March 1, 2021 - As part of its commitment to the environment and fighting climate change, the Government of Nova Scotia is investing $19 million in rebates to support low-income families in making their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient and help Nova Scotians buy clean, reliable electric vehicles.

It will also move toward a new renewable energy standard, with 80 per cent of Nova Scotia’s energy coming from renewable sources by 2030.

“Bold action on climate change is a priority. We know it’s possible to have a cleaner economy that creates jobs, supports a healthy environment and benefits all Nova Scotians,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Electric vehicles, more comfortable homes, healthier communities and careers in renewable energy and efficiency will help our province and the planet.”

To emphasize the importance of addressing climate change, government has renamed the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Climate change will be a priority in every Minister’s mandate.

Half of the $19 million – $9.5 million – which will come from the Green Fund, is to go into the HomeWarming and the Affordable Multi-Family Housing energy efficiency programs. This will help 1,200 more low-income Nova Scotians make their homes more comfortable and protect their family budgets.

More than half the Green Fund will be spent to support those most in need.

The other half will be invested in a rebate program for new and used electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and e-bikes. Rebates will be $3,000 per new vehicle and $2,000 for used vehicles, with $500 for e-bikes. This will be in addition to the $5,000 federal rebate available for new electric vehicles.

The Department of Energy and Mines will release the new Renewable Electricity Standard next month. Work will begin immediately to ensure new wind power is made available at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers.

Nova Scotia will join the federal government in buying energy from new local renewable sources through the Green Choice program. By 2025, all electricity for provincial government offices will be from renewable energy projects. This will reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions and create new jobs, without impacting Nova Scotians’ electricity bills.

Quotes:

We’re putting a new focus on climate change in Nova Scotia. I’m delighted to get to work on these important initiatives, which will help Nova Scotians and our environment.Environment and Climate Change Minister Keith Irving

Transportation emissions are one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases. They’ve also shown to be one of the hardest to reduce. We are pleased to see the province build on the successful federal electric vehicle rebates. These incentives will be an important climate action tool for our province, and will help Nova Scotians choose an electric vehicle or e-bike for their next ride.Scott Skinner, president and CEO, Clean Foundation

Quick Facts:

• the Nova Scotia government announced the Green Choice program in 2020 to add more clean, renewable electricity by allowing large electricity customers, such as the federal government, to purchase 100 per cent renewable electricity to power their facilities
• the amount of renewable energy on Nova Scotia’s grid has tripled over the past 10 years
• there are nearly 500 electric vehicles registered in Nova Scotia now, and more than 100 charging stations across the province
• more than 300 local businesses work on Efficiency Nova Scotia projects and are part of the Efficiency Trade Network. Together, those businesses employ about 2,500 Nova Scotians