Ontario launching rebates for energy efficient home renovations and upgrades
CBC
Ontario is introducing two new energy efficiency programs, including one offering rebates for certain home improvements.
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce says the Home Renovation Savings Program will rebate homeowners up to 30 per cent of the cost of energy efficiency renovations and improvements, such as new windows, doors, insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.
The province is also expanding the residential Peak Perks program to small businesses, giving them a $75 virtual prepaid credit card for each eligible smart thermostat connected to a central air conditioning system or heat pump unit, and another $20 for each additional year in the program.
The home renovation program is similar to one the Progressive Conservative government cancelled in 2018, though Lecce says it is different because more homeowners will qualify and the new program has a longer commitment.
The government says that under the new energy efficiency plan involving the two new and 12 continuing programs, spending will be about $900 million per year, compared to an annual budget of $342 million on average over the past 13 years.
The Green Party of Ontario welcomed the move, but criticized the Ford government for not acting sooner.
"It's unfortunate that people have had to wait six long years for this government to act because home retrofits like heat pumps, solar panels or even just new windows and doors help Ontarians save money every single day," Leader Mike Schreiner said in an email statement.
He said his party, if elected, would slash electricity subsidies for the wealthiest people in the province in order to make retrofit programs more generous, even going as far as creating a program to offer free heat pumps.
What you need to know if you want to use the program:
In response to projections from the Independent Electricity System Operator showing electricity demand sharply rising over the next few decades, the province is looking to build new power generation, but Lecce also says investing $10.9 billion in conservation over the next 12 years will help avoid $23 billion in costs to the electricity system.
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