Construction is getting underway this spring on a new solar-powered neighbourhood in northeast Moncton.
So-called North Branch will also be a test site for the federally funded smart grid project led by NB Power, NS Power and Siemens.
NB Power spokesperson Brent Staeben says interested home buyers are being sought and they must agree to be part of the smart energy research.
Moncton was chosen as the location mainly due to its red-hot real estate market.
Staeben notes how potential buyers have shown interest from both here and across the country.
Solaire Homes plans to build 100 homes which will have the latest technologies such as home energy management systems, rooftop solar panels and storage batteries.
The fully tech-outfitted homes are expected to range in price from $270,000 for a semi-detached to $400,000 for a single-family home with energy savings more than expected to cover any extra costs in construction materials and for the technologies.
The first homes could be ready by this fall.
The North Branch neighbourhood splits off from the northern section of Halls Creek and is accessible from McLaughlin Drive.