During peak times like the busy morning hours when everyone’s rushing to start their day, the late afternoons when families come home from work or school, and those cold winter days when the heat is cranked up, the demand for energy intensifies. It’s a challenge that requires us to rethink how we use energy. That’s where demand response comes into play.

So what exactly is demand response?

In a nutshell, demand response is about making thoughtful changes to how and when we use electricity. But this simple concept has the potential for a big impact.

“Think of it like rush hour traffic,” Efficiency Specialist, Lindsey Rowe, explains. “During peak times, everyone is trying to use power at once. But if we shift our energy use to off-peak times, it’s like adjusting your commute to avoid congestion—everything flows more smoothly and efficiently.”

Sara Campbell, a homeowner from Wellington, understands the challenge. Sara and her seven-year-old daughter, Zoe, are making small changes in their daily life that are becoming second nature. “It feels good knowing that something as small as running the dishwasher at night or adjusting our heat a little lower during peak times can make such a big impact. We’re doing our part, and I love that it’s so effortless,” she says.

David Nelson, a Demand Response Specialist, wants Nova Scotians to know that these small changes can make a real difference. “It’s not about giving up comfort or convenience. It’s about being smart when we use power, so that everyone has what they need without overloading the system,” says David.

How does the Eco Shift program fit in?

At Efficiency Nova Scotia, we’ve introduced the Eco Shift program has a practical solution to help you shift energy consumption without changing your lifestyle. By enrolling in the program, homeowners have the opportunity to participate in demand response events. During these events, enrolled devices will be remotely adjusted to lower electricity usage during times of peak demand. It’s designed to be accessible for everyone—whether you’re tech-savvy or not.

“Eco Shift isn’t about making life harder,” Lindsey says. “It’s about making energy efficiency part of our daily lives in a way that’s easy and even rewarding. Eco Shift is a voluntary program that offers rewards for reducing your electricity use during periods of high demand. If you have smart devices, they can even help you manage your energy use automatically, so it couldn’t be easier.”

For Sara, participating in the Eco Shift program is a simple action she can be proud of. “It feels like we’re part of something bigger—helping reduce energy use during times of peak demand and contributing to a greener Nova Scotia.”

Adopting demand response is a way we can all pitch in to make a difference. “When we all do our part,” Lindsey says, “we’re not only helping ourselves, but also helping our neighbours, our communities, and the generations to come. With programs like Eco Shift, it’s easy to be part of the solution. The power is literally in our hands.”