Connect with us

Technology

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

Published

on

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

Follow us on LinkedIn

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

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

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

Technology

KTGHR leverages AI-powered real-time transaction capabilities to expand its e-commerce infrastructure, reshaping the engine of enterprise growth.

Published

on

By

DALLAS, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Against the backdrop of artificial intelligence continuously reshaping the global business landscape, KTGHR officially launched its new B2B AI-powered intelligent solution for enterprises, dedicated to helping them achieve comprehensive upgrades in cost reduction and efficiency improvement, precise customer acquisition, and intelligent operations.

KTGHR Launches New B2B AI Solution, Reshaping the Engine of Enterprise Growth

As an innovative platform focused on the deep integration of AI technology and business scenarios, KTGHR’s newly released system integrates core functions such as intelligent data analysis, AI-automated marketing, customer behavior prediction, and intelligent customer service. This enables enterprises to make rapid decisions in a complex and ever-changing market environment, achieving sustained business growth.

AI-Driven Precise Customer Acquisition, Comprehensively Improving Conversion Efficiency KTGHR uses advanced algorithm models to conduct in-depth analysis of global market data, helping enterprises accurately target potential customer groups. The system can automatically generate high-conversion marketing content and intelligently distribute it through multiple channels, significantly improving customer reach and conversion rates, enabling enterprises to truly achieve “automated customer acquisition.”

Intelligent Operation System, Relieving Pressure on Human Resource Costs With AI-automated processes, KTGHR can intelligently handle order management, customer follow-up, and data statistics, reducing manual intervention and improving overall operational efficiency. Enterprises can complete global business layouts without a large team.

Integrated B2B Ecosystem, Connecting the Global Supply Chain KTGHR is not just an AI tool platform, but a complete B2B ecosystem. By integrating supply chain resources and intelligent matching mechanisms, it achieves efficient connections between supply and demand, helping companies rapidly expand into international markets and build a borderless business network.

Technology Empowering the Future, Driving Enterprise Digital Transformation KTGHR states that it will continue to increase investment in artificial intelligence, promoting the implementation of more innovative functions to help companies seize opportunities in the digital economy era. With the continuous maturation of AI technology, the B2B industry is ushering in unprecedented development opportunities.

The launch of KTGHR is not only a technological upgrade but also a revolution in business models. For companies seeking breakthroughs and growth, this may be a key step towards the next stage of success.

KTGHR leverages advanced AI algorithms and big data analytics capabilities to achieve a leap from “information matching” to “intelligent decision-making.” The platform can automatically match supply and demand, accurately recommending high-potential partners, significantly reducing the time and cost for companies to find customers and supply chain resources.

By intelligently analyzing market trends and user behavior, KTGHR helps businesses anticipate opportunities, making every transaction more efficient and precise.

End-to-End Intelligent Management, Creating a Seamless Business Ecosystem

KTGHR is not just a transaction platform, but a complete AI business ecosystem. Its core functions include:

AI-powered Intelligent Customer Matching and RecommendationReal-time Data Analysis and Business ForecastingAutomated Order and Supply Chain ManagementSeamless Global Market Connection

Whether you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a large multinational corporation, you can achieve digital transformation and global expansion through KTGHR.

Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement, Unleashing Business Growth Potential In the traditional B2B model, high communication costs, information asymmetry, and low conversion rates have long been problems. KTGHR, through AI-automated processes, significantly reduces human intervention, helping businesses: Reduce operating costs Increase conversion rates Shorten transaction cycles Enhance customer experience Allow businesses to truly focus on core business and strategic growth.

Seize the AI Business Opportunities and Win the Future As artificial intelligence technology matures, the B2B industry is entering a new era of “intelligent-driven” growth. KTGHR stands at the forefront of this transformation, providing businesses with a sustainable competitive advantage. Choosing KTGHR is not just choosing a platform, but choosing a high-speed gateway to the future of business. For more information, please visit the official KTGHR platform and begin your AI-powered business journey.

Media Contact

William, Ktghr.com, 1 +14255550100 99762, service@ktghr.it.com, Ktghr.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ktghr-leverages-ai-powered-real-time-transaction-capabilities-to-expand-its-e-commerce-infrastructure-reshaping-the-engine-of-enterprise-growth-302745582.html

SOURCE Ktghr.com

Continue Reading

Technology

Link Infinite: Hollyland Pyro Ultra Simplifies Multi-User Monitoring with 4K60 Wireless

Published

on

By

SHENZHEN, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hollyland, a global provider of professional wireless audio and video solutions, today announced the launch of Pyro Ultra, the new flagship in its Pyro series, featuring next-gen wireless video transmission technology that enables streamlined setup and uncompromised real-time performance. Engineered for professional creators and high-end production environments, Pyro Ultra balances high-performance transmission with practical on-set usability.

Building on Hollyland’s self-developed TWiFi technology, Pyro Ultra delivers one-to-many transmission, native 4K60 support, and a dedicated ultra-low-latency mode for focus pulling. Fully integrated into the Pyro ecosystem and equipped with DFS-ready operation, it is built to meet the demands of modern digital cinema workflows.

The New Standard for One-to-Many On-Set Transmission

In today’s production landscape, the video village is no longer confined to a single monitor. Directors, assistants, clients, and multiple departments require simultaneous, high-fidelity access to the live image across different positions on set.

While existing systems often force a choice between costly, over-engineered solutions and entry-level gear that struggles in demanding environments, Pyro Ultra offers a third approach. As one-to-many transmission becomes increasingly common across productions, it can introduce practical limits on device count and system stability in larger setups. Pyro Ultra’s Broadcast Mode addresses the issue by enabling a single transmitter to connect with an unlimited number of receivers, creating a fluid workflow. Every department, from lighting to hair and makeup, can monitor independently, which helps eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate decision-making.

Cinematic 4K60 Clarity Without Compromise

Image integrity is central to Pyro Ultra. With support for 4K60 transmission, the system delivers the detail and color accuracy required for high-end videography work. It also supports fractional frame rates, including 23.98 and 59.94 fps, commonly used in broadcast and professional pipelines. Its native compatibility enables direct connection to switchers and monitors without external converters, simplifying the signal path and reducing potential points of failure.

20ms Latency for Precise Focus Pulling

For first assistant camera operators and focus pullers, every millisecond counts. Pyro Ultra’s dedicated Focus Mode cuts latency to just 20ms, ensuring the real-time responsiveness needed for razor-sharp adjustments at any distance. The technical edge provides the freedom to navigate tight spaces or complex choreography with absolute confidence.

Powered by TWiFi Technology

At the core of Pyro Ultra is Hollyland’s TWiFi (dual-band wireless) technology. It leverages intelligent frequency management across the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to enable automatic hopping, ensuring a stable, high-bitrate connection even in congested RF environments. Pyro Ultra’s robust link supports a 1.5 km (4,900 ft) range and is fully DFS-ready, providing professional crews with reliable, globally compliant operation

Engineered for Modern Workflows & Seamless Integration

Pyro Ultra is built for today’s hybrid production workflows. With UVC (USB Video Class) support, it can connect directly to a computer for instant webcam functionality, removing the need for a capture card. Its RTMP support enables direct streaming to web platforms, simplifying remote collaboration. As part of the Pyro ecosystem, Ultra integrates seamlessly with existing Pyro devices. The modular design allows production teams to scale their setups based on project requirements, ensuring consistent performance across different production scenarios.

Pricing and Availability

Launched on April 18, 2026, Hollyland’s Pyro Ultra is now available through local distributors, the official Hollyland online store, and the Hollyland Amazon store.

The 1TX/1RX kit is priced at $1,199, and the 1TX/2RX kit at $1,699. Individual units can also be purchased separately, with transmitters starting at $699 and receivers at $579.

For more information, visit https://www.hollyland.com/product/pyro-ultra

About Hollyland

Hollyland is a leading provider of wireless products, specializing in wireless intercom systems, video transmission systems, monitors, wireless microphones, and live streaming cameras. Since 2013, Hollyland has been serving millions of users around the world in various sectors, including filmmaking, telecasting, video production, live events, exhibitions, theaters, houses of worship, and individual content creators. It has built a sales network covering approximately 150 countries and regions with support from dozens of localized operation offices worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.hollyland.com/, Hollyland Facebook, and Hollyland Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/link-infinite-hollyland-pyro-ultra-simplifies-multi-user-monitoring-with-4k60-wireless-302742508.html

SOURCE Hollyland

Continue Reading

Trending