Ontario 'Home Energy Savings Program' Still Available to Home Owners!

On March 31, 2010, the federal government announced funding cuts to the EcoEnergy Retrofit Homes Program. This means that homeowners who booked a pre-retrofit audit before March 31, 2010 can access grants from both the federal government as well as the Ontario Home Energy Savings program.

However, Homeowners who booked an audit after March 31, 2010 are still eligible for grants from the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program. Audits booked after March 31, 2010 will qualify you for up to $5,000 in provincial retrofit grants.

The Government of Ontario is committed to encouraging conservation, and will continue efforts to help residents achieve their home energy efficiency goals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The following information is provided to help answer some of your questions about how the federal announcement might affect you. Please visit this website again in the future for updates.

1. What effect does this announcement have on the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program (HESP)?

Due to the sudden nature of the federal announcement to cancel a partnership program, Ontario is reviewing its options to create and deliver effective conservation programs to Ontarians. Until such time a decision is made and notice given, Ontario will continue to fund new pre-retrofit audits and retrofits. This means we will continue to pay 50% of your home’s audit, up to $150. Audits will qualify you for up to $5,000 in provincial retrofit grants. Please continue to check back here for further information and updates.

2. Can I still enter the federal ecoENERGY-Retrofit program?

No. Effective March 31, 2010, the federal program is not providing grants for new pre-audits that are booked. Only the homeowners who have already booked or completed a pre-retrofit evaluation by March 31, 2010 remain eligible to apply for a federal retrofit grant.

3. How does the date that I book my pre-retrofit audit affect my ability to access grants?
Homeowners who scheduled pre-retrofit evaluations by March 31, 2010 remain eligible to apply to both the HESP and ecoENERGY programs. Homeowners are reminded that they are required to complete their renovations and follow-up with a post-retrofit evaluation and submit their application by March 31, 2011.

Homeowners who scheduled a pre-retrofit evaluation after March 31, 2010 remain eligible to apply to the HESP program only.

4. How much of a retrofit grant am I eligible for?

Homeowners who scheduled pre-retrofit evaluations by March 31, 2010 remain eligible to apply to both HESP and ecoENERGY for a maximum of up to $10,000. Homeowners who scheduled a pre-retrofit evaluation after March 31, 2010 remain eligible to apply to the HESP program only, with rebates to a maximum of $5,000.

5. I have already had a pre-retrofit energy evaluation. What is the deadline for applying for a grant?

The deadline for applying for a grant is 18 months from the time of the pre-retrofit evaluation or March 31, 2011, whichever comes first. Homeowners who have completed the eligible work under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program within their 18-month period or before March 31, 2011, (whichever comes first) are eligible for a grant. However, it is suggested that you complete your energy upgrades well in advance of the deadline in order to allow enough time for your post-retrofit evaluation.

6. I have more questions about the recent changes to the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. Who should I contact?

Please call Natural Resources Canada at 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232). The call agents from the federal program will be able to provide you with more information.