Nova Scotia utilities collaborate to manage peak load through demand response
As winter energy demand continues to rise in Nova Scotia, the pressure on the energy grid is growing, challenging utilities to continue to find effective and innovative solutions to meet the demand. Colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and more time spent indoors drive up the need for heating and lighting, especially during peak times of the day. Population growth and the shift to electric heating and transportation are further intensifying the demand for energy.
To tackle these mounting challenges, Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power have come together to manage peak demand through innovative demand response (DR) programs. Their collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can transform the way utilities address complex energy challenges and maintain grid reliability under increasing demands.
By joining forces, Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power are not only managing the growing demand on the grid but also delivering measurable benefits in energy efficiency and grid reliability. Efficiency Nova Scotia’s incentive programs help customers reduce their energy use, while Nova Scotia Power, which generates, transmits and distributes around 95% of the province’s electricity, ensures the grid operates smoothly. Together, they have created a powerful synergy that has been essential in launching programs that meet rising energy demands and support Nova Scotia’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient grid.
Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power have set a goal to achieve 17.9 MW of demand response (DR) capacity during their 2023–2025 program cycle—that’s enough to power approximately 2,500 electric vehicles. This shared target will provide valuable insights into how coordinated strategies can address one of today’s most significant energy challenges: balancing growing demand while transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Teaming up for Eco Shift
Efficiency Nova Scotia is Canada’s first electricity efficiency utility, offering advice, technical assistance and financial incentives to help Nova Scotian households and businesses reduce their energy costs. Efficiency Nova Scotia’s demand side management (DSM) work provides energy efficiency and conservation programs and initiatives for Nova Scotia Power customers to help manage electricity needs in Nova Scotia. The cost of these services is included in electricity rates, with regulatory oversight for DSM activity provided by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
In 2021, Efficiency Nova Scotia launched pilots for domestic hot water and commercial and industrial DR programs. To expand DR capacity further, CLEAResult partnered with Efficiency Nova Scotia in 2023 to introduce Eco Shift—a residential DR pilot focused on space heating, electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery storage. Designed as a two-year pilot, Eco Shift has successfully completed its first winter of DR events. CLEAResult, along with Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power, not only helped design and launch the program but also continues to support it by expanding the number and types of enrolled devices. Here’s how, and why, it works:
- Clear roles and communication: One of the key drivers of success has been clear and transparent communication. Efficiency Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power and CLEAResult worked together to ensure that customers understood each organization’s role in the program. Co-branded communications and a detailed FAQ section on the program website have helped customers understand which organizations would be contacting them, what types of data are collected, and how devices are managed. This transparency has built trust and driven program participation.
- Event coordination and timing: Nova Scotia Power determines when Eco Shift events take place, using day-ahead system forecasts to schedule load reduction events. By 4 pm local time the day before an event, Nova Scotia Power finalizes the schedule and notifies customers, giving them enough time to prepare. Efficiency Nova Scotia handles customer communication, ensuring participants are well-informed and ready. This close coordination ensures that the program runs smoothly, benefiting both customers and the grid.
- Program objectives: Nova Scotia Power’s role in power generation, transmission and distribution makes its involvement critical to using DR resources effectively. Efficiency Nova Scotia focuses on optimizing program delivery to meet capacity targets. Together, they ensure that the program operates efficiently, with both utilities aligning on their operational and long-term energy goals.
Combining strengths
CLEAResult, managing over 600 MW of peak load reduction for partner utilities, understands that collaboration is key to successful demand response programs. Our extensive portfolio of connected devices—spanning various types and manufacturers—enables us to manage a wide range of technologies in demand response programs. This includes bring-your-own-device models, which give customers the flexibility to enroll their existing devices in the program. With this approach, we can develop targeted programs for both summer and winter peaks, as well as year-round load reduction. By building strong partnerships, we help utilities effectively manage grid constraints while ensuring a smooth and positive experience for customers.
The collaboration between Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power shows that utilities can effectively tackle complex energy challenges when they work together. By merging demand-side management with grid operations, they’ve created a practical approach to managing peak demand. As winter demand rises and electric heating and transportation become more common, programs like Eco Shift offer an efficient way to meet growing needs.
If your goal is to improve grid reliability, reduce peak loads or develop demand response programs that deliver real results, our CLEAResult team is here to help. Contact our experts to learn how customized demand response solutions can support your utility’s needs.