Invest in your properties for the long-term with rebates on energy efficient upgrades.
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Rebates for Affordable Multifamily Housing and Not-for-Profit Properties

Efficiency Nova Scotia offers property owners and managers the opportunity to make an investment in their property that will pay-off now and in the long term. Our program applies to:

Multi-Unit Residential Rentals

  • Up to 80% in rebates on multi-unit residential rental properties and cooperatives.

Not-for-Profit Properties

  • Up to 100% for providers of rent-free housing such as shelters and transition houses.
  • Up to 80% for non-bed facilities providing support services for the community (i.e. food banks, community outreach and support centres, employment and education centres and social enterprises).

If you’re eligible, we’ll help cover the expense of the recommended upgrades, which may include improvements to space and water heating, window and door replacements as well as attic, wall and basement insulation, and more.

FAQs

You can fill out our form to contact program staff directly or call 1-877-999-6035 to ask questions about the program.

Affordable rental housing providers and non-profit organizations who support the low-income community. Affordable rental rates are determined by Schedule A of the Operating Agreement. If you think you might be eligible, we encourage you to contact us.

Click here to apply online or call 1-877-999-6035 to request a paper application by mail.

Yes. Efficiency Nova Scotia will not select your contractors. We encourage participants to choose trusted contractors from our EPP directory.

Rebates are determined based on a combination of factors depending on your building’s characteristics. To understand what rebate amount you may be eligible for, we encourage you to contact the program team.

Yes. You will find out your rebate amount once your quotes are submitted and approved. It will be outlined on your pre-approval document. All upgrades must be pre-approved, and quotes must be reviewed by program staff prior to install.

If your heating system is electric before completing upgrades, financing may be available through Nova Scotia Power. Contact program staff for details.

Yes. Quality assurance is performed regularly. You may be contacted at any point during your agreement’s term after receiving your rebate.

No. Efficiency Nova Scotia will select an energy auditor on your behalf.

You will receive your rebate after all pre-approved upgrades are installed. Once upgrades are complete, verified, and all paperwork is processed, you should expect to receive your rebate in approximately 6 weeks.

The Operating Agreement comes into effect once the project is complete and you have received your rebate.

You are not obligated to proceed with any upgrades, even if you have signed the Operating Agreement. Upgrades can be modified to suit your energy efficiency needs and budget in consultation with program staff. Speak to program staff about your concerns.

Terms for selling your rental property are outlined in the Operating Agreement.

Once you receive your pre-approval document you may begin your upgrades. All upgrades must be pre-approved.

How do I apply?

We’re here to answer any of your questions, every step of the way. We’ve streamlined the process to make it as easy as possible. View the Program Overview to learn more.

 

Review the Eligibility Requirements

First, check the eligibility requirements to see if your property is eligible for rebates.

 

Option 1
If you would like to speak to a program rep before a applying, simply fill out information request form on this page and a program rep will be in touch to answer any questions and help you through the application process.

 

Option 2
If you are ready to apply, please fill out the online application form and our team will be in touch with you shortly to get things started.

 

Affordable Housing Information Request Form

What happens next for buildings with 1-3 units.

Step 1

Before purchasing, submit a quote for your heat pump(s) or heat pump water heater(s) for approval. When submitting quotes, please ensure they meet quote requirements to avoid delays in processing. Use our helpful online directory of tradespeople–the Efficiency Preferred Partners (EPP)–to get the job done right.

Buildings containing 1-3 units should submit the Prescriptive Affordable Housing Agreement along with 3 years of any non-electric utility data such as oil, propane, or natural gas, as well as your building’s plans (if applicable) to affordable@efficiencyns.ca.

Step 2

Receive a preapproval document from Efficiency Nova Scotia detailing the project costs and rebate.

Step 3

Install the approved products within 120 days of receiving preapproval (extensions may be granted upon request).

Step 4

Submit all of your invoices and rebate request form to Efficiency Nova Scotia. We will contact you within 10 business days to arrange a site visit to receive your rebate.

Have questions about the application form or the agreement? Contact us at affordable@efficiencyns.ca. We will contact you within 15 business days to discuss your eligibility.

What happens next for all other building types.

Step 1

If eligible, one of our partners will contact you to schedule a free energy assessment. Within 6 weeks you’ll receive a recommendation report detailing the energy efficient upgrades your building is eligible for based on the assessment results. This report includes estimated project costs and rebate amounts.

Submit the Comprehensive Affordable Housing Agreement along with 3 years of any non-electric utility data such as oil, propane, or natural gas, as well as your building’s plans (if applicable) to affordable@efficiencyns.ca.

Step 2

Provide quotes based on the recommendations and submit for approval. When submitting quotes, please ensure they meet quote requirements to avoid delays in processing. Use our helpful online directory of tradespeople–the Efficiency Preferred Partners (EPP)–to ensure a high standard of service and that you get the most value for your dollar.

Step 3

Complete the recommended upgrades within 120 days of approval (extensions may be granted upon request).

Step 4

Submit all invoices and rebate request form to Efficiency Nova Scotia and arrange a site visit to receive your rebate. Participants may be eligible to receive a partial rebate payment once 50% of the approved project cost has been realized and all applicable invoices have been submitted. We will contact you within 10 business days to arrange a site visit, if required.

Have questions about the application form or the agreement? Contact us at affordable@efficiencyns.ca. We will contact you within 5 business days to discuss your eligibility.

Find a contractor
Search our directory to find a qualified local professional to complete your efficiency upgrade project. Connect with contractors, insulation installers, heating system installers, electricians, and more.