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New Investments to Help New Brunswickers Reduce Energy Costs and Stay Warm

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FREDERICTON, NB, Feb. 28, 2025 /CNW/ – New Brunswick homeowners need efficient heating and cooling systems to live comfortably and affordably. Choosing to heat a home with a heat pump instead of oil can help a household save thousands of dollars on heating bills every year while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada has been helping Canadian homeowners take advantage of these benefits through the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program, which significantly offsets the cost of switching to a heat pump.

Today, Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that NB Power will partner with the federal government to co-deliver the OHPA program in the province, making the shift to heat pumps even more affordable for New Brunswickers. Natural Resources Canada is investing $99.5 million in federal funding, and Environment and Climate Change Canada is also investing $23.8 million through the Low Carbon Economy Fund. MP Atwin was joined by René Legacy, New Brunswick Minister responsible for Energy and Lori Clark, President, CEO and Chief Nuclear Officer of NB Power.

Under the program, low- to median-income households in New Brunswick that heat their home with oil can apply through the NB Power website to receive coordinated grants from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick that fully cover the cost of the average oil to heat pump conversion.

With this announcement, New Brunswick becomes the fourth Atlantic province to sign on for OHPA co-delivery, working with the Government of Canada to deliver seamless program applications and additional heat pump funding to their residents. Eligible applicants in these jurisdictions are also provided with an upfront, one-time Canada Heat Pump Bonus cheque of $250 from the Government of Canada. With today’s announcement, all Atlantic Canadians will now have access to this funding.

To complement this energy affordability announcement for Atlantic Canadians, the Government of Canada also announced today an investment of over $5.5 million toward public charging infrastructure that provides owners and drivers of electric vehicles with an affordable, convenient and quick way to fuel their cars. This funding will help install up to 42 chargers across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Canadian governments are working together to reduce energy usage and bills, help residents maintain safe and comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce pollution from energy — all while creating well-paying jobs to satisfy the demand that is being created for home energy installations and retrofits. New Brunswickers stand to benefit greatly from this new round of federal-provincial collaboration.

Quotes

“Making the switch to more energy-efficient homes and vehicles can help Canadians save money, reduce their energy use and decrease their carbon footprint. That’s why we are strengthening the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program in New Brunswick and ensuring that families are supported in making the switch from heating oil to energy-efficient heat pumps. Along with further investments in EV charging in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, today this federal government is continuing to deliver on its promise of personal affordability for Atlantic Canadians.” 

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Heat pumps are one of the cheapest solutions for home heating. Our government has been working to make heat pumps more accessible across the country through initiatives like the Low Carbon Economy Fund, helping keep up our historic progress: reducing emissions to their lowest level in 27 years while maintaining a growing economy. Thanks to this new agreement, low-income households in New Brunswick will now have access to affordable heating systems that keep them warm, reduce energy consumption in the winter and save them hundreds of dollars each year — all while continuing the fight against climate change!”

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault 
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“We know New Brunswickers are struggling with high energy bills and we are committed to making life more affordable. A significant number of homes in our province, as well as throughout all the Atlantic provinces, still heat with oil. Switching to heat pumps can help New Brunswickers heat and cool their homes more efficiently, and more affordably, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Honourable René Legacy
Minister of Finance and Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Energy

“This is about helping our customers. Our customers have told us they’re looking to us for supports to help them manage their energy use. Thanks to today’s announcement of increased investment and strengthened partnerships with both the federal and provincial governments, we’re going to be able to help more New Brunswickers reduce their energy use and heat their homes more efficiently, faster.” 

Lori Clark
President, CEO and Chief Nuclear Officer, NB Power

“Affordability is top of mind for Canadians right now, and making the switch from expensive oil heating to a heat pump can help save thousands of dollars on energy bills, while keeping homes at a comfortable indoor temperature. This funding will help New Brunswickers make the move to heat pumps so they can save their hard-earned dollars while protecting the environment.”

Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton

Quick facts

The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program was first introduced in November 2022 as a $250 million investment in a new stream of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. Pre-registration opened in February 2023 and grants began to flow only a few months later.The federal government announced working with provinces and territories on co-delivery agreements in October 2023, which included:Increasing the amount that can be claimed by eligible homeowners through OHPA for installing a heat pump to $15,000, in addition to the $5,000 plus supplementary provincial and territorial contributions via co-delivery arrangements.Providing an upfront payment of $250 for eligible applicants through the Canada Heat Pump Bonus.The Low Carbon Economy Fund supports provincial and territorial initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including New Brunswick’s Enhanced Energy Savings program. Through this program, low-income households in New Brunswick can access incentives to switch from oil to heat pumps and reduce their winter energy consumption.Heat pumps are one of the best ways for homeowners to save money on energy bills and fight climate change. They are also two to three times more efficient than other electric home heating sources. This results in greater savings for homeowners and reduced energy intake for utilities and grids.On average, a household participating in the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program saves $1,337 on its annual energy costs and reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 2.78 tonnes.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has allocated over $1.2 billion to support the deployment of more charging stations across the country through the Zero Emissions Vehicles Program. There are over 32,000 public electric vehicle (EV) chargers at more than 12,000 locations in Canada.

Related Information

Save Energy NBBackgrounder – The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability ProgramOil to Heat Pump Affordability programLow Carbon Economy Fund – Canada.caCanada Greener Homes InitiativeCanada Greener Homes Affordability ProgramCanada Green Buildings StrategyElectric Heat PumpsZero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure ProgramSmart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program Canada Greener Homes Initiative: Key Highlights

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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SOURCE Vipboss

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Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

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Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

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WOMEN in the Spotlight! The 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala Held

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YIWU, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. In the bright and warm days of April, with spring in full bloom, the grand ballroom on the third floor of the Yiwu Marriott Hotel was a vibrant gathering. Outstanding female entrepreneurs from various sections of the Yiwu Market gathered in their elegant attire to share the glorious moment of the 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala. The selection campaign, launched on March 8, attracted thousands of female entrepreneurs from the Yiwu Market. Voting was conducted across the Yiwugo app, official WeChat accounts, and the website. The evaluation criteria continued to cover multiple dimensions, including Business Excellence and Image Excellence, aiming to fully showcase the achievements of Yiwugo’s female entrepreneurs and their enterprises in areas such as digital transformation, overseas market expansion, and global supply chain integration.

Ultimately, the title of 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies was awarded to: Fu Jiangyan (Zhangweichao Socks Firm), Xu Xiaohui (Little Bee Towels), Peng Jirong (Dongyang Jirong Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd), Li Chuanzhi (Chengfa Tableware Firm), Wang Xiaohong (Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory), Bao Qiaoli (Bole Plush Pendant Toy), Li Hong (Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm), Wu Yajun (Ziyi Stationery Firm), Wang Chunxing (Butterfly Fly Lace Firm), and Zheng Huili (Yiwu Lihong household products Co., Ltd).

In addition, twenty other entrepreneurs, including He Wenjuan (Zhihua Jewelry Box), Jin Chengfeng (Lanmo Textile Co., Ltd), Cui Yanping (Xin Tai Yang Shower Curtain And Towel Factory), and Zhang Huoqing (Happy Sisters Plush Toy), received the Top Boss Ladies Nomination award.

“Women hold up half the sky” – nowhere is this more evident than in the Yiwu Market. To showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and “she-power” of female business owners in the market, Yiwugo launched the Top Boss Ladies Awards in 2016. To date, this campaign has been held for 11 consecutive years, becoming one of the benchmark activities in the Yiwu Market.

Over the years, driven by this campaign, participating female entrepreneurs have become increasingly active, with nearly 700 Top Boss Ladies recognized. They have not only steadfastly managed their shops but have also leveraged their unique empathy and customer insight as female entrepreneurs to drive comprehensive brand upgrades, from product innovation to communication methods, breathing new life into traditional brands in the new era.

Amid the surging digital wave, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed and scale. This year’s Top Boss Ladies winners and nominees have bravely stepped into the spotlight, keeping pace with the times, actively embracing evolving business models and technological change. By replacing experience with data, using digital platforms to break geographical boundaries, and leveraging digital intelligence to break through development bottlenecks, they are driving a transition from OEM exports to global branding.

Fu Jiangyan of Zhangweichao Socks Firm is a typical example. Having shifted from initially waiting for customers to now skillfully using AI tools and mastering live streaming and short videos, she has used the platform as a lever to swiftly move her traditional foreign trade enterprise into a new stage of digital-intelligent trade, applying new technologies and business models to enhance enterprise development.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Yiwu Development Experience. Over the past two decades, the Yiwu Market has completed its iterative upgrade from market stalls to a global digital trade center. Generations of business owners have transformed from street stall vendors into modern commercial entities, achieving a deep integration of personal growth with the market’s development. Yiwugo, always in sync with the rhythm of the Yiwu Market, will continue to focus on its female entrepreneurs, constantly uncovering their vivid and dynamic stories of striving, thoughtfully documenting the journeys of these resilient women who shine in their own quiet ways, and witnessing, supporting, and accompanying their growth and success.

As a local e-commerce platform rooted in and serving the market, Yiwugo will continue to gain deeper insights into user needs, strengthen its technological capabilities, explore cutting-edge applications, and accelerate product iteration. Amid a volatile external environment, it will connect market entrepreneurs with more global resources, helping them expand into broader international markets.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/women-in-the-spotlight-the-2026-yiwugo-top-boss-ladies-awards-gala-held-302745799.html

SOURCE Yiwugo.com

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