Spotlight: NSP has been in the news a lot this year and strongly criticized for looking to change how Net Metering works in the province. Because of this recent move by NSP, more Nova Scotian than ever are looking to make the switch from grid-tied systems to off-grid solar energy systems now? If so, would Efficiency Nova Scotia still offer programs and or funding and help them become more energy efficient and how? JP: Energy efficiency plays a key role in helping Nova Scotia meet its net-zero commitments under the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and delivers important benefits to Nova Scotians by reducing energy use and lowering electricity bills. Nova Scotians are overwhelmingly in support of energy efficiency programs. Our research shows that a significant majority of Nova Scotians con - sistently assign a high level of importance to reducing their energy use. What’s more, a sig- nificant majority of Nova Scotians express a high level of agreement that adopting a more energy efficient lifestyle adds to their quality of life. Over the past ten years, Nova Scotians have spoken with their actions by making a variety of energy efficiency improvements. They want to do more, but the greatest barrier is affording the capital cost of new equipment and renova- tions. Through our work we are committed to ensuring that all Nova Scotians have access to energy effi - ciency benefits and opportunities. And at a time when costs are rising, and many are concerned with having access to affordable housing, it is even more important that Nova Scotians families and businesses have even more access to programs that can help them reduce what, for many, is their largest bill. EfficiencyOne has also partnered with Natural Resources Canada to deliver theCanadaGreener Homes Grant in Nova Scotia through the Effi - ciency Nova Scotia’s Home Energy Assessment program. This initiative offers grants of up to $5,000 to help Canadian homeowners make energy efficiency retrofits to their primary resi - dences and up to an additional $600 towards the
“Our research shows that a significant majority of Nova Scotians consistently assign a high level of importance to reducing their energy use.”
cost of EnerGuide home evaluations. To qualify, homeowners must obtain a pre-retrofit Ener - Guide home energy evaluation before complet- ing at least one retrofit that is both eligible and recommended by their energy advisor in their report. You can visit the follow website https:// www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/can - ada-greener-homes-grant/23441 for a complete list of eligibility requirements. It is easy to see that EfficiencyOne believes and is committed to delivering on its values of Integ- rity, Partnership and Innovation. EfficiencyOne consistently achieves high energy savings, with inclusive programs and working with many of the best energy efficiency professionals. They are an independent, not-for-profit organization pro - viding accountable, transparent and are subject to regular, independent performance audits services. EfficiencyOne has partnered with 13 Mi’kmaq communities to develop a first of its kind program, working with Mi’kmaq preferred contractors to install upgrades like insulation and heat pumps to 2,400 band-owned homes across Nova Scotia. And The Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund will contribute to economic prosperity and environ- mental sustainability through collaboration and innovation.
69
68
MARCH/APRIL 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease