Heat Pumps and Home Retrofits - Which loans, grants, incentives, programs support these?
The offices of our elected representatives shared the following information, as up-to-date as of April 23, 2024.
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The following information was shared by the office of MP Virani for our evening focused on Heat Pumps and Home Energy Retrofits.
Below “are the resources regarding heat pumps and information for some additional programs:
Although the Canada Greener Homes 'Grant' is no longer accepting applicants, the Canada Greener Homes Loan and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability programs remain open.
These are the best 'links' for your attendees to refer to for information on current federal retrofit programs.
Canada Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers interest-free financing to help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
The loan can help you finance eligible retrofits that are recommended by an energy advisor and that have not yet been started.
IMPORTANT: You should not start any retrofit work before your loan application has been submitted. Any retrofits started before submitting your loan application are ineligible.
Loan Details: Maximum $40,000; 10 years repayment term, interest-free
Read more here.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (canada.ca)
Is your home heated by oil? Is your household at or below the median household after-tax income? If so, learn more here.
Eligible retrofits and grant amounts (canada.ca)
Read more here.
Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program
Note, we just announced the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program in Budget 2024 which will be a low-median income retrofits program. More details about this will be available soon.”
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CITY OF TORONTO
The following information was shared on April 23, 2024 by Abraham Wairisal, Senior Energy Consultant from the City of Toronto’s Environment and Climate Division / Public Energy Initiatives - Existing Buildings:
Home Energy Loan Program
This program offers low interest financing for your home energy improvements. Through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), Toronto homeowners can borrow up to $125,000 to cover the cost of home energy improvements, such as Air-source Heat Pumps
Making your home more energy efficient is one of the most substantial actions homeowners can take to reduce the emissions contributing to climate change. Through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), Toronto homeowners can borrow up to $125,000 to cover the cost of home energy improvements, such as:
• Air-source heat pumps
• Window/door replacements
• Insulation: basement/attic/exterior wall
• Air sealing (e.g. weather stripping or caulking)
• Geothermal systems
• High-efficiency water heaters
• High-efficiency furnaces/boilers/air conditioners
• Tankless water heaters
• Drain-water heat recovery systems
• Toilet replacements
• Solar hot water systems
• Rooftop solar PV panels
• Electric vehicle charging stations (Level 2)
• Battery storage
HELP makes it easy and affordable for homeowners to pay for home improvements over time and access rebates offered by utility companies and the Federal government. Once funding is approved, homeowners can hire the contractor of their choice and complete their renovations.
Note: Projects that include any of the following measures: solar, windows, geothermal and/or heat pumps are eligible for a 20-year term.
In addition, we have been advised by Ariana Foyle that under the HELP program: "HELP does cover limited resilience measures such as backwater valves and sump pumps. We may follow up with the client for more information and to receive the quote depending on the price listed and scope of work, but in general yes we cover those measures.”
Learn more here about eligibility, application process, processing times, interest rates and terms, key reasons for choosing HELP, finding an energy advisor, webinars and events, contractor resources.
For earlier information (2022) regarding this program, read here .
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PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
The following information was shared for April 23rd by the office of our MPP Karpoche:
“There are currently no provincial programs to support housing retrofits, energy saving measures, or resilience preparation under the current Ontario government.
MPP Bhutila Karpoche and the Official Opposition have long-pushed for lower energy bills and stronger climate action measures. We have historically called for: • Grants for energy efficient upgrades on your home; • Zero-interest provincial financing for costs over the amount of the grant; • Qualifying upgrades would include things like heat pumps, high-efficiency electric water heaters, efficient windows, insulation, deep energy retrofits and energy efficiency assessments by authorized professionals.
Legislation Spotlight: Affordable Energy Act, 2024 Bill 172
https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-...
If passed, it would require: the Premier to prepare and implement Ontario’s Community Energy Affordability Plan - in connection with distributed energy resources, and the goal of deep retrofitting for all buildings in Ontario; the establishment of Affordable Energy Ontario as an agency.
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Enbridge Gas
Enbridge Gas’ Rebates & Energy Conservation page lists a number of rebates including the Home Winterproofing Program (HWP) and rebates for smart thermostats. The Home Winterproofing Program includes a free home energy assessment and free energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, draft proofing, and a smart thermostat. Please note that home and household income levels must qualify. Find out more here and here
Save on Energy
Save on Energy’s Energy Affordability Program “provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them to lower their monthly electricity costs and to increase their home comfort;. There are two types of support available: Comprehensive Support, and Energy Saving Kits.
Comprehensive Support includes, ‘depending on eligibility and the existing equipment within your home, you may receive: • Energy-efficient refrigerator • Window air conditioner • ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs • Drying line for clothes • Smart power strip • High-efficiency shower heads (standard and handheld)* • Faucet aerators (kitchen and bathroom)* • Additional attic or basement insulation** • Weatherstripping around doors and windows** • Smart thermostat(s)** • Cold climate air source heat pump**
Energy Saving Kits include: • LED light bulbs • Weather stripping • Handheld showerhead • Retractable clothesline • Faucet aerators • LED night light • You may also receive a block heater timer if you use a block heater for your vehicle
To sign up, find out if you qualify, or learn more about the program, individuals have the option of filling out an application form to get a call back from the program service provider within three business days, or contact Save on Energy at 1-844-770-3148 Find out more here. ”
https://saveonenergy.ca/en/For-Your-Home/Energy-Affordability-Program/Ai...
including information about free heat pumps.
