Ontario launches new energy-efficiency programs
The provincial government’s new Home Renovation Savings Program is offering rebates on renovations that reduce energy bills, including new windows, doors, insulation, smart thermostats and heat pumps.
“As the demand for electricity continues to rise, we’re giving families and small businesses more ways to save money and energy as we launch the largest energy-efficiency program in Canadian history,” Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce says of the new $10.9-billion, 12-year investment in energy efficiency.
The new Home Renovation Savings Program will launch on January 28. In addition to the home-energy renovations and improvements listed above, it will offer rebates of up to 30 per cent for air sealing, as well as rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems for people wanting to generate and store energy at home.
The government’s Affordable Energy Act, which came into force last month, will expand the new Home Renovation Savings Program and other program offerings to homeowners who heat their homes by propane and oil. They were previously restricted to those who heat with electricity.
Founder and President of the Holmes Group Mike Holmes supports the initiative. “For 20 years I have spoken on my TV shows about investing smartly in homes and businesses, with energy efficiency as a top priority for any renovation or retrofit,” he says. “Now, the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program will make those investments easier, more affordable and support our province’s future energy sustainability and planning efforts. I hope all Ontarians educate themselves more on the benefits of this program and use it to reduce their energy costs today and tomorrow.”
The province is also expanding the Peak Perks program with a new program specifically targeted to small businesses, including convenience stores and restaurants. Businesses will receive a financial incentive of $75 upon initial enrollment in the program and $20 per year for each eligible smart thermostat connected to a central air conditioning system or heat pump unit.
The province will also continue to support 12 Save on Energy programs, including the Retrofit Program for business, as well as other programs geared to low-income households, businesses, municipalities, institutions, the agricultural sector, industry and on-reserve First Nations communities.
According to the government, this expansion of energy-efficiency programs will reduce the province’s peak demand by 3,000 MW by 2036 – the equivalent of taking three million homes off the grid. It estimates its $10.9-billion investment will result in $23.1 billion in electricity system benefits, saving ratepayers $12.2 billion in electricity system costs by avoiding the build out of new generation.
Homeowners interested in the Home Renovation Savings Program can sign up now at saveonenergy.ca. Later in 2025, the program will expand to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances, including refrigerators and freezers. All other programs are available now.