|  | Incentives/Rebates and Programs Available
This section provides you with useful information on incentives/rebates and programs to help you reduce your energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and costs. Contact details are provided for each program, while the Strait Highlands Regional Development Agency may be contacted for further general information at (902) 625-3929, info@strait-highlands.ns.ca. Please note that icons show you what programs or incentives you may be eligible for:
Eligible Applicants*:
⌂ - Homeowners
○ - Institutions/Schools
□ - Industrial/Commercial
⌂ Each homeowner is eligible for up to $6,500 in rebates by having their existing home’s energy performance evaluated through an energy audit. This program focuses on ‘keeping the heat in’. Applications are currently being accepted, See http://www.conservens.ca/energuide or call 1-800-670-4636 for a list of rebates.
⌂ People planning to build a new home can register for the EnerGuide for New Houses program by submitting their building plans to be analyzed with the federal government’s energy analysis tool, at which point potential energy efficiency upgrades can be recommended prior to construction. After the home is built, an energy evaluation is performed to determine the final EnerGuide rating; depending on the final rating, participants can receive a rebate of up to $1,000 and a 10% rebate on the premium of their CMHC mortgage loan insurance. Homes registered after July 1,2009 are eligible. For more information, call 1-800-668-2001 or visit: http://www.conservens.ca/energuide/new-homes/default.asp
⌂ Through the Residential Energy Affordability Program (REAP), Conserve NS provides low-income homeowners in Nova Scotia with energy efficiency upgrades to their home, at no charge to the homeowner (installing insulation, draft proofing windows, doors, etc, installing programmable thermostats, etc.). This program helps low-income homeowners enjoy increased comfort and reduced energy bills, by as much as 30 per cent every year! There are no applications for this program. Participants are referred to from the Department of Community Service's list of homeowners that have already been pre- approved for other home repairs. Visit http://www.conservens.ca/reap.asp for more information.
○ Conserve Nova Scotia offers educational programs and activities on energy efficiency and conservation to Nova Scotians of all ages. For more information, call 1-800-670-4636 or visit http://www.conservens.ca/education
* Please note there are some eligibility exceptions for certain programs
⌂○□ For a user-friendly directory on energy efficiency and alternative energy programs across Canada that may not be listed here, visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/statistics/neud/dpa/policy_e/programs.cfm
⌂○□ Conserve Nova Scotia provides a $1,250 rebate on solar water systems listed on Natural Resources Canada's List of Accepted Solar Collectors. A 15% rebate (to a maximum of $20,000 per project) towards the installed cost of a solar air heating system is available from Conserve Nova Scotia for systems installed January 1, 2008- April 31,2010. For systems installed May 1, 2010 or later, Conserve NS provides a $500 rebate on new residential solar air heating systems. Eligible panels are listed on Natural Resources Canada's List of Accepted Solar Collectors. Applications are now being accepted. For more information on program conditions, please visit http://www.conservens.ca/rebates/solar-hot-water-heating.asp (water), http://www.conservens.ca/rebates/solar-air-heating.asp (air) or call 1-800-670-4636
⌂○□ Common things such as driving over 90 km/hr, idling, dirty filters and under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by around 50%! Drivewiser is Nova Scotia’s fuel efficiency program that offers heaps of fuel-saving driving tips and they even offer free presentations. For more information, or to book a presentation, visit http://www.drivewiser.ca or call (902) 420-8802 (toll free 1-800-665-5377; ask for Gina Patterson)
⌂○□ Energy- use meters are now available in Public Libraries and Community College libraries across the province that may be borrowed in order to evaluate how much electricity is being used by virtually any electrical device/appliance at home. This is particularly useful for demonstrating how much electricity is used by devices when they are turned off (known as phantom loads) and/or for determining the total amount of power that is used by devices which ‘cycle on and off’ such as refrigerators. For support with the use of the meters, contact 1-800-670-4636 or visit http://www.conservens.ca/in-the-home/electronics.asp
○ Conserve Nova Scotia’s “It Starts With Me” school fundraising opportunity for schools involves selling energy efficient products (LED night lights, CFL's and water conservation kits) at a competitive price, while educating the students on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The school keeps half of the proceeds. To fill out an application go online. For more information, call 1-800-670-4636 or visit http://www.conservens.ca/education/programs.asp
□ Nova Scotia Power is offering a new program aimed at helping commercial and industrial customers reduce their power consumption. Incentive amounts depend on individual projects, with a maximum amount of $1,000 for a preliminary energy audit, $15,000 for a feasibility study and up to $500,000 (or 50%) of eligible costs for implementation. This program is available to customers with a typical peak demand of 250 kW (250 kVA) or higher, but will consider other opportunities where potential reductions exist. For information and conditions, call 1-800-428-6774 or visit http://www.nspower.ca/en/home/energysavings/indus/commercial_industrial_customprogram/default.aspx
□ The Eco- Efficiency Center at Dalhousie University ( http://eco-efficiency.management.dal.ca) works with partners to build a competitive economy that is sustainable for future generations. Services offered include ‘environmental and energy reviews’ and the ‘eco- efficiency business assistance program’. They may also be reached toll-free at 1-888-370-8111
○□ Natural Resources Canada offers a 25% rebate towards the installed cost of qualifying solar water or air heating systems for businesses, industries and public institutions until March 31, 2011. For more information, call 1-800 O Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit: http://ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/heat-chauffage/index-eng.cfm
○□ The resource recovery fund board (RRFB) has funding available for municipal, business and community projects that divert waste from landfills, including waste to energy projects. For more information, call 1-877-313-RRFB (7732), visit the RRFB’s funding applications link at http://www.rrfb.com/pages/forms.html or e-mail info@rrfb.com. Applications are currently being accepted, and can be submitted at any time. You can also visit their business development programs link, which has information on programs that fund innovative research and development initiatives: http://www.rrfb.com/pdfs/bizdeveng.pdf
○□ The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) can provide an unsecured, interest-free loan towards the eligible costs of a new establishment, expansion, modernization or a project that improves competitiveness. Their contribution is repayable on a time schedule tailored to individual circumstances. The maximum level of assistance under the program is 50% repayable for hard costs and 75% repayable for soft costs. There is no deadline, but the projects must be completed by March 31, 2011. For more information, visit http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/financial/business.shtml or call 1-888-576-4444
⌂○□ Groups interested in making a bulk purchase of CFL lights to distribute at no cost to employees, customers, clients or members will be able to apply for a $1.00 per lamp subsidy under Conserve Nova Scotia’s CFL Partnership Incentive. For program conditions, call 1-800-670-4636 or visit http://www.conservens.ca/cflpartner
⌂○□ Conserve Nova Scotia may hold another LED Holiday light exchange during the holiday season. For more information, call (902) 424-0790. LED lights use less than 1% of the power of traditional (incandescent) lights, last at least 10 times longer than traditional bulbs, produce very little heat and contain no glass
⌂○□ Conserve Nova Scotia’s website http://www.conservens.ca has a wealth of information and programs on energy efficiency and conservation for the residential, business and transportation sectors. Alternatively, Conserve Nova Scotia’s ‘Energy Information Line’ (1-800-670-4636) provides Nova Scotians with toll-free energy efficiency advice from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
⌂○□ For detailed information on reducing energy usage and costs, visit http://www.conservens.ca/in-the-home
○□ Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program provides financial support to community- based, non- profit organizations for projects that have measurable, positive impacts on the environment. The program supports the projects that address the following 4 themes: clean air, clean water, climate change, and nature. Deadline for applications is November 1 of each year. For more details view the web page: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/default.asp?lang=En&n=FA475FEB-1
□ Environment Canada's, Environment Damages Fund (EDF) helps ensure polluters take responsibility for their actions. It gives a way to guarantee that the money from pollution penalties and settlements is directly invested to repair the actual damage done by the pollution. Each award is accounted for separately. The 3 funding deadlines per year are: August 31, November 30 and March 31. For more information visit: http://www.ec.gc.ca/edf-fde/default.asp?lang=En&n=C5BAD261-1
○□Nova Scotia Power offers a Small Business Lighting Solutions Program that provides turn- key lighting retrofits for small businesses (including municipalities). NS Power hires delivery agents to complete all the work: conduct a lighting audit (free of charge), order, deliver and install required materials, and remove and recycle old materials. NS Power pays 80% of the total cost! Applications are being accepted anytime after January 2010. For more details, go to: http://www.nspower.ca/en/home/energysavings/programs/smallbusiness/default.aspx
⌂ NS Power also offers an Energy Efficiency Program for Low- Income Homeowners. If you own a home, heat with electricity and live on a low income then you are eligible for free upgrades from NS Power. Save hundreds of dollars per month with these upgrades! Applications can be submitted at any time. Visit their website at: http://www.nspower.ca/en/home/energysavings/homeowner/lowincomeelectricheat/default.aspx
⌂○□ The Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Solar Nova Scotia, Environment Canada and the Ecology Action Center have developed a program where you can receive a free initial consultation, advice and contact with suppliers, and assistance in applying for rebates. Homes can save up to $350/year plus rebates, small businesses and organizations are eligible for rebates too: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. http://www.solargain.ca/index-2.html
○□ Transport Canada has many programs and strategies to protect the natural environment and promote a more sustainable transportation system in our communities such as ecoMOBILITY, M.O.S.T (Moving on Sustainable Transportation, and ecoFREIGHT. Applications are currently being accepted for The M.O.S.T Program and the total funds available over a 3- year period are $150,000. Check it out at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-most-applyingtomost-167.htm
□ Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development offers a Community Development Trust Fund
help transition vulnerable Nova Scotia communities and sectors affected by globalization. The trust fund provides $34.9 million over three years to enhance sustainable prosperity. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2011. Check out the website at: http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/cdTrust/
□ The Rural Secretariat offers a Community Development Program as well. The program provides funding to assist rural regions in obtaining information and accessing/developing expertise and tools and processes to respond to rural challenges and opportunities. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2012 for Partnerships and Knowledge building projects and until September 30, 2012 for Workshops. Go to www.rural.gc.ca for more information regarding the program.
⌂○□ NS Department of Natural Resources offers 2 programs called the Species at Risk Conservation Fund and The Habitat Conservation Fund. Both were established under the NS Endangered Species Act to assist the funding of projects related to species at risk. The average amount of funding awarded for the Species Fund will be approx. $10,000 and the deadlines are April 1- June1. Habitat Conservation Fund will partner in projects on a cost shared basis not to exceed 75% of total project cost and the deadlines are December 1- January 31.
○□ NRCan (Natural Resources Canada) offers 3 programs the promote renewable energy. EcoENERGY for Renewable Power is a program offered that invested $1.48 billion to increase Canada's supply of clean electricity from renewable sources such as wing, geothermal, etc. It will provide an incentive on one cent per kilowatt- hour for up to 10 years to eligible low- impact, renewable electricity projects constructed over the next 3 years, April 1, 2007- March 31, 2011. For more information, visit: www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/incentives.cfm
○□ EcoEnergy for Renewable Heat Program is a 4 year, $36 million investment to increase the use of renewable thermal energy by industry, commercial businesses and institutions. The Program runs from April 1, 2007- March 31, 2011. October 1, 2010 is the last day to apply to receive incentives from the program to install active energy- efficient solar- air and/or water heating systems. http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/heat-chauffage/index-eng.cfm
○□ The EcoEnergy Retrofit is a program available to small and medium sized businesses in the commercial and industrial sector that lacks financial and technical resources to make energy improvements. Your business could receive up to $10 per gigajoule of estimated energy savings, 25% of eligible project costs or $50,000 per project! Applications for the program will continue to be processed on a first- come first- served until March 31, 2011 For more details go to: http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/commercial/financial-assistance/existing/retrofits/index.cfm?attr=0 |