Does it feel like a dollar doesn’t stretch quite as far as it used to? You’re right. These days, household budgets are getting squeezed like never before. No wonder more and more Nova Scotians are looking for ways to save money and trim expenses where they can. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could cut some costs without giving anything up? Well, when it comes to your energy use, you can. Efficiency Nova Scotia offers loads of government programs, rebates, and grants that can help you use less energy, spend less money, and even earn cash rewards. If you’re feeling the pinch, or just want to do your part to live more sustainably, here are the top five programs that can help. You may not qualify for all of them, but even a few can make a big difference to your household budget!

Free Product Installation program

This well-loved and much-used program is changing—and in a good way! While it once focused on things like free LED light bulbs, today it’s all about helping you install smart technology that can save you serious money. Whether you heat your home with oil, electricity, or gas, you could get a free smart thermostat, smart water heater controller, or other smart technology, professionally installed at no cost. Even better? Once your new smart thermostat is in, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Eco Shift (see below), where you can earn money just for letting your new thermostat do its thing. So be sure to sign up for this program, even if you already got your free LED bulbs!

Eco Shift program

If you’ve got an eligible smart thermostat, EV, EV charger, or battery storage system, enroll it in Eco Shift and you could potentially earn hundreds of dollars in cash incentives! Eco Shift is all about reducing demand on our energy grid. If overall power use is especially high, we’ll adjust your smart device settings slightly to help lower demand. These “demand response events” happen only 12 times per winter at most, and you’ll barely notice the change—but the power grid will! Each smart device comes with its own incentives, and we’re adding new qualifying devices to the program all the time. Get your new smart device through the Free Product Installation program, you’ll be automatically enrolled!

Mi’kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project (MHEEP)

This program is designed specifically to support First Nations communities across Nova Scotia. Delivered in partnership with all 13 Mi’kmaw communities, it helps improve the energy efficiency and comfort of homes—at no cost. Upgrades may include insulation, draft-proofing, and ductless mini-split heat pumps, all of which can help create more comfortable living spaces. While some homeowners may qualify individually, the program most often works through housing managers to deliver lasting benefits to the community as a whole.

African Nova Scotian Communities Retrofit program

This pilot program supports energy efficiency upgrades for eligible African Nova Scotian households in specific communities, including Preston Township and select communities in Guysborough County. Designed to help make homes more affordable, comfortable, and efficient, the program offers a free home energy assessment followed by upgrades like insulation, draft-proofing, or replacing oil heat with a heat pump. It’s a community-focused effort aimed at reducing energy costs and improving home comfort—at no cost to participants.

EnergyForward New Homes

If you’re building a new home, this program can help you do it smarter. EnergyForward offers up to $25,000 in incentives to make your new home more energy-efficient right from the start. You’ll get expert advice and support on things like insulation, heating systems, windows, and more. The result? Lower energy bills for years to come, and a more comfortable, future-ready home for your family.

When money’s tight, saving on energy can make a real difference—without sacrificing comfort. These five programs (and others we offer!) are here to help you stretch your dollar and create a more comfortable, sustainable home. Why not see what you qualify for?