On December 13th the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change announced its initiatives to promote energy-efficient homes. Ontario residents are eligible for rebates on low-carbon, energy-efficient renovations completed on their homes. This new program is under the Green Ontario Fund, a non-profit provincial agency and funded by proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market. The purpose of the Green Ontario Fund is to reduce greenhouse gas pollution in buildings and industry in order to meet Ontario’s emission reduction targets.
The new rebates will apply to:
- Up to $7,200 off new insulation and a $100 rebate for air sealing
- Up to $20,000 for the installation of ENERGY STAR certified ground source heat pumps (home geothermal) or up to $4,500 to repair existing heat pump systems
- Up to $5,800 off air source heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR certified or meet program requirements
- Up to $5,000 for replacement windows that meet program requirements.
Homeowners and tenants can also access a $100 smart thermostat rebate through a partnership with Save on Energy.
In addition to the rebates listed above the province is also launching GreenON Support.
GreenON Support is a free over-the-phone service with the goal of offering impartial advice from energy experts to help consumers learn how they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint through home upgrades.
Other activities funded by the province’s carbon market proceeds include: new electric vehicle initiatives, charging stations and infrastructure; a more comprehensive cycling network; energy retrofits for homes, multi-residential buildings, social housing; targeted greenhouse gas emission reduction programs for large industries, small and medium businesses; and, support for First Nation communities to fight climate change.