The increase in electricity bills is inevitable, which can be difficult for homeowners in Canada. Fortunately, there’s hope for you to save money on energy bills! We’ve compiled a list of the different energy rebates available in Ontario for your convenience. Each has varying eligibility criteria, benefits, and conditions you need to consider.
Curious to know more? Continue reading to find out which home efficiency rebate Ontario program fits you best!
What Is the Canada Greener Homes Grant?
This year, Natural Resources Canada partnered with Enbridge Gas and presented the Canada Greener Homes Grant under the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus Program (HER+).
With this partnership, more Ontario households can now access the benefits of both programs! The aim is to reward eligible homeowners for making their houses energy-efficient by providing grants ranging up to $10,000. Additionally, you can receive up to $600 as a contribution for the total costs of the pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.
And that’s not the best part—you also don’t have to worry about submitting multiple applications to qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Grant and HER+. The streamlined process requires only one application which can be completed through the Enbridge Gas HER+ program website.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You’re a property owner
- You live in an off-grid community or permanent settlement with at least 10 dwellings that are not connect to the North American electrical grid/piped natural gas network
- Own a low-rise/mixed-use property (details here)
- You are an Enbridge Gas customer (or own a rental property that uses Enbridge Gas)
- Non-Enbridge Gas customers
How Does the Application Process Work?
The Canada Greener Homes Grant application process involves the following steps:
- Visit the Enbridge HER+ program website to select a service organization to assist you in conducting an initial home energy audit. Their findings will state the recommended upgrades or retrofits for your house. If you need financial assistance, Natural Resources Canada offers the Canada Greener Homes Loan to make your retrofits possible.
- Complete at least one eligible upgrade or retrofit.
- Conduct a post-retrofit evaluation.
- Receive your Canada Greener Homes Grant and HER+ program rebate.
Covered Eligible Retrofits
Below is a list of the eligible retrofits for the Canada Greener Homes Grant:
| Type of Retrofit | Grant Provided |
| Home Insulation | Up to $5,000 |
| Air-sealing | Up to $1,000 |
| Windows and Doors | Up to $5,000 |
| Smart Thermostat | Up to $50 |
| Space and Water Heating | Up to $5,000 |
| Renewable Energy | Up to $5,000 |
| Resiliency Measures | Up to $2,625 |
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
Get financial aid to pay your bills through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) by the Ontario Energy Board. This program offers emergency relief with financial grants of up to $500 ($600 if your home is heated electrically). When qualified, the provided amount applies directly to the outstanding balance on your energy bill.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for LEAP requires your household income to fall below a specific amount, which varies depending on the number of residents in a home. You must also connect with an intake agency prior to starting your application. These agencies include United Way, Salvation Army, and other social service providers.
Application Process
Applying for LEAP involves two steps:
- Connect with a social agency in your area for an interview. Their representative will ask you to provide the following:
- Utility name
- Account number
- Passed due account balance
- Disconnection notice (if applicable)
- Monthly income details of you and everyone in your household who is over 18
- Details about your home
- Once you qualify for the pre-screen phone call, you’ll receive the next steps for the LEAP application.
Everything You Need to Know About the CMHC Eco Plus
Another fantastic program from home efficiency rebates in Ontario is the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Eco Plus. This offers a partial premium refund of 25% for homeowners who make climate-friendly purchase decisions, encouraging the importance of energy conservation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Homeowners with mortgage financial insurance from CMHC
- Meet at least one of the following:
- Building standard and/or the EnerGuide and EnerGuide GJ ratings
- Energy consumption instructions
- Greenhouse gas emissions requirements
- An energy efficiency certificate assessed by a Natural Resources Canada qualified energy advisor
- Successful payments to your lending institution for the costs of the CMHC mortgage loan insurance
Deadlines
The CMHC Eco Plus requires you to comply with the following deadlines:
- Application should be filed within 24 months of the closing date of the mortgage
- Supporting energy efficiency documentation shouldn’t be over five years old
Application Process
Applying for the CMHC Eco Plus program only has two steps:
- Download the application form from the program’s site and complete the necessary details.
- Send the completed application form with your energy certificate or report to the email or mailing address of CMHC.
What Is the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program?
Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and make your home energy efficient since they use outdoor energy for heating or cooling. Because of its efficiency, Natural Resources Canada launched the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program. This supports homes that use oil to generate heat and households at or below the median after-tax income.
Qualified applicants for this rebates program can receive an upfront payment of up to $10,000. This amount covers the following factors:
- The purchase of a new home heating system;
- Necessary electrical and mechanical upgrades;
- Removal of your home’s oil tank;
- Installation of a backup electric heating system; and/or
- Replacement of other oil-using household appliances.
Eligible Households
- Single and semi-detached houses;
- Townhomes and row housing
- Mobile homes (on a permanent foundation);
- Permanently moored floating homes;
- Low-rise, multi-unit residential buildings; and
- Mixed-use buildings (residential portion only).
Application Requirements
- Proof of primary residence;
- Proof of home ownership;
- Heating oil fuel bills;
- Quote(s) from your contractor(s); and
- Your Social Insurance Number.
Which Home Efficiency Rebate Ontario Program Is Right for You?
Given the different home efficiency rebate Ontario programs, picking one can be challenging! We at LG Home Comfort are here to erase that problem by connecting you with our energy assessment professionals. Their expert guidance can help you decide which rebates and grants are best for your home.
Contact us now to learn more about energy rebates!