Your voice matters: Help shape Saint John's clean energy future
The path to net zero includes you. Join the conversation today.
By Michelle Siscoe, May 16, 2025
The journey toward a net-zero future requires more than innovative technology and ambitious goals – it needs your voice and your insights.
As we progress with our Zero30 initiative at Saint John Energy, we're reaching a crucial phase where community input will directly shape our path forward.
The impact will be felt for decades to come as we build a cleaner, more resilient energy system for Saint John.
Since launching Zero30 two years ago, we've been working diligently with partners and leveraging lessons from around the globe to map out how Saint John Energy might achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, while helping our customers do the same if they choose.
We've made significant strides, from establishing the Burchill Wind farm that now supplies 15 percent of our clean energy needs to exploring exciting new options like solar power.
Solar on the horizon
Indeed, Saint John Energy took another important step in 2024 by issuing a request for expressions of interest from developers who could build, own, and operate a solar farm in our city.
Our customers have consistently expressed overwhelming support for renewable energy development in Saint John. This reinforces what we've always believed – that our community shares our vision for a sustainable future.
Why your input matters now
Zero30 forecasting shows that Saint John could need twice as much electricity by 2050. This presents both challenges and opportunities that will affect everyone in our community. How we prepare for this future – from grid enhancements to new energy sources to customer programs – should reflect what matters most to you.
The digital twin of our electrical grid that we've created while working with Sustainability Solutions Group and Deloitte allows us to simulate various scenarios. But the most important variable in these calculations is you – your priorities, concerns, and aspirations for Saint John's energy future.
Take our survey – shape our future
Today, I’m inviting you to take part in our Zero30 community survey. It covers your awareness of the Zero30 initiative, thoughts on financial incentives and energy efficiency programs, concerns about future electricity demand, the sustainable changes you’re considering for your home or business, and how Saint John Energy can best support you.
Your responses will help us:
design programs that address your most pressing energy concerns
develop customer offerings that make sustainable choices more accessible
prioritize investments that align with community values
create educational resources on topics that matter most to you.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, but its impact will be felt for decades to come as we build a cleaner, more resilient energy system for Saint John.
A community effort
Like any bold and aspirational goal, achieving net zero will require collaboration across our entire community. As we've consistently emphasized, this journey isn't just about Saint John Energy – it's about all of us working together to create a sustainable future.
Our Zero30 approach isn't a static plan on a shelf. It's a dynamic roadmap that evolves based on new technologies, changing circumstances, and – most importantly – your input. When you share your thoughts through the survey, you become an active participant in shaping Saint John's energy future.
Please take five minutes today to make sure your voice is part of this once-in-a-generation transition. You can find it here:
Together, we can create an energy system that meets tomorrow's needs while maintaining the reliability and affordability you expect from Saint John Energy.
The path to net zero begins with your voice. Join us in creating a cleaner energy future for Saint John, New Brunswick, and beyond.
Michelle Siscoe is Director of the Zero30 project for Saint John Energy.