FREDERICTON – NB Power has signed an agreement to bring Smart Grid technology to the province’s energy system.

The utility inked a deal today with Siemens Canada, that it says will invest in technology and educate customers, and offer businesses and residents more control over their energy consumption.

As part of the agreement, Siemens will open what it’s calling a Smart Grid Centre of Competence, and another office, in Fredericton.

The deal will see Siemens design NB Power’s energy road map for the next ten years, creating about forty jobs.

Customers will be encouraged to use technology like programmable thermostats as a way to reduce power consumption.

Premier David Alward says the utility will be able to keep rates stable by reducing power use.