Tech-driven energy: EfficiencyOne’s path to a sustainable Nova Scotia

EfficiencyOne’s purpose is simple: to transform the way people use energy. To help achieve this purpose, EfficiencyOne is committed to leveraging technology as a driving force for change.To date they’ve helped Nova Scotians save over $4B through energy efficiency programs, supporting over 400,000 program participants—and they’re excited to see that number grow. “Nova Scotia has always been leading the charge across the country in energy efficiency, and we're not seeing that slowing down anytime soon,” said Janet Tobin, communications lead at EfficiencyOne. EfficiencyOne, the operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, fosters collaboration with residents and organizations across the province to achieve energy goals by designing and delivering energy efficiency programs and focusing on climate change mitigation activities. Technology takes charge for EfficiencyOne with the launch of their latest pilot program—one that explores the use of remote technology to deliver home energy assessments. While EfficiencyOne had been exploring the concept of remote audits for sometime, the COVID-19 pandemic created a need to explore this further. Through this pilot, they were able to examine its viability and integrate it into existing offerings. “While a remote technology assessment may not always be the right fit, we were able to run a pilot program on that technology, study it, take a look at its effectiveness, and figure out how we can weave that into existing programs” explained Tobin.Their tech journey doesn’t end there—utilizing insightful customer data such as energy consumption patterns and home details, they’re able to tailor their services to meet individual needs. This data-driven approach not only amplifies the impact of their programs, but highlights their ability to leverage technology for tangible results. While AI hasn’t been integrated yet, they remain open to emerging technologies. New technologies could be a new tool, program, or making slight tweaks and changes to existing ones. “In the context of solar energy or electric vehicles, that might mean storage and charging infrastructure,” said Tobin. “I think ultimately, we're just looking forward to continuing to help more Nova Scotians realize their energy efficiency goals,” said Tobin.As they continue on the trajectory of creating a greener, more efficient future for Nova Scotians, EfficiencyOne remains dedicated to adapting and embracing technology by welcoming innovation.If you’re interested in joining one of their programs, see what they have to offer here: https://www.efficiencyone.ca/about-us/who-we-are/