunswick is that the local water utilities in the province process and deliver safe domestic water to your home and take care of the wastewater/sewerage too. In return for these services, you pay an amount proportional to the usage in a month.
Every city in New Brunswick has its own water utility and charges you for drawing water from the water source, operating and maintaining the aqueduct, pumping stations, reservoirs, drinking water treatment plant, and distribution system.
You are billed for the following things:
- Tap Water
- Sewage/Wastewater
You can expect to see the following two charges on your water bill:
- Service Charges (Fixed): It is based on meter size and type of property. It also covers costs of billing, meter maintenance, and future meter replacement.
- Volumetric Charges (Variable): They are based on consumption and are designed to encourage conservation. It caters to capital replacement of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems, roadway damage associated with the utility, and water and wastewater upgrades to serve redevelopment in existing core areas.
If we talk about the capital of New Brunswick, drinking water is sent to consumers in Fredericton from 10 major production wells. The water passes through one of two water treatment plants before flowing through an extensive water distribution system covering 433 km.
Wastewater charges are based on how much water you dispose of. This also includes rainwater and the tap water that goes into the sewerage. This water is then treated and returned to rivers and the sea.
What Are the Factors Affecting the Cost of Water?
Here are a few factors that affect the cost of water:
- Type of home
- Meter size
- Household members
- Seasonal usage
- Appliances
- Water treatment plant costs
- Cost of drawing water from the lakes
- Maintenance and upgrades to the water system
What Are the Average Rates for Water Bills per Month in New Brunswick?
| Cubic Meter (m3)
monthly usage |
Water rate cost in Saint John is at 1.99c/m3 |
| 10 m3
*Average Canadian household water consumption |
$57 |
| 20 m3 | $77 |
| 30 m3 | $97 |
| Cubic Meter (m3)
monthly usage |
Water rate cost in Fredericton is at 1.94c/m3 |
| 10 m3
*Average Canadian household water consumption |
$61 |
| 20 m3 | $80 |
| 30 m3 | $99 |
*Fixed meter charges for 30 days (for 1” meter): $37.27 (Water only in Saint John)
*Fixed meter charges for 30 days (for 1” meter): $41.26 (Water only in Fredericton)
Saint-John.ca (2023) & Fredericton.ca (2023)
The Average Natural Gas Rates in New Brunswick
How Does Natural Gas Work in New Brunswick?
The way natural gas works in New Brunswick is through the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board which regulates the natural gas industry within the province. This responsibility includes approval of applications for rates and tariffs, pipeline construction, special franchises, and gas marketer’s certificates.
In New Brunswick, natural gas is provided in an unbundled market, which separates the pipeline distribution company from the suppliers of natural gas.
The Board’s key role in this sector is related to Liberty Utilities (Gas New Brunswick) LP (Formerly Enbridge Gas New Brunswick), the holder of the franchise for the distribution of gas in the province.
There are five marketers licensed to sell gas to customers in the province, but only these three are working actively:
- Liberty Utilities
- Park Fuels Inc
- Irving Energy Services
Consumers purchase gas from the source that best suits their needs. Only Liberty Utilities has the sole right to distribute the gas in the province; the ability to sell gas is a competitive market.
You must pay the following to charges to crank up your heating using natural gas:
- Supply charges (Commodity): Comes from the retailer and accounts for natural gas you use each month. This is the cost of the natural gas you use each month. The price for natural gas depends on weather and market conditions and is not regulated by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board.
- Delivery charges: Comes from the utility and covers transportation and delivery costs. It includes a fixed charge each month that covers the cost of your service line, natural gas meter, customer account administration, and 24-hour emergency service. Also, the cost to distribute natural gas through the Liberty Utilities pipeline system to your property line.
What Are the Factors Affecting the Cost of Natural Gas?
Natural gas is traded in a competitive market where the sellers put gas on sale and the buyers (gas utility companies) bid for purchase. The price of the commodity itself varies throughout the year depending on weather and market conditions. Typically, the commodity charge is a pass-through, meaning the utility does not add any additional mark-up.
Here are a few other factors that affect the cost of natural gas in New Brunswick:
- Transmission and distribution service area
- Municipality
- Season (winter or summer)
- Delivery charge
- Usage
- Plan (Fixed or quarterly rate service)
- Equipment, size of space etc.
What Are the Average Monthly Natural Gas Rates in New Brunswick?
The price of getting natural gas delivered to your home via Liberty’s distribution network comprises elements like customer fee, demand charge, and other kinds of rate blocks. Which rate class you fall under determines your charges. As of October 1, 2023, the pricing structure listed below and all related fees and charges are in force.
Based on their monthly usage patterns over the previous 12 months, customers are assigned to one of the six rate classes that are subject to regulation.
The proposed and existing distribution rates/fees, as well as the projected average Liberty Utility Gas prices of $10.65/GJ in 2023 and $11.60/GJ in 2022.
| Customer Charge
($ / month) |
$21.50 |
| Delivery Rates
($ / GJ) |
$10.85 |
| Natural Gas
(GJ) |
Cost
/month @$10.85/GJ |
| 7 GJ | $173 |
| 10 GJ | $237 |
| 15 GJ | $347 |
According to Liberty Utilities, an average household in New Brunswick uses 70 GJ annually, costing $1,561. So, the average cost of natural gas is around $130 /month.
Liberty1(Feb 2024), Liberty2 (Feb 2024) & Natural Gas NB (Feb 2024)
The Average Internet Prices in New Brunswick
How Does the Internet Work in New Brunswick?
The way the internet works in New Brunswick is similar to the rest of the Canadian provinces. Depending on your location, you can get internet services through the following mediums:
- DSL (5-45 Mbps)
- Cable (20-200 Mbps)
- Fiber-optic (50-1000 Mbps)
- Satellite (5-25 Mbps)
Several local ISPs are working in the province to make high-speed internet accessible to everyone. The situation is not the same for rural New Brunswick. Cable/Fiber/DSL internet is rarely available in remote areas, and even if it is, it’s either laggy or doesn’t work most of the time.
Satellite internet is a suitable alternative, but it is heavy on the wallet and does not offer unlimited bandwidth with most of its packages.
In 2020, the government realized that the Canadians living in rural areas need reliable broadband internet service. The government announced that seventy-three thousand rural New Brunswick households would have access to high-speed Internet service thanks to an agreement with Xplornet (XCI) to undertake upgrades to the province’s rural broadband.
As for the urban area, popular names like VMedia are offering high-speed internet over different mediums.
All ISPs charge you based on the type of connection, download/upload speeds, and bandwidth. You can use the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map by the Government of Canada to see which ISPs operate in your area.
What Are the Factors Affecting the Cost of the Internet?
- Speed and bandwidth
- Rural or urban
- Type of Internet connection (DSL, cable, fiber-optic, or satellite)
- ISP
- Add-ons
What Is the Average Cost of Internet Bills per Month in New Brunswick?
According to the CRTC, Canada’s administrative tribunal regulating broadcasting and telecommunications, the average person in New Brunswick pays $70 per month for a 50/10 Mbps service with unlimited monthly data transfer. Here are the average Internet costs in New Brunswick based on the type of connection and speed.
| Type of Internet | Mbps | Average Cost |
| DSL | 7Mbps/640Kbps | $42.95 |
| Cable | 75Mbps/30 Mbps | $39.99/month |
| Fiber-optic | 7Mbps/1Mbps | 42.95/month |
| Satellite | 10 Mbps | $39.99/Month |
VMedia (Feb 2024) & Carrytel.ca (Feb 2024)
The Average Cost of Cable TV in New Brunswick
How Does Cable Work in New Brunswick?
A basic television package usually offers between 20 and 35 channels, depending on the location and service provider. It includes local and regional television stations, mandatory distribution channels (e.g., Weather Network, APTN), community and provincial legislature channels (where available), and provincial/territorial educational channels.
These benefits are the reason many people still own cable TV. But the figures suggest that people are quickly adopting modern alternatives like IPTV and other streaming services. According to Insider Intelligence, less than 50% of households will subscribe to pay TV in 2022 in Canada. Cord-cutting is an underlying reason for digital video’s displacement of TV.
Nonetheless, your local weather updates, sports games, and regional news are only covered by the local TV channels available on cable TV. Cable TV runs even if you don’t have access to an internet connection, and have exclusive channels such as local sports channels that internet streaming services do not.
IPTV and streaming services make use of your home Internet bandwidth, which means that usage is going against your data cap. If you have a limited internet package, cable TV is your best bet.
Many local cable TV operators are operating in New Brunswick, offering various packages, prices, and features. Typically, you are charged based on how many basic and exclusive channels you opt for.
What Are the Factors Affecting the Cost of Cable?
Legacy cable TV heavily depends on the physical hardware and infrastructure for uninterrupted services. Both can affect the cost of cable. Here are a few other factors that determine how much you’re going to pay for your favorite channels:
- Area of service
- External factors (local competition, downturn in the cable market, etc.)
- Local or state taxation and fee laws
- Costs of shows and broadcasts
- Cable prices
- Number of channels
- Type of channels (sports, international, local, news, entertainment, etc.)
- HD Channels
- VOD (Video on Demand) availability
What Is the Average Cost of Cable TV per Month in New Brunswick?
Here are the average cable costs in New Brunswick based on their type of plan.
| Cable TV Company Name | Plan and Basic Channels | Rates |
| Xfinity | Xfinity TV Packages | $20.00/month |
| Direct TV | ENTERTAINMENT™ All Included | $69.99/month |
| Spectrum TV Packages | Watch 150+ channels with Spectrum add-on packs | $64.99/month |
The Average Cost of Home Phones in New Brunswick
How Do Home Phones Work in New Brunswick?
The way home phones work in New Brunswick is that you need to set up an account with a local telephone company to enjoy the benefits of landline phones.
The residents of New Brunswick haven’t yet moved to cellular communication like the other provinces. According to CRTC, Households in New Brunswick were the most reliant upon landlines – 83.4% had landlines, and just 11.2% had mobile service only.
Landlines offer reliable communication, and they are a part of our tradition. For the elderly, it’s a connection to their past. Landlines are often easier to use and offer a crystal-clear voice quality, unlike the jittery connection in mobile/cellular communication.
Some hearing aids, heart monitors, and home security systems also work directly with your phone line. 911 knows your exact location in case of an emergency, including which floor and apartment you’re residing in. This is because your landline is tied to that specific address, and all local authorities have that same address with them.
There is no Internet connection required to use a landline, and it even continues to work flawlessly in a power outage.
Telephone companies charge you based on the number of countries included in the plan and added features.
Here are a few features you should look for in a home phone plan:
- Caller ID with name
- Remote voicemail access
- Call waiting with caller
- Caller ID block
- Voicemail
- Long-distance calling
- Smart Ring
What Are the Factors Affecting the Cost of Home Phones?
Home phones are still in the game, as they offer perks that a digital phone or VoIP cannot match. The added features decide how much the service provider is going to charge you. Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of home phones:
- Number of countries included in the plan
- Added taxes or fees
- Added features like (Long-distance calling, 3-way calling, caller ID block, online account management, etc.)
- Voicemail
- Call waiting
What Is the Average Cost of Home Phones per Month in New Brunswick?
Here are the average home phone costs in New Brunswick based on their type of plan.
| Company Name | Plan and Inclusions | Rates |
| Primus.ca | Home Phone Plan – Unlimited local calling with 9 calling features included | Starting at $20.00/mo.* |
| Rogers | Ignite Home Phone Plan
Unlimited local calling plus 7 popular features |
$10/mon.
Unlimited Canada-Wide Long Distance $5.00/month International Plus Long Distance $10.00/month |
| Shaw.ca | Basic Home Plan
Free Shaw to Shaw Long Distance20 Call Display Call Forward Call Return 3-Way Calling |
$40.00/mo.
|
*** Phone activation, connection fees and other one time charges are not included in the rates above.
Shaw.ca (Feb 2024), Primus.ca (Feb 2024) & Rogers (Feb 2024)
The Average Utility Bill in Fredericton
Average Monthly Utility Bill Cost in Fredericton
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost |
| Electricity
1000 kWh @12.15¢/kWh + Urban Service Charges |
$146 |
| Water
10 m3 |
$61 |
| Gas | $130 |
| Internet
50/10 Mbps service with unlimited monthly data transfer |
$65 |
| Cable | $52 |
| Home Phone | $23 |
| Total average utility bill in Fredericton
Gas not included |
$347.00 |
Fredericton.ca (2023), Shaw.ca (Feb 2024), Primus.ca (Feb 2024) & Rogers (Feb 2024)
The Average Cost of Utilities Across Canada
| Province | Electricity | Water | Gas | Internet | Cable | Home Phone | Total Monthly Cost |
| Quebec | $199.74 | Included in hydro | $61.66 | $69 | $30.24 | $24.98 | $323.96 (gas not included) |
| Ontario | $102.09 | $90.40 | $328.93 | $64.00 | $49.00 | $34.00 | $339.49 (gas not included) |
| Alberta | $106 | $78 | $39.41 | $74 | $35 | $40 | $266.41 (electricity not included) |
| British Columbia | $187 | $244 | $86.48 | $75 | $23 | $43 | $572 (gas not included) |
| Manitoba | $113.00 | $66.40 | $98.00 | $67.00 | $89 | $47 | $382.40 (gas not included) |
| Saskatchewan | $210.15 | $97.06 | $123.94 | $69.00 | $70.00 | $21.54 | $467.75 (gas not included) |
| PEI | $147 | $105 | $363 | $72 | $35.95 | $23 | $382.95 (gas not included) |
| New Brunswick | $120 | $79 | $130 | $70 | $52 | $23 | $344 (gas not included) |
| Nova Scotia | $195 | $108 | $179 | $71 | $25 | $21 | $420 (gas not included) |
Conclusion
Utilities ensure that your household functions properly and remains comfortable, but the cost is recurring and variable. Knowing average household utility costs can help you reduce your usage and save tons of money at the end of the year.
Some remarkable things about living in New Brunswick are the low cost of living and its stunning natural beauty.
Are you moving to New Brunswick soon? Check out 7 things to know when moving to New Brunswick.
