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Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance - NS - Canada

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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