
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance
Last Update: July 17, 2025
NS, Canada
Incentives for reducing electricity use in commercial and institutional buildings
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
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
Grant Providers
- Efficiency Nova Scotia
Status
Open
Overview of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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:
$ 40,200
Implement digital booking and inventory system at community clinic
$ 37,600
Renovate youth centre with accessible washroom and meeting space
$ 69,700
Install rooftop solar panels at local printing business
$ 59,500
Purchase eco-friendly equipment for local bakery operations
$ 48,500
Develop mobile e-commerce application for Indigenous artisan market
$ 26,000
Launch pilot composting program in food cooperative grocery
Eligibility criteria of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance program
- 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 to the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance program
1
Submit initial application
- Submit the Pay for Performance Project Application
- Receive an initial eligibility screening for your organization
2
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
3
Sign project agreement
- Receive a Custom Project Agreement containing project summary and M&V plan
- Review, sign, and return the agreement to confirm participation
4
Implement energy efficiency measures
- Implement the energy efficiency measures outlined in your agreement
- The implementation period can last up to 12 months
5
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
6
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
7
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

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