As we head into the spring of 2026, the Saint John business landscape continues to evolve, driven by a strong push toward sustainability and infrastructure resilience. Enterprises and utilities alike are seizing the opportunity to invest heavily in long-term capital projects. At the forefront of this economic momentum is a major announcement that promises to reshape how our city is powered and keep local businesses competitive.

A Massive Boost for Local Infrastructure

In a significant leap toward a modernized and resilient energy future, Saint John Energy has officially launched the Grid Forward Saint John project. This $19.5 million initiative is designed to overhaul and modernize the city’s electricity system. The project is made possible through a collaborative funding effort, with nearly $10 million ($9.75 million) provided by Natural Resources Canada and an equal matching investment of $9.75 million from Saint John Energy.

What ‘Grid Forward’ Means for Saint John

According to Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO of Saint John Energy, the Grid Forward project will accelerate critical grid modernization. For local businesses and residents, a reliable power grid is essential for daily operations and economic growth. Key upgrades include:

• Underground Equipment Upgrades: Replacing and enhancing aging infrastructure to ensure long-term reliability.
• Advanced Outage Management: Implementing systems that allow for quicker response times during power interruptions.
• Self-Healing Grid Technology: Introducing smart technology capable of automatically detecting issues, isolating problems, and restoring service to customers faster than ever before.

The Honourable Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Kennebecasis, emphasized that this investment is about building a more affordable and resilient future for New Brunswick, making the city more competitive and efficient for local homes and businesses.

Driving Toward Net-Zero with Zero30

This infrastructure overhaul is a core component of Saint John Energy’s broader Zero30 roadmap, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions without compromising affordability. Alongside the Grid Forward announcement, the utility recently introduced “The Switch,” a new initiative offering expanded customer programs like heat pump rentals, smart water heaters, and EV charging support to help residents make cleaner energy choices at home and on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grid Forward Saint John project?

It is a $19.5 million modernization of Saint John’s electricity grid, aimed at upgrading equipment and introducing self-healing technology to reduce outages and improve overall reliability for the city.

Who is funding the project?

The project is co-funded by Saint John Energy and the Government of Canada (Natural Resources Canada), with each contributing $9.75 million to the initiative.

Will this project disrupt my electrical service?

Work will begin this year and continue over the next several years. Saint John Energy has stated that projects will be phased carefully to minimize any disruption for customers while supporting local jobs and contractors.