What's the process for getting an electrical permit through NB Power?

All electrical wiring permits in New Brunswick are issued by NB Power, regardless of which utility serves your area — this includes customers of NB Power, Saint John Energy, Edmundston Energy, and Perth-Andover Electrical Light Commission.

The process is straightforward but must be completed before any electrical work begins. Licensed electrical contractors are required to obtain a wiring permit for any installation exceeding 10 outlets or 5 kW of electrical load. Working without a permit will result in additional special inspection fees on top of the standard permit cost.

Getting Your Permit
Contact NB Power at 1-800-615-0522 or apply online at nbpower.com during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-4:30pm). You'll need to provide details about the scope of work, including the type of installation, electrical load calculations, and property information. The contractor typically handles this application process as part of their service.

For larger installations, plan review is mandatory before permits are issued. This applies to services exceeding 600 amperes at 120/240 volts, services over 400 amperes at 120/208V or 347/600V, and any installation above 600 volts. The plan review ensures the proposed electrical system meets National Building Code requirements and NB Power's connection standards.

After Installation
Once the electrical work is complete, the contractor contacts Technical Inspection Services (TIS) at 1-888-659-3222 to schedule the final inspection. This is a separate step from the permit — TIS handles all electrical inspections province-wide, while NB Power issues the permits. The electrical system cannot be energized until TIS provides final approval.

Timeline and Costs
Standard permits are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Plan review for larger installations can take 5-10 business days depending on complexity. Permit fees vary based on the scope of work, starting around $50 for basic residential installations and increasing for larger commercial or industrial projects.

Remember that only licensed electrical contractors can perform this work in New Brunswick — homeowners cannot do their own electrical installations unless they hold a valid electrician's licence issued by TIS. This ensures safety and code compliance while protecting your home insurance coverage.