National energy efficiency report puts spotlight on Nova Scotia

(Dartmouth, NS) – Nova Scotia features prominently in a new report on energy efficiency and climate change from Clean Energy Canada and Efficiency Canada. The report, entitled “Less is More”, cites the success of Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency programs in reducing electricity use and carbon emissions, while also helping Nova Scotians save over $165 million annually on energy bills.

EfficiencyOne, the non-profit operator of the province’s energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Nova Scotia, released its 2017 Annual Report today. Independently evaluated results show that Nova Scotia’s efficiency programs have reached an impressive milestone: a 10 per cent reduction in the province’s overall electricity use since 2008. Efficiency Nova Scotia programs also cut 840,000 tonnes of carbon pollution.

“Energy efficiency contributes to a more sustainable, affordable and economically-strong Nova Scotia, for all of us,” said EfficiencyOne CEO Stephen MacDonald.

Energy efficiency is a fast-growing industry in Nova Scotia, and directly provides more than 1,400 full-time jobs in the province. Efficiency Nova Scotia works with local businesses to deliver its programs and services, including low-cost energy evaluations through the Home Energy Assessment program. More than 1,700 homeowners participated in the service in 2017, including Judy Bell of Hubbards.

“(When) we received a power bill for February-March, it was $316. The same (bill for the same) two months the year before was $585,” says Bell. “We are extremely happy with results like these.”

Efficiency Nova Scotia also provided no-cost energy-saving upgrades to low-income homes in 2017. The HomeWarming program, which is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia and NS Power, and delivered in partnership with Clean Foundation, helped over 2,000 low-income homeowners save, on average, between 15 and 30 per cent on heating costs.

Widower Darlene MacDonald of Judique, Cape Breton, was one such participant last year. The program helped her make upgrades to her 200-year-old family home, making it more comfortable year-round and reducing heating costs so she could stay in the house she loves.

“When my husband died, I just wanted things to be easier, not harder,” said Mrs. MacDonald. “I just wanted my home to be comfortable and warm.”

More customer stories and highlights can be found online at 2017 Annual Report.

Efficiency Nova Scotia is operated by EfficiencyOne, an independent, non-profit organization based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Since 2010, we’ve helped more than 400,000 program participants save energy and money. Efficiency Nova Scotia is your go-to place for energy saving programs and services.

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For more information please contact:

Andrea Hickey
Manager, Marketing and Communications
902-470-3622; ahickey@efficiencyns.ca