Ushering in a Second Century of Service
The team and guests at the grand opening of the Burchill wind farm.
Reflecting on the year and looking to the exciting opportunities ahead
By Ryan Mitchell, June 22, 2023
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As Saint John Energy enters its second century of service, the journey ahead is full of promise and possibility.
The Burchill Wind Project, the first utility-scale wind farm in the city’s history, is delivering clean and renewable energy to our customers’ homes and businesses.
At the official opening earlier this month, it was heartening to see more than 200 people join us and Burchill’s owners, Natural Forces and Neqotkuk, in marking such a historic occasion for Saint John. Fittingly, it was a windy day.
We also recently launched Zero30, a dynamic roadmap that will plot out how we can reach net zero by 2030 – and how we can bring our customers along as well, if they wish.
Embraced a vision
Unlike any initiative we have undertaken since our founding in 1922, Zero30 will inevitably lead to more renewable energy and more innovation – innovation in energy efficiency, energy storage, decarbonization and more.
Zero30 will inevitably lead to more renewable energy and more innovation
For the last two years, Saint John Energy has embraced a vision to be a national utility leader in the transition to net zero. This is why we have set our sights on 2030 – five years ahead of a deadline for Canadian electrical utilities to reach carbon neutrality.
We are proud of the reputation we have forged as a nimble innovator – a track record that has allowed us to forge international partnerships and to build an advanced smart grid for our city,
Savings over $1.1M
It is a track record that has prompted thousands of customers to join us in our Shave the Peak campaign to curb the financial and environmental costs of peak energy demand. Thanks to them and to our internal efforts, our annual peak savings are more than $1.1 million.
Savings from our annual “Shave the Peak” campaign are more than $1.1 million.
I spoke of these at our Community Annual General Meeting today, where I was also very pleased to report that our focus on efficiency combined with growth in consumer products have resulted in our net income reaching more than $3.5 million in 2022.
I’m most pleased because this is evidence that our strategy for growth and sustainability for our utility and the city we serve is working.
Cornerstone of our reputation
This is critical because this is what allows us to maintain stable rates – rates that are already among the lowest in Atlantic Canada. It is critical to a strong, well-maintained grid, the cornerstone of our reputation as being one of the nation’s most reliable electrical utilities.
Our rental programs allow our customers to take part in the clean energy transition in a way that is more affordable and convenient. And there will be more to come.
What is also important is our strong focus on the customer. Our heat pump and water heater rental programs are popular because they meet a need – they allow our customers to enjoy the advantages of energy efficient appliances but without the upfront cost. And they offer peace-of-mind maintenance service.
They allow our customers to take part in the clean energy transition in a way that is more affordable and convenient. And there will be more to come.
At Saint John Energy, sustainability isn’t just about our grid, or the environment, or a strong financial future. It’s also about the sustainability of the community we serve.
Talent and ingenuity
That’s why Saint John Energy and its employees gave about $150,000 to more than 40 charities in the city last year. Because we know that the good work of the United Way and other causes we support strengthens the fabric of our city and builds a better future for our fellow citizens. That’s why our employees volunteer at shelters, at schools and at non-profit organizations of all kinds.
The talent and dedication of our employees drive our successes. They are the ones who live our customer-first culture.
The strength of Saint John Energy lies in its people. The talent and dedication of our employees drive our successes. They are the ones who live our customer-first culture, who are out in all kinds of weather to restore power, and whose ingenuity earns us recognition across the nation and around the world.
I am grateful to them for all that they do. But I am equally grateful for our customers and humbled by the ongoing community support of what we do.
Ryan Mitchell is President & CEO of Saint John Energy.