Doug Harper’s recently renovated home is a haven for his collection of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and frogs. Upon entering, visitors are warmly greeted by his two dogs and an African grey parrot named Rocky. In the basement, Harper has dedicated a room to house his beloved reptiles, some of which have been with him for up to 14 years.
Formerly the owner of Harper’s Exotic Animals and Pet Supply in St. Stephen, Harper had to relocate his operations to his home after the store closed in January 2024. The basement room is filled with tanks of various sizes, each equipped with heat lamps and humidifiers to meet the specific needs of the reptiles.
Harper and his wife are facing challenges with their escalating power bills, which have seen a $600 increase compared to the previous year. This financial strain has put the well-being of the reptiles at risk, as they require electric heat sources to survive due to their cold-blooded nature.
Despite having a backup generator for emergencies, Harper worries about the long-term sustainability if his power were to be shut off. He emphasizes the importance of providing quality care for his reptiles, likening their needs to those of traditional pets like dogs or cats.
The cost-saving measures taken by Harper include updates to his home such as new windows, doors, and roof to mitigate the impact of rising energy expenses. However, despite these efforts, his power bill has doubled over the past year, highlighting the financial strain caused by the continuous rate hikes.
Addressing the issue of high power bills, Adam Wilson, an electrical engineering professor at the University of New Brunswick, points out that heating is a major factor contributing to increased energy costs. Installing more efficient heating systems like heat pumps can help mitigate these expenses, especially during extreme temperature fluctuations.
N.B. Power, in response to concerns about escalating bills, explains that rate increases are necessary to maintain a safe and reliable energy infrastructure. Brent Lockhart, an accounts specialist with N.B. Power, highlights the correlation between colder temperatures and higher energy consumption, which directly impacts customers’ bills.
