Bradley Hoy was thrilled to hear about New Brunswick’s Enhanced Energy Savings Program.

The owner of Reliable Heating Mechanical figured the program offering free mini-split heat pumps and upgraded insulation for households with an income under $70,000 would mean he has bookings for the next six months.

However, Hoy was stunned to learn the only company currently allowed to do the installations is Greenfoot Energy Solutions.

“When (customers) found out we couldn’t do it, we lost the jobs, and we had to refund deposits. I can tell you so far, it’s been three or four, and the news has just come out,” Hoy told Global News in an interview Friday.

According to N.B. Power, since 2019, there has been a contract with Greenfoot for energy efficiency upgrades.

They will remain the service provider of the new Enhanced Energy Savings Program, the statement reads.

When asked what would happen if the rollout of the program is not altered, Hoy said, “I’d hate to say to lay people off in the wintertime, but if we lose enough work, there’s a possibility.”

In an interview with Global News on Thursday, minister of natural resources and energy development Mike Holland said contractors outside of Greenfoot would be able to participate in the program, but he didn’t provide a timeline.

“The utility is going to be coming forward with a list of criteria for eligible contractors as to what they would need to be certified … to be able to perform this service, so the program won’t be just limited to one provider,” Holland said about the program.

However, the crown corporation says differently. Instead, contractors will have to contact Greenfoot to partake in the program.

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