Saint John, N.B., launches simulated electricity grid to test energy projects

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on July 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

SAINT JOHN — A New Brunswick city’s power company says it’s launching a virtual clone of its electricity grid.

Saint John Energy says the digital twin will offer companies and researchers a simulated environment in which to run projects.

The publicly owned energy corporation says the replica grid will have near real-time data in a contained environment.

For example, a team of staff and student researchers at Concordia University will use the replica grid to model residential retrofits.

According to a background document, the Concordia team will identify which residential upgrades could reduce greenhouse gases.

Saint John Energy says the virtual grid, called Plug-In Labs, will help bring more clean energy sources online.

— By Eli Ridder in Fredericton

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.