Energy management
The next chapter of Nova Scotia’s demand-side management plan
The proposed 2027–2031 plan opens a new planning cycle for efficiency, demand response and innovation.
Originally published on LinkedIn. This article reflects the information and perspective at the time of the original post.
EfficiencyOne has filed its proposed 2027–2031 Demand Side Management (DSM) Plan with the Nova Scotia Energy Board, marking the province’s first five-year DSM plan and the highest total DSM investment to date. The plan proposes $318.75 million in investment over five years, targeting: -435.4 GWh of cumulative first-year energy savings -85 MW of cumulative peak demand reduction -29.3 MW of available demand response capacity
DSM is funded by ratepayers to drive coordinated collective action across thousands of users, delivering system-wide benefits that reduce overall electricity costs and avoid more expensive supply-side investments.
This filing marks the beginning of a public stakeholder process that will unfold through most of 2026, with the plan ultimately reviewed and approved by the Nova Scotia Energy Board.
Nova Scotia’s regulated DSM model remains one of the most transparent in Canada, with detailed public reporting on program costs, participation, and performance, creating a unique dataset to track real market trends over time.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be breaking down: -Key DSM trends emerging from the plan -What it means for contractors, consultants, and technology providers -The major decision points ahead for the Board -Where the biggest opportunities for innovation and growth are emerging
