Saint John Energy’s first Zero30 Product helps customers transition to green energy
Photo: Jeremy and Nick from the EV charger install team.
Utility launches all-in EV Charger Package
By Andrew Macdonald, October 20, 2023
As more and more New Brunswickers switch to electric vehicles, demand for EV charging stations in our homes and businesses is also on the rise.
Until now, for many consumers, this part of the transition to electric vehicles has been a hassle.
a one-stop-shop for electric vehicle charging at homes and businesses
Some felt overwhelmed by the wide range of charger options and piecing together the installation project themselves. Others were frustrated by long wait times for the equipment to arrive or needed clarification on the electrical requirements and permits required to get the job done. And some people have had trouble lining up an electrical contractor to do the work.
We were getting a lot of calls from customers who wanted help choosing, procuring and installing EV chargers. So we created a program that gives customers a one-stop-shop for electric vehicle charging at their homes and businesses.
All-in EV Charger
The new program covers everything from product selection and installation to ongoing maintenance, making it affordable and convenient for residential and business customers to get set up for easy EV charging.
It starts with getting the right charger. After reviewing the EV charger market, Saint John Energy is launching the program with two top models. The Grizzl-E Smart Charger can charge all non-Tesla electric vehicles and Teslas through an adapter. And the Tesla Wall Connector uses their North American Charging Standard (NACS), which most manufacturers have announced they are switching to in future models.
Along with the hardware, the package also includes securing any permits that may be required as well as any electrical upgrades and charger installation done by a licensed electrician.
Flexible payment plans let customers spread the costs on their Saint John Energy bills over up to five years. The package, which starts at $1774 plus tax, also includes processing any eligible rebates. Customers who qualify for the Plug-In NB Rebate Program can skip the paperwork and get their rebates instantly, applied directly to their purchase.
An optional maintenance program for just $4.99/month covers charger repair or replacement costs.
Every part of the program is designed to make EV charger installation as smooth, simple and seamless as possible. It’s all part of our role in helping customers adopt EVs and other products essential to our green-energy transition.
First Zero30 product
Saint John Energy’s all-in EV Charger Package is our first new Zero30 product. These appliances and technologies will help our customers switch from fossil fuels to electricity while making life and work easier and more comfortable.
Flexible payment plans let customers spread the costs on their Saint John Energy bills over up to five years.
Zero30 products are an essential element of Zero30, the roadmap we are creating to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reach net zero by 2030. Reaching net zero means GHG emissions from burning fossil fuels are balanced by equal GHG emission reductions or removals.
The ultimate goal of net zero? Limit global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as set out internationally in the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Zero30 products will help as many people and businesses as possible switch to electricity from fossil fuels.
Along with supporting the transition to net zero, Zero30 products must meet the highest quality and usability standards. For consumers who value energy efficiency, sustainability and quality, Zero30 products are a great fit.
Innovating with our customers
Zero30 is truly a community effort.
These appliances and technologies will help our customers switch from fossil fuels to electricity while making life and work easier and more comfortable.
At the utility level, it includes investments in green energy, such as the Burchill Wind Project, Saint John’s first utility-scale wind farm, which began producing emission-free power this spring, and utility-scale battery solutions, such as our Tesla Megapacks. We will continue to enhance our smart grid and explore emerging options such as AI-enhanced load forecasting, which would allow Saint John Energy to better predict and reduce demand.
But we can’t do it alone.
Our customers are essential to realizing our vision to be a national utility leader in transitioning to net zero. As we make our energy supply cleaner, Zero30 products empower them to do the same and be part of the solution.
Andrew Macdonald is Manager, Electrification for Saint John Energy.