For Hydro, working in remote diesel system communities provides unique opportunities to improve the efficiency of local homes and businesses. The Isolated Community Energy Efficiency Program (ICEEP) was launched in 2012 and today it continues to provide outreach, education, residential and commercial direct installations of energy efficient technologies, along with other energy efficiency and demand management opportunities.

Moving forward, the program will target locations and programs that may include the replacement of inefficient technologies, home heating programs, the direct install of lighting and commercial building energy analyses and upgrades. There will also be a focus on research and consultation activities to identify future opportunities and help create a customized energy reduction plan.

Program Impact

To date, the Isolated Communities Energy Efficiency Program as been offered in 41 remote diesel-system communities, installed over 175,000 energy efficient products in 875 business visits and over 8,683 home visits, and saved over 13 million kWh of electricity. The program has seen great results:

• Increased local knowledge on energy efficiency;
• Employment for 60 local residents; and
• Improved the energy efficiency of local homes and businesses.

2024 Results

A total of 177 customers (124 residential and 53 commercial) throughout 11 communities received an installation or audit in 2024.
• 78 customers received an energy savings kit, representing a total of 2,023 products installed, and 113.15 MWh of energy savings.
• 8 homes participated in the Thermostat Program, representing a total of 56 products installed, and 23.06 MWh of energy savings.
• Shifted Energy smart controllers, that convert a conventional electric water heater into a smart water heater, were installed in 17 homes, representing 8.18 MWh of energy savings.
• Heat pumps were installed in 20 homes, representing 162.44 MWh of energy savings.
• Though the Canada Greener Homes Program 1 home received support resulting in 19.50 MWh of energy savings.
• Commercial lighting upgrades were completed at 32 buildings across 4 communities in 2024. 4,818 products were installed, representing 340.80 MWh of energy savings.
• Commercial building upgrades were completed at 2 businesses in Nain. These upgrades represent 51.40 MWh of energy savings.
• 19 commercial businesses received ASHRAE level 1 energy audits, identifying buildings with energy savings opportunities.

Positive Feedback

• The thermostat initiative replaced older inefficient thermostats with programmable and smart units that yielded a total of 25.33 MWh of energy savings, while allowing the program team to foster positive relationships with customers in Southern Labrador and increasing awareness of ICEEP.
Quote: Representatives went above and beyond. The team was knowledgeable and patient and explained everything well. Really enjoyed the program – Marvin Normore, L’Anse au Loup, NL.

“Representatives went above and beyond. The team was knowledgeable and patient and explained everything well. Really enjoyed the program.” – Marvin Normore, L’Anse au Loup, NL.

• In 2024, 78 residents were provided energy efficiency kits to select communities, amounting to 2,023 products distributed and 113.15 MWh of energy savings.

“It’s a really good program in these isolated communities, sometimes you don’t have a choice what lightbulbs are available. All these products are great and its fantastic that its free. It would be so expensive to buy these in the store.” – Charlotte Wolfrey, Rigolet, NL.

• The commercial lighting component of ICEEP provided 4,818 free energy efficient lighting products that were installed in 4 communities and 32 buildings and amounted to 340.80 MWh of energy savings in 2024 alone. Lighting upgrades provide energy savings, improved visibility and safety and better working conditions.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro LED lights program that Labrador Straits Academy was a part of is an excellent program. The improvement that the lights made in the facility was noticeable. The program representative and the hydro workers were very easy to work with. They were polite and courteous, always willing to answer questions and work around the needs of the school in relation to the time they were available to change the lights.” – Colleen O’Brien, Labrador Straits Academy, NL

“Since the new lights were installed in the three MICG facilities we have not had an issue with lights being out or flickering at all. Working with yourself and Devon and company was a pleasure from my experience. Friendly and very responsive to any questions or concerns we may have had. We look forward to the savings into the future due to these changes that you have brought in to the lighting system here at MICG and are willing to do more assessments should the opportunity arise for our community.” – Barry Anderson, Makkovik, NL.