EfficiencyOne files new five-year plan focused on affordability and long-term energy savings for Nova Scotians, delivering over $680 million in savings for Nova Scotians

EfficiencyOne files new five-year plan focused on affordability and long-term energy savings for Nova Scotians, delivering over $680 million in savings for Nova Scotians

For immediate release

April 1, 2026 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS – EfficiencyOne, the non-profit administrator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, has filed its new five-year Demand-Side Management (DSM) Plan with the Nova Scotia Energy Board for approval. The Plan would come into effect January 1, 2027.

The 2027–2031 DSM Plan is expected to generate more than $680 million in electricity bill savings for ratepayers, helping households and businesses use less energy and use it more efficiently, and supporting Nova Scotia’s long-term energy and climate goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 380 kt.

At a time when affordability is top of mind for Nova Scotians, the Plan reflects current economic conditions. EfficiencyOne is proposing to hold DSM investment flat at the current 2026 level of $63.75 million annually, with no inflationary increases over the five-year period, resulting in a total planned investment of $318.75 million.

“Nova Scotians are navigating a challenging economic environment, and that reality has shaped our approach to this plan,” says Martha Casey, interim President and CEO of EfficiencyOne. “This is a responsible and responsive plan, one that recognizes the affordability pressures people are facing today, while continuing to deliver meaningful savings on energy bills both today and over the long term.”

“Energy efficiency plays a critical role in helping Nova Scotians manage costs and supporting the province’s long-term energy transition,” adds Casey. “This plan ensures we are responding to today’s realities while staying focused on the future.”

The 2027-2031 DSM Plan also builds on EfficiencyOne’s work in demand response, targeting 29.3 MW of available capacity from the electricity grid. Demand response programs support both residential and business customers to temporarily reduce or shift their electricity use during peak times to help balance the grid and avoid strain or outages.

Energy efficiency remains one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce electricity costs. The Plan is expected to deliver measurable benefits to customers. The 2027-2031 DSM Plan maintains a strong focus on accessibility and equity, with continued support for:

• $152 million to help residential customers with $55 million of this dedicated for low-income households, including renters improve home comfort and reduce energy costs
• $15 million to support Mi’kmaw communities reduce electricity costs while improving comfort and local economic benefits
• $113 million for businesses seeking to manage operating costs through energy savings

“We stay closely connected to our customers and partners to understand what matters most,” says Casey. “In today’s environment, that means ensuring affordability is front and centre, helping Nova Scotians keep more money in their pockets today.”

About EfficiencyOne

EfficiencyOne, operating in Nova Scotia as Efficiency Nova Scotia, has a proven track record of success in designing and delivering resource efficiency programs and services for homes, businesses, and large industrial customers. To date, EfficiencyOne is saving Nova Scotians $5.6 billion in energy savings, including $628 million for low-income homeowners and renters, and avoiding the release of 12.7 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more at efficiencyone.ca.

–30– For more information, contact:
Janet Tobin
Communications Manager
902-499-6494
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca