PNS release: Free Heat Pumps for Low-Income Households, More Support for Others

Natural Resources and Renewables

December 13, 2022 – 11:04 AM

Low-income Nova Scotians will get free heat pumps and other home upgrades thanks to a $140-million provincial investment in energy efficiency programs over four years.

The funding will help all Nova Scotians move away from oil heat faster, with extra support for low- and middle-income households.

“We know too many Nova Scotians are struggling to pay their oil bills and need more help to install heat pumps and make other energy efficiency upgrades,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “With this provincial investment and millions more that it will leverage from our federal partners, we’re helping Nova Scotians save money and be a part of the solution to fight climate change.”

When combined with federal contributions, the funding will help about 13,500 low-income households and about 30,000 middle-income households. The funding will start rolling out in the new year to improve and expand Efficiency Nova Scotia programs, with extra support for people who need help the most.

Low-income households can apply now to the HomeWarming program for free heat pumps and any electrical panel upgrades needed to install them. People who have already received energy efficiency upgrades through this program can apply again for this new support.

All Nova Scotians can continue getting help with a variety of energy efficiency upgrades through the Home Energy Assessment program. It is the first step to accessing rebates or loans through the federal Greener Homes program. With the new funding, there will be extra support for middle-income households to get rebates when they install energy efficient heating systems and other upgrades that reduce their reliance on oil.

The provincial funding will leverage more money from the federal investments announced this fall in the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. The total amount will be determined once agreements are finalized.

Quotes:

This additional funding will allow us to help even more Nova Scotians make important energy efficiency upgrades, like heat pumps, that will not only make their homes more comfortable, but will help keep money in their pockets at a time when it is needed most.Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO, EfficiencyOne, the non-profit operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia

The comfort we are feeling from the HomeWarming program has already made our lives so much better, we are excited to see what even more upgrades may offer us. We’d encourage every Nova Scotian to look into these programs.David and Aline Keddy, past HomeWarming participants, Dartmouth

Quick Facts:

• this investment helps meet a commitment in the government’s climate change plan for clean growth
• the Province is making this investment in the current fiscal year, and Efficiency Nova Scotia will roll out the program over the next four years
• while the focus is on moving away from heating oil, all other upgrades supported through Efficiency Nova Scotia programs will continue to be available
• half of Nova Scotia homes are still heated with oil, and the cost has increased significantly due to global inflation and the war in Ukraine
• the new funding will help create 1,500 jobs in small businesses and trades around the province

Additional Resources:

HomeWarming program: https://www.homewarming.ca/

Home Energy Assessment program: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/programs-services/home-energy-assessment/

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UARB approved EfficiencyOne DSM Plan to lower electricity bills by nearly $540 million  

For immediate release 
 

September 6, 2022 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS – Today the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) approved EfficiencyOne’s 2023-2025 Demand Side Management Plan. The Plan will help Nova Scotians lower their electricity bills by reducing their energy use, while helping the province meet its net-zero commitments. 

“This is an important day for Nova Scotians,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne. “Overall, the Plan will lower electricity bills by nearly $540 million for Nova Scotia’s families and businesses, support 5,300 jobs across the province, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes.” 

EfficiencyOne, the non-profit administrator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, put forward its 3-year energy reduction plan – or Demand Side Management Plan – to the UARB for approval in March 2022. The approved Plan, which was widely supported by regulatory stakeholders, will come into effect on January 1, 2023. 

The plan sets ambitious targets that will help even more Nova Scotians save money and further contributes to the province’s net-zero commitments. 
“Increased investments in energy efficiency help residents and businesses, empowering them to reduce their electricity use and save money at a time when it’s very much needed,” says MacDonald.  

The Plan will deliver more Efficiency Nova Scotia programs to more Nova Scotians, with $35 million to help low-income Nova Scotians, including renters, live more comfortably in their homes; $7 million to help Mi’kmaw communities reduce electricity costs and improve comfort while supporting local job creation; and $20 million to help small businesses on their path to recovery. 

“Getting to net-zero has a cost, but investment in energy efficiency is the lowest cost option to help green our province, and the only option that reduces customer bills”, adds MacDonald, “and today the UARB made it clear that this level of investment in energy efficiency is in the best interest of ratepayers,”. 

“Over the past ten years, Nova Scotians have told us that reducing electricity demand is the best way to lower energy costs and reduce the impact of climate change,” says MacDonald. “We are focused on continuing to deliver results, and ultimately helping even more Nova Scotians.” 

Read more about the 2023-2025 Demand Side Management Plan here: https://www.efficiencyone.ca/2023-2025-demand-side-management-plan/  

Rate Impact 

The Plan will see energy efficiency investments increase from the current level of around $40 million a year to $57 million a year. The higher investment is more than offset by the savings ratepayers receive and helps offset other rate pressures by reducing overall energy use. 

EfficiencyOne estimates that the Plan could increase electricity bills by approximately $2 a month, starting in 2023, but customers will save far more – on average $5 a month. 

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 has achieved more than $1 billion in energy savings and contributed 24% of Nova Scotia’s GHG emission reductions in the last 10 years. Learn more at efficiencyone.ca 

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For more information, contact: 

Janet Tobin 
Communication Lead 
902-499-6494 
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca 

Nova Scotia ranks in top 25 jurisdictions for energy efficiency savings in Canada and USA benchmarking report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2022 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS – Efficiency Canada’s recent report: Benchmarking Canadian province and American state energy efficiency program savings and spending, released June 6, 2022, has ranked Nova Scotia among the top 25 jurisdictions. This is the second year for the Report, which compares Canadian province and American state energy efficiency program savings and spending. 

Nova Scotia was one of only 2 Canadian provinces that ranked in the top 25 jurisdictions for incremental electricity savings, ranking 20^th. Nova Scotia also ranked 10^th for program spending and 17th for electricity savings targets.

“Energy efficiency plays a key role in helping Nova Scotia meet its net-zero commitments. It lowers electricity bills at a critical time and supports local jobs and businesses,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne. “Nova Scotians have embraced energy efficiency and are ready to do even more.”

The Report benchmarks data from the 2021 American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s State Scorecard and the 2021 Canadian Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard which notes Nova Scotia’s strong energy savings performance and high per capita spending on Indigenous programs (highest in Canada) and low-income programs (second highest in Canada).

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.

In March 2022 EfficiencyOne filed a new 3-year energy reduction plan – or Demand Side Management Plan (Plan) – to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) for approval.

The Plan will help Nova Scotians lower their electricity bills by reducing their energy use, while helping the province meet its net-zero commitments under the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.

“Overall, the Plan will lower electricity bills by over $540 million for Nova Scotia’s families and businesses, support 5,300 jobs across the province, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes,” says MacDonald. “We are confident that we have the right tools in Nova Scotia – new climate-focused legislation, strong energy efficiency programs, and Nova Scotians passionate about making changes – to get us to net-zero and to continue to be a leading jurisdiction.”

“Nova Scotia is a national leader in the fight against climate change. We are taking big steps forward towards sustainable prosperity – this includes our commitment to having 80 percent of our electricity needs filled by renewable energy by 2030. We are pleased to see our bold actions reflected in Nova Scotia’s ranking in this report,” says Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables.

You can read the full Report here: https://www.efficiencycanada.org/comparison/

About EfficiencyOne

EfficiencyOne, operating in Nova Scotia as Efficiency Nova Scotia, offers advice, project support and financial incentives to help consumers reduce their electricity use, which in turn avoids the cost of building new power generation and transmission lines. Over the last 10 years, investments in energy efficiency programs have saved Nova Scotians more than $1 billion in energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 24%. Learn more at www.efficiencyone.ca.

For more information, contact:

Janet Tobin
Communications Lead
902-499-6494
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca

Nova Scotians saving over $1 billion in energy costs through energy efficiency, says EfficiencyOne 2021 Annual Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2022 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS – EfficiencyOne, the non-profit supplier of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigation services and operator of Canada’s first energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Nova Scotia, released its 2021 Annual Report. The report details EfficiencyOne’s 2021 performance and results, and highlights the important contributions that energy efficiency has made in achieving the province’s climate action goals.

In 2021, EfficiencyOne continued to help even more Nova Scotians reduce their electricity use saving over $1 billion in energy costs – including over $258 million for low-income homeowners and tenants; contributing to 24% of the province’s overall greenhouse gas emission reductions; engaging over 21,000 students through the Green Schools Nova Scotia program; and, completing over 236 projects in Mi’kmaw communities.

“In 2021 we had to pivot the way we work to keep customers safe, ensure Nova Scotians had access to efficiency services, and modify our approach to address interruptions to our programs and services,” says Stephen MacDonald, EfficiencyOne President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we learn how to live with COVID-19, EfficiencyOne remains resilient and committed to helping ensure everyone can access and benefit from energy efficiency.”

In spring 2021 EfficiencyOne partnered with Natural Resources Canada to deliver the Canada Greener Homes Grant, one of only two provinces in Canada that will co-deliver the program with the federal government. To date, more than 10,000 Nova Scotians have registered for our Home Energy Assessment Program, which qualifies them to participate in Greener Homes.

“Administering the Canada Greener Homes Grant through Efficiency Nova Scotia makes it easy for Nova Scotians to take advantage of up to $5,000 in grants offered through the program,” adds MacDonald. “We are excited to be able to help make investing in energy efficiency even more affordable, to even more Nova Scotians.”

The report includes EfficiencyOne’s 2021 financial statements, along with details on how EfficiencyOne and its partners continued to support climate action across the province.

You can read EfficiencyOne’s 2021 Annual Report here: https://www.efficiencyone.ca/impact/annual-report/  

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. EfficiencyOne has received national recognition for its high electricity and heating fuel savings achievements, as well as its low-income services and innovative Indigenous programs. Learn more at www.efficiencyone.ca.

EfficiencyOne files new 3-year plan to reduce electricity costs for Nova Scotians and help meet net-zero climate commitments

EfficiencyOne files new 3-year plan to reduce electricity costs for Nova Scotians and help meet net-zero climate commitments

For immediate release

March 11, 2022 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS – EfficiencyOne, the nonprofit administrator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, has put forward a new 3-year energy reduction plan – or Demand Side Management Plan (Plan) – to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) for approval. The Plan would come into effect on January 1, 2023.

The Plan will help Nova Scotians lower their electricity bills by reducing their energy use, while helping the province meet its net-zero commitments under the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.

Overall, the Plan will lower electricity bills by over $540 million for Nova Scotia’s families and businesses, support 5,300 jobs across the province, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes.

The Plan will deliver more Efficiency Nova Scotia programs to more Nova Scotians, with $35 million to help low-income Nova Scotians, including renters, live more comfortably in their homes; $7 million to help Mi’kmaw communities reduce electricity costs and improve comfort while supporting local job creation; and $20 million to help small businesses on their path to recovery.

Before developing the Plan, EfficiencyOne listened to Nova Scotians, surveying over 1,400 homeowners and renters, and 360 businesses and organizations, and meeting with regulatory stakeholders, business groups, government officials, community organizations and environmental groups.

Overwhelmingly, Nova Scotians said they support programs that reduce electricity costs and shrink Nova Scotia’s carbon footprint.

“Over the past ten years, Nova Scotians have spoken with their actions by making a variety of energy efficiency improvements. You’ve told us that reducing electricity demand is the best way to lower energy costs and reduce the impact of climate change,” said Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO, EfficiencyOne. “Energy efficiency, and the transition to renewable electricity, are key elements in achieving Nova Scotia’s climate goals.”

The Plan also includes:

• Industry training and support to ensure all Nova Scotians have access to skilled trades and qualified products to complete upgrades and renovations.
• Youth engagement activities, and training to improve diversity and inclusion in the energy efficiency industry.
• New supports to ready the residential construction market for advanced building codes.
• Free installation of even more energy-saving products, including occupancy sensors, lighting controls and smart thermostats.
• Expanded rebate offerings for businesses of all sizes, including more opportunities to save instantly in-store.
• Performance-based incentives to encourage large energy users to achieve higher electricity savings.
• Managed services and incentives to help industrial facilities complete complex, multi-year projects and achieve higher electricity savings.
• Continued access to efficiency expertise and support, including more virtual resources, guides, and tools.

Rate Impact

The Plan will see energy efficiency investments increase from the current level of around $40 million a year to $57 million a year. The higher investment is more than offset by the savings ratepayers receive and helps offset other rate pressures by reducing overall energy use.

EfficiencyOne estimates that the Plan could increase electricity bills by approximately $2 a month, starting in 2023, but customers will save far more – on average $5 a month.

“Our new 3-year plan is in lockstep with the Province of Nova Scotia’s commitment to net-zero. It will increase efficiency programs available to residents and businesses, empowering them to reduce their electricity use and save money at a time when it’s very much needed,” said MacDonald.

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 has achieved more than $1.4 billion in energy savings and contributed 25% of Nova Scotia’s GHG emission reductions in the last 10 years. Learn more at efficiencyone.ca

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For more information, contact:

Janet Tobin
Communication Lead
902-499-6494
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca

Nova Scotia Power Should Pause System Access Charge Proposal and Consult Nova Scotians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2022 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS— EfficiencyOne is asking that Nova Scotia Power pause its proposed System Access Charge until they have consulted with Nova Scotians and the solar industry. 

Nova Scotia Power’s recent General Rate Application filed on January 27, 2022, includes proposed changes to the net metering program including the introduction of a System Access Charge of $8/kW/month for net metering customers. The proposal will, and already has, caused unnecessary uncertainty and disruption to Nova Scotians exploring solar PV systems for their homes, and the solar industry across the province.  

“Nova Scotians have embraced solar as part of the immediate action required to address the climate crisis”, says Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne, the non-profit operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia. “Now is not the time to create barriers”. 

The demand for solar installations is at an all time high. The SolarHomes program has helped nearly 5,000 homes install solar PV systems since it was launched in 2018 and the number of companies registered as solar installers has risen from 13 to nearly 80.  

In a recent White Paper, 2050: A Net-Zero Carbon Nova Scotia, EfficiencyOne noted that the current institutional and regulatory framework in Nova Scotia predates the climate emergency and is not aligned with achievement of provincial net-zero. Accelerating progress toward net-zero will require a holistic approach in which energy efficiency, the shift to electricity derived from non fossil based systems, and the growth of the renewable energy supply are achieved together.  

“We must continue to encourage all Nova Scotians to do their part and we must ensure that the infrastructure and supports are in place to help Nova Scotians achieve the targets set out in the province’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act” says MacDonald.

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 has achieved more than $1.4 billion in energy savings and contributed 25% of Nova Scotia’s GHG emission reductions in the last 10 years. Learn more at efficiencyone.ca

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For more information, contact:

Janet Tobin
Communication Lead
902-499-6494
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca

EfficiencyOne launches consultation on next three-year efficiency plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2021 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS— EfficiencyOne is asking Nova Scotians for their views on the energy efficiency programs and services it offers. Feedback will help in developing the organization’s next three-year electricity efficiency plan, which will be filed with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board in late February 2022.

“A lot has changed since we filed our last plan,” says EfficiencyOne Communications Lead, Janet Tobin. “It’s clear that we need to act urgently to address the climate crisis, but at the same time many Nova Scotians are worried about rising costs and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.”

EfficiencyOne is the non-profit administrator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, and offers advice, project support and financial incentives to help consumers reduce their electricity use, which in turn avoids the cost of building new power generation and transmission lines. Over the last 10 years, investments in energy efficiency programs have saved Nova Scotians more than $1.4 billion in energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.

New provincial climate legislation, the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, sets a target for Nova Scotia to achieve 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The 2021 Canadian Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard, released today, notes that increasing energy savings,  reducing overall demand, makes hitting this renewable target easier and delivers local benefits that renewable imports do not, including customer bill savings and local job creation. To meet that goal and make electricity more affordable, the 2023-2025 electricity efficiency plan needs to set significantly higher savings targets.

“It’s important that we hear from many different Nova Scotians in designing our next 3-year plan,” says Tobin. “A successful path forward includes designing programs from which everyone can equitably benefit.”

Consultation begins today, November 18. The online survey will be conducted by Narrative Research through email, social media and the Efficiency Nova Scotia website.

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 has achieved more than $1.4 billion in energy savings and contributed 25% of Nova Scotia’s GHG emission reductions in the last 10 years. Learn more at efficiencyone.ca

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For more information, contact:

Janet Tobin
Communication Lead
902-499-6494
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca