Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance

Q: How much funding can be received?

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance?

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance is funded by Efficiency Nova Scotia

Q: Who is eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance program?

To be eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance program, you must: • Commercial or multi-unit residential customers served by Nova Scotia Power Inc. • Annual energy consumption of at least 1,000,000 kWh (can combine up to 5 buildings) • Must work with an approved consultant from the Efficiency Preferred Partner network

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance?

You can contact Efficiency Nova Scotia.

Q: Where is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance available?

The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance program is available the province of NS.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Incentives for reducing electricity use in commercial and institutional buildings

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 10% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Retail trade
Real estate and rental and leasing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Efficiency Nova Scotia Pay-for-Performance program provides financial incentives to institutional, not-for-profit, and commercial organizations that achieve at least a 10% reduction in annual electricity consumption through energy retrofits and efficiency upgrades. Eligible activities include a wide range of energy efficiency initiatives, covering both capital and non-capital measures, with incentives paid based on verified energy savings; the maximum funding amount is not specified.

Financing terms and conditions

Incentive payments are issued based on verified energy performance at the meter, with payment tied to achieving at least a 10% reduction in annual electrical energy consumption.

Activities funded

Retrofitting buildings to achieve significant reductions in electricity consumption.
Implementing a combination of energy efficiency initiatives tailored to facility needs.
Conducting both capital and non-capital measures to improve overall energy performance.
Upgrading multiple facilities or buildings as part of a single project to achieve aggregate savings.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 69,700

Install rooftop solar panels at local printing business

$ 37,600

Renovate youth centre with accessible washroom and meeting space

$ 59,500

Purchase eco-friendly equipment for local bakery operations

$ 26,000

Launch pilot composting program in food cooperative grocery

$ 48,500

Develop mobile e-commerce application for Indigenous artisan market

$ 40,200

Implement digital booking and inventory system at community clinic

Eligibility

The applicant must be an institutional, not-for-profit, or commercial organization (including multi-unit residential buildings).
The facility must be served directly or indirectly by Nova Scotia Power Inc.
The project must target a minimum of 10% reduction in annual electricity consumption per facility involved.
The facility or combined group of up to five buildings must consume at least 1,000,000 kWh of electricity annually.
The applicant must work with an approved consultant from the Efficiency Preferred Partner (EPP) network.

Who is eligible?

Institutional organizations
Not-for-profit organizations
Commercial customers (including multi-unit residential buildings)

Eligible expenses

Implementation costs for energy efficiency measures that result in electricity consumption reductions.
Expenses related to capital and non-capital upgrades that contribute to verified energy savings.

Eligible geographic areas

Facilities served directly or indirectly by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (Nova Scotia)

How to apply

Submit initial application

Submit the Pay for Performance Project Application
Receive an initial eligibility screening for your organization

Submit baseline model report

An approved consultant completes and submits the baseline period model report
The report is sent to Efficiency Nova Scotia for review

Sign project agreement

Receive a Custom Project Agreement containing project summary and M&V plan
Review, sign, and return the agreement to confirm participation

Implement energy efficiency measures

Implement the energy efficiency measures outlined in your agreement
The implementation period can last up to 12 months

Submit quarterly progress reports

Submit quarterly implementation reports during the implementation phase
Include updates on measure status and report any major changes or non-routine adjustments

Submit end-of-performance report

After implementation, begin the performance period for measuring savings
Consultant submits an end-of-performance report within 60 days of period end, with modeling verification and all supporting documentation

Verification and incentive payment

Efficiency Nova Scotia verifies the implemented measures and the measured energy savings
If project criteria are met, incentive payment is processed and issued

Additional information

Applicants must collaborate with an approved consultant from the Efficiency Preferred Partner (EPP) network.
Incentives are paid only upon verified achievement of at least a 10% reduction in electrical energy consumption.
Multiple buildings (up to five) can be combined to meet the program's minimum annual energy consumption requirement.
Exceptions to standard requirements may be considered at the discretion of Efficiency Nova Scotia.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.