Recently, the Canadian Government has released a grant with the purpose of helping Canadians pay for Energy Saving home upgrades. While the over-arching goal is to promote energy efficiency which will make homes more affordable while also supporting environmental goals, there are multiple, smaller goals that they aim to achieve. These smaller goals consist of making homes more energy-efficient, create new jobs for energy advisors, grow the domestic green supply chain and fight climate change.
There are up to 700 000 grants of up to $5 000 available for homeowners to apply for.
Eligibility
Applications
There are a few factors to consider when evaluating your eligibility for the grant. There is your homeowner status, as well as the type of residence. To be eligible to apply you must be:
- A homeowner who can provide proof of ownership, and demonstrate it is your primary residence.
- An indigenous government or organization.
- A Housing management body or other representatives
- Indigenous delivery service organization
Property Types
The government has also limited which property types are eligible. These property types are:
- Single and semi-detached houses
- Row housing
- All-season cottages
- Mobile homes on a permeant foundation
- Permanently-moored floating homes
- Mixed use buildings, but only the residential portion is eligible
- Small multi-unit residential buildings
What are Retrofits?
Retrofits can be defined as the addition of new technology or features to an old build or system. The government offers a grant that if eligible, covers some of the costs of doing retrofits on current properties.
Possible Retrofits and How Much the Government Will Cover
Below is a list of possible retrofits the government will cover and how much for each retrofit. It is up to the homeowner to determine which retrofits they want or can do to their property. More information, in higher detail, is also available here.
- Home Insulation ($5 000)
- Air-sealing ($1 000)
- Windows and Doors ($5 000)
- Thermostats ($50)
- Heating ($5 000)
- Renewable Energy ($5 000)
- Resiliency Measures ($2 625)
Steps to Take
When applying for the grant, there are some steps to take to facilitate the procedure.
Learn
- Determine if you or your property are eligible to apply.
- Figure out which documents need to be provided.
- Explore other options that can help make changes at home.
Register and book
- Register or login to the Greener Homes program by logging in to your Sign in Partner account (with your online Canadian banking information) or your GCKey.
- Book your pre-retrofit evaluation.
Plan, document and complete your retrofits
- Determine which retrofits are right for you.
- Establish how much money you can get back.
- Plan retrofits as well as figure out which ones require professional installation, and which ones recommend a professional.
- Consider potential health and safety concerns.
Book post-retrofit evaluation
- Prepare for evaluation: what is to be expected from you as well as the results
- Receive the evaluation to determine how much energy has been saved, how much greenhouse gas emissions are reduced because of the retrofits, and how much your energy advisor recommends you receive for reimbursement.
- Upload receipts for your pre-and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation as well as all receipts and invoices for products purchased and for installation costs online.
Receive reimbursement
- Go into your portal to confirm you have received your reimbursement.
For More Information…
More information is available here.
