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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUBJECT >>> Town of Bridgewater Launches 'Bridgewise' a Home Energy Pilot to Address Energy Poverty
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia - February 26, 2025 - Energize Bridgewater is proud to announce the launch of Bridgewise, a home energy pilot program created to improve home efficiencies, promote environmental sustainability and tackle energy poverty. Part of the Energize Bridgewater program, this new technology provides Bridgewater residents with the tools and data they need to make smart energy choices.
By making energy consumption and air quality information easily accessible and actionable, Bridgewise helps households reduce their energy expenses and improve their living spaces.
Energy poverty -- the inability to afford adequate energy services -- is a pressing issue in Atlantic Canada. Outdated housing stock, harsh winters, and rising energy costs have left many households struggling to make ends meet. The region has some of the highest energy poverty rates in Canada, which significantly impact health, safety, and quality of life.
"Energize Bridgewater is dedicated to ensuring that no household is left behind," says Asad Hussain, Senior Energy Manager, Town of Bridgewater. "With innovative programs like Bridgewise, we're equipping residents with the tools to take control of their energy use, lower their costs, and contribute to the fight against energy poverty and climate change. Our mission is to ensure that every household has access to affordable, efficient energy solutions."
Bridgewise uses advanced technology to help residents optimize energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. The platform collects and transmits real-time data on home energy use and indoor air quality through a secure LoRaWAN network. Residents can access this data via a user-friendly dashboard, enabling them to:
- Identify ways to lower energy costs
- Improve comfort and safety
- Enhance indoor air quality
By making energy use visible and actionable, Bridgewise is a vital tool for households aiming to reduce their energy expenses and improve their living conditions.
Bridgewise is first being made available to current participants in the Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades program. Residents who complete the program will be notified if they are eligible to participate in Bridgewise.
More broadly, Energize Bridgewater is on a mission to:
- Reduce household energy spending by 52%
- Lower the community-wide energy poverty rate from 38% to 30% by 2026
- Create a pathway to lift all households out of energy poverty over time
To date, the program has made significant strides:
- Upgrades for over 180 dwelling units are underway or complete, achieving energy reductions of 22-39% for initial participants.
- Over $220,000 in utility arrears for households in need have been identified and support is being provided.
- The program is projected to stimulate over $10 million in economic activity by 2026, benefiting clean tech and trades sectors.
By retrofitting homes and promoting clean energy, Energize Bridgewater is reducing carbon emissions while ensuring an equitable transition to a sustainable future. This municipal-led initiative demonstrates the critical role local governments play in addressing gaps left by federal and provincial programs.
Energize Bridgewater serves as a model for communities across Canada, integrating social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development into a comprehensive approach. By sharing its lessons and successes, Bridgewater aims to inspire other municipalities to tackle energy poverty and climate challenges together.
In addition, the Town of Bridgewater was recently recognized nationally by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as one of nine Sustainable Communities in Canada as the winner of the Climate Change Mitigation category. Bridgewater was the sole recipient from the Atlantic region.
Residents and stakeholders interested in Bridgewise or other Energize Bridgewater initiatives are encouraged to visit energizebridgewater.ca or contact
About Energize Bridgewater
Energize Bridgewater is a multi-faceted program committed to addressing energy poverty, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering economic growth. By implementing innovative solutions and building strong partnerships, the program is transforming the way communities approach energy challenges. In 2019, the Town won the national Smart Cities Canada Challenge. The winning $5 million grant helped to create Energize Bridgewater.
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Media Contact:
Patrick Hirtle
Communications Manager
Town of Bridgewater
902-930-1382
