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Nova Scotia First Nations to save $330,000 annually through pilot project

June 19, 2014 - Nearly 1900 households in 13 First Nations communities across Nova Scotia are saving energy and money as part of an innovative pilot project to promote energy efficiency, says Efficiency Nova Scotia.

June 19, 2014  By  Alyssa Dalton


The project, initiated by Efficiency Nova Scotia, received support from the province, the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office/Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative, and the Dartmouth-based energy efficiency company, Sustainable Housing. Thirty-six community members completed training to install energy efficient lighting, electric hot water tank and pipe wrap, low-flow showerheads and other upgrades in First Nations homes. The installers also provided residents with information and advice to help them save.

Each household is estimated to save an average of $180 per year in electricity costs. Taken together, those savings will put more than $330,000 back into First Nations communities every year.

“Community members seized the opportunity to gain in-demand skills and knowledge in Nova Scotia’s growing energy efficiency industry,” said Allan Crandlemire, CEO of Efficiency Nova Scotia. “This project is a great example of communities coming together around a common goal, developing skills and utilizing innovation to improve […]”

“This government strongly supports efficiency programs and the value they provide to Nova Scotians,” continued energy minister, Andrew Younger. “We’re pleased that many Mi’kmaq communities are now saving energy and money as a result of this innovative initiative. The success of this program demonstrates the strong working relationship that exists between the Province and Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq leadership.”

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The project’s success has set the stage for future partnerships with First Nations communities on energy efficiency initiatives aimed at achieving even greater savings, noted Efficiency Nova Scotia.

“As Mi’kmaq, we want to ensure we’re creating a more environmentally responsible tomorrow,” said Chief Paul J. Prosper, lead chief of Energy for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. “It’s great to see how much of a positive impact projects like this can make in our communities.”


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