Funding for Energy Efficiency Improvements in Nova Scotia

Published on October 23, 2018

The Canadian Government is working in collaboration with the provincial government of Nova Scotia in an effort to combat climate change and promote an eco-friendly economy. They are looking to help Nova Scotians reduce their energy waste, save money on utility bills, and create jobs for the middle class.

Funding from the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund has set aside $56 million for programs in Nova Scotia that help fight climate change and promote a clean economy. This is coming in the form of an Instant Rebate program that allows residents of Nova Scotia to purchase energy efficient products that will help improve their home’s efficiency at a reduced cost.

These rebates apply to a large amount of energy efficient products and appliances, including: LED lights, energy saving power bars, washer, refrigerators, and even smart thermostats. Coupled with the savings on utility bills that these products can provide, these new instant rebates are working to make home energy efficiency improvements more affordable for residents of Nova Scotia.

Both the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are concerned about our future involving climate change, with the 2018 budget of Nova Scotia including a four-year, $12 million investment in energy efficiency, solar power, and low-carbon initiative programs that are to be enacted at a local level. The government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund has also provided $1.4 billion to provinces and territories that have adopted their framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Energy and Mines for the government of Nova Scotia, has said that improving energy efficiency helps to lower energy costs for homeowners and business, while also reducing pollution and creating middle-class jobs.

“It really has never been easier and more affordable to make upgrades that save you money on your energy bills by using less electricity,” Mombourquette said.

The notion of using energy efficiency to reduce pollution and stimulate the economy is receiving support from the chief executive of the Caisse de Depot et Placements, Michael Sabia, who says that mitigating the effects of climate change should be seen as an economic opportunity.

The Instant Rebate program in Nova Scotia runs until November 10th, 2018, and offers rebates in the range of $2 to $75 for the purchase of energy efficient products.

As both the federal and provincial governments look towards mitigating the effects of climate change by providing incentives for homeowners to improve their home’s efficiency, our suggestion to homeowners is to capitalize on these rebates while they are available. This will not only work to reduce your utility bill, but will also work to promote a higher level of comfort at home. An efficient and properly air sealed home prevents drafts, and can create a more uniform temperature throughout the building - this is helpful to eliminate hot or cold spots in certain rooms or areas.

If you live in Ontario, you can contact Barrier Sciences Group and have a Registered Energy Advisor conduct a Home Energy Assessment on your house or building. You will receive a comprehensive list of possible energy saving alterations you could make, as well making sure you are applicable for home rebates - such as the currently available rebates from Union Gas in Ontario.