Cut Your Power Bills: Explore Ontario’s Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Earlier this month the Province announced a series of energy efficiency programs, some existing, some new, aimed at reducing electricity demand thus reducing the requirement to build new generation and transmission infrastructure. These programs are projected to cost taxpayers $10.9 billion over the next 12 years but are expected to yield $23.1 billion in electricity investment savings over 24 years for a net savings of $12.2 billion.

Some of these programs have been around in one form or another for several years. For example, the Peak Perks program will continue providing financial incentives for residential customers who are willing to install an eligible smart thermostat that will raise the air conditioning temperature by a degree or so when electricity demand on the grid reaches a peak threshold.

Currently homeowners receive $75 for enrolling in the program and $20 for every additional year they stay in it. This year the program will be expanded to include rebates on equipment that will automatically balance electricity demand in the home by shifting things like EV charging , water heating or clothes drying to times of the day when grid demand is lower.

Another program that is being continued is the Energy Affordability Program that provides income-eligible households with free energy-saving upgrades including:

  • refrigerators,
  • air conditioners,
  • cold-climate air sourced heat pumps,
  • LED lighting,
  • added home insulation.

The Home Renovation Program is being offered as a replacement to the federally funded Home Energy Retrofit Plus program that was managed through Enbridge Gas. This program will offer rebates for residential energy-efficiency improvements including:

  • $600 for a home energy assessment
  • $100 per new window and door
  • Up to $8,900 for insulation
  • Up to $250 for air sealing
  • $75 for a smart thermostat
  • $500 for a heat pump water heater
  • Up to $7,500 for a cold climate air source heat pump
  • Up to $12,000 for a ground source heat pump
  • Up to $5,000 for rooftop solar panels
  • Up to $5,000 for battery storage systems

Rebates for energy efficient appliances will be added later in 2025.

There will also be several programs designed for small businesses, large industrial businesses, energy managers, local power distribution companies, municipalities, and First Nations communities. These programs are designed to incentivize these organizations to improve operational energy efficiencies and lower energy demand thereby deferring or eliminating the need for expensive grid expansion projects.

Details on how to apply for the new programs will be available later this month. In the meantime, you can share your email with with the folks at Save On Energy who will send you program updates as soon as they are available.

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