The Government of Nova Scotia has announced that 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.
In a news release, the province says 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.
According to the government release, 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.
