Insights

Empower Your Home with the Efficiency Nova Scotia Eco Shift Battery Program

Last updated 18 days ago by Tom Rendle

5 minute read

If you live in Nova Scotia and own an Enphase IQ Battery—or are thinking about installing one—you might be eligible for a new incentive program that rewards you for shifting your electricity use away from peak demand times. Below is a quick overview of how the Efficiency Nova Scotia Eco Shift Battery Program works and why it might be a great fit for your home or small business.

What Is the Eco Shift Battery Program?

The Eco Shift Battery Program is run by Efficiency Nova Scotia in partnership with Enphase and Nova Scotia Power. The goal is to reduce strain on the electrical grid by using stored energy in residential and small commercial battery systems during times of high demand (often on cold mornings or evenings when heating usage spikes). By participating, you help support a more reliable and greener grid—while earning cash rewards.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Residential and Small Commercial Customers: Anyone with a valid Nova Scotia Power residential or small commercial rate code.
  • Enphase IQ Battery Owners: Your Enphase IQ Battery must be installed, interconnected to the grid, and have permission to operate.
  • Internet Connection: Your battery must be connected to the internet to respond to demand response events.
Note: Customers on Nova Scotia Power’s Time-of-Day rate, or those already enrolled in another Efficiency Nova Scotia demand response program, are not eligible.

How Does It Work?

  1. Demand Response Events
    When Nova Scotia Power anticipates a high-demand period, it will request (or “call”) a demand response event. Participating Enphase IQ Batteries will automatically discharge energy back to the grid for a few hours to help reduce peak demand.

  2. Automatic Adjustments
    Your battery’s settings will temporarily shift to Full Backup mode starting 12 hours before an event to ensure there’s energy to discharge when the event begins. Once the event is over, your battery returns to its previous settings.

  3. Opt-Out Flexibility
    If you need to reserve battery power for backup or simply don’t want to participate in a specific event, you’re free to opt out. However, opting out does reduce your potential performance incentive.

What Are the Incentives?

  • Immediate Enrollment Incentive: You’ll receive $500 once your application is accepted and your device is enrolled in the program.
  • Performance-Based Incentives: Earn an additional $300 per kW (average) delivered each season (December–February). Performance is measured by how much power your battery contributes during the total event hours.
Depending on your system size, configuration, and event participation, you could earn anywhere from hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars per year.

How Do I Apply?

  1. Install and Commission Your Enphase IQ Battery
    Make sure it’s fully set up with all required permissions to operate (PTO).

  2. Enroll Online
    Head to the Efficiency Nova Scotia Enrollment Portal to complete the program application. You’ll need:

    • Name, email, address, phone number
    • Nova Scotia Power account number
    • Agreement to the Program Terms & Conditions and the Enphase Participant Agreement
  3. Approval
    Efficiency Nova Scotia typically processes applications within 2–3 weeks. You’ll receive an email with next steps or a denial notice if you’re found ineligible.

How Are Incentives Paid?

  • Enrollment Payment: Issued within 10 business days after your enrollment is confirmed.
  • Performance Payments: Each season runs December through February. Efficiency Nova Scotia will calculate how much energy your battery contributed to demand response events and issue incentive payments in the spring.
Can I Still Use My Battery for Backup?

Absolutely. You can set a Battery Discharge Limit in the Enphase App, ensuring you keep enough stored energy for emergencies. For example, setting your Battery Discharge Limit to 20% means only 80% of your battery’s capacity will be available for grid support, preserving backup energy if there’s a power outage.

What If I Need to Opt Out or Unenroll?

  • Opting Out of a Single Event: You can opt out through the event notification email or via the Enphase App. There’s no penalty, but opting out lowers your performance incentive.
  • Leaving the Program: You can unenroll at any time by contacting Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Energy Solution Advisors at 1-877-999-6035 or emailing ecoshift@efficiencyns.ca.
Next Steps

  1. Already Have an Enphase IQ Battery?
    Get in touch with Efficiency Nova Scotia to start your enrollment.
  2. Considering Installing One?
    Reach out for a detailed quote and to learn how the Eco Shift Battery Program can offset your costs.
  3. Stay Connected
    Keep your battery and internet connection up and running to ensure seamless participation and to maximize your incentive earnings.
By taking part in the Eco Shift Battery Program, you’re not only earning cash rewards—you’re also helping to build a cleaner, more resilient electricity grid in Nova Scotia. For any questions about the program or potential earnings, reach out to Efficiency Nova Scotia or email ecoshift@efficiencyns.ca.

Disclaimer: Program details, incentive amounts, and eligibility requirements may change. Always refer to Efficiency Nova Scotia’s official program documentation for the most current information.