Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions?

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions is funded by Efficiency Nova Scotia

Q: Who is eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions program?

To be eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions program, you must: • The small business must have annual electrical energy consumption of less than 600,000 kWh for electric upgrades, or less than 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades. • The business facility must be located in Nova Scotia. • Projects must be retrofits; new construction projects aren't eligible.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions?

You can contact Efficiency Nova Scotia by email at rebates@efficiencyns.ca or by phone at 1-877-999-6035.

Last Update: May 13, 2025

NS, Canada

Rebates and financing for small business energy upgrades

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Retail trade

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Small Business Energy Solutions program by Efficiency Nova Scotia offers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades and provides 24-month interest-free financing for electric upgrades to eligible small businesses. Eligible activities include retrofit projects that improve energy efficiency in facilities located in Nova Scotia with annual electrical use under specified limits; however, a specific maximum funding amount isn't mentioned.

Financing terms and conditions

The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions program offers specific financing options to assist small businesses in their energy efficiency initiatives. These modalities are designed to reduce upfront costs and support sustainability efforts.

24-month interest-free financing provided on the Nova Scotia Power bill for businesses undertaking eligible electric upgrades.

Activities funded

The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions grant offers support for small businesses in Nova Scotia to enhance energy efficiency through eligible retrofit projects. These initiatives focus on upgrading existing systems to improve sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and lower costs.

Energy efficiency upgrades for commercial lighting.
Installation of energy-efficient commercial refrigeration systems.
Upgrades to commercial heating systems for improved efficiency.
Implementation of commercial solar PV systems.
Enhancing efficiency of commercial compressed air systems.
Updating commercial kitchen and laundry equipment to energy-efficient models.
Retrofitting commercial datacentres with energy-saving measures.
Installation of commercial variable frequency drives.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,000

Implementation of a digital literacy program for seniors

$ 20,000

Development of eco-friendly packaging solutions

$ 15,000

Launch of a cultural art festival celebrating diversity

$ 25,000

Revitalization of urban gardens for local food security

$ 30,000

Implementation of a renewable energy training program

$ 25,000

Expansion of a community-based organic bakery

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business energy consumption and location.

The business must be a small business with annual electrical use under 600,000 kWh for electric upgrades, or under 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades.
The facility or facilities of the small business must be located in Nova Scotia.
The program is available for retrofit projects only, not new construction projects.

Who is eligible?

Small business owners in Nova Scotia with annual electrical energy consumption of less than 600,000 kWh for electric upgrades or less than 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades can apply for the Small Business Energy Solutions program. This program offers rebates and interest-free financing for eligible energy efficiency improvements.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers expenses related to energy efficiency upgrades in small business facilities.

Costs associated with energy efficient lighting upgrades.
Expenses for energy efficient refrigeration systems.
Costs related to installing variable frequency drives.
Expenditures on energy efficient heating solutions.
Funds for energy efficient commercial kitchen equipment.
Costs for upgrading commercial laundry systems.
Expenses associated with commercial pool equipment.
Costs of implementing compressed air systems.
Expenditures for upgrading IT and Datacentre equipment to be more energy efficient.
Investments in solar PV systems.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to small business facilities that are located in a specific geographical area as determined by the program guidelines. The eligible area is focused within the boundaries of the funding entity's region to facilitate efficient implementation and monitoring.

Businesses must be located in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada.

How to apply

Assess Eligibility

Confirm your business meets the criteria of using less than 600,000 kWh annually for electric upgrades or under 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades.
Ensure your facility is located in Nova Scotia and eligible for retrofit projects.

Complete Opportunity Worksheet

Fill out an Opportunity Worksheet to help identify potential energy efficiency measures.
Submit the worksheet to be contacted by Efficiency Nova Scotia for further assessment.

Conduct Energy Assessment

Schedule and complete a free Small Business Energy Assessment if eligible.
Review the assessment report to identify inefficiencies and explore upgrade solutions.

Obtain Quotes

Reach out to contractors or utilize the Efficiency Preferred Partner network to obtain quotes for the proposed energy upgrades.
Ensure all quotes meet the program’s technical requirements.

Submit Application

Complete the relevant Commercial Rebate Application – Before You Buy form per your project category (e.g., Commercial Lighting, Commercial Heating).
Attach detailed quotes and submit the application to rebates@efficiencyns.ca.

Receive Preapproval

Wait for preapproval from Efficiency Nova Scotia to verify product eligibility and energy savings calculations.
Receive guidance on the final rebate amounts expected.

Implement Upgrades

Proceed with purchase and installation of approved equipment after obtaining preapproval.

Seek Rebate

Submit any additional required documentation post-installation as requested by Efficiency Nova Scotia to finalize rebate processing.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for the Small Business Energy Solutions program:

Rebates are calculated based on expected energy savings, meaning higher savings lead to higher rebates.
Applicants can compare multiple contractor quotes to optimize rebate eligibility, and pre-approvals can be issued for multiple quotes.
A network of trusted contractors called Efficiency Preferred Partners is available for recommendations, though usage of any qualified contractor is permitted.
While rebates are available for both electric and non-electric upgrades, interest-free financing is only for electric-to-electric upgrades.
Applicants are required to obtain preapproval before making any purchases or installations to ensure eligibility and for rebate calculations.

Contacts

rebates@efficiencyns.ca

1-877-999-6035

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions. 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.