Ontario Energy Rebates

Are you looking for Ontario energy rebates? At any given time, there are multiple incentives and rebates available that can help you save money if you’re looking to make energy efficient upgrades. How much you get back depends on where you live, what you’re upgrading to, and who your energy provider is.

To help you find an Ontario energy savings program, the government has a website that allows you to search what’s currently available. While this tool is useful, it’s not always up to date and it’s hard to quickly see what rebates are relevant to your project.

Below is a list of energy rebates that you can take advantage of and the conditions that come with the programs.

Home Efficiency Rebate – Enbridge Gas / Union Gas

The Home Efficiency Rebate that’s available to Enbridge Gas and Union Gas users is easily one of the best Ontario energy rebates since you can get up to $5,000 back. Clearly this is a lucrative deal, but it requires a few steps if you’re looking to maximize the program.

First off, you need to complete a home energy assessment before any renovations are done. A registered energy advisor will provide you with a report that will supply you with a report that lists upgrades that can help you save money. If you complete at least two of the upgrades, you can get the following back:

• Exterior wall insulation – Up to $3,000 back
• Basement insulation – Up to $1,250 back
• Attic insulation – Up to $650 back
• Boiler – $1,000 back
• Water heater – $400 back
• Window/door/skylight – $40 back for each
• Air sealing – Up to $150 back
• Furnace – $250 back

Obviously, you need to meet certain conditions to qualify for each rebate. For example, if you’re upgrading your furnace or boiler, it needs to meet a certain AFUE rating. For those who are insulating their basement or attic, the insulation must have a minimum R value. The higher the R value, the more you get back.

What’s interesting about the Home Efficiency Rebate is that you can easily get more money back. In addition to the rebates from the two upgrades, you’ll also get $550 back which will offset the cost of the energy assessments. If you do three, four, or five of the recommended upgrades, you’ll get another $150, $500, or $750 respectively. Once your post-renovation energy assessment is completed, you’ll get a cheque within 12 weeks.

Smart Thermostats – Enbridge Gas / Union Gas

If you’re an Enbridge Gas / Union Gas user and plan on purchasing a smart thermostat , you might as well get your $75 instant discount. To be eligible, you must be a residential Enbridge Gas customer with a natural gas furnace or boiler. Stacked townhouses and anyone who has received a smart thermostat rebate or device from Enbridge would not qualify.

Some popular smart thermostats that qualify for Enbridge rebates include:

• ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control
• ecobee3 lite
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat
• Google Nest Thermostat
• Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat with Colour Display
• Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat
• Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat with Built-In Wi-Fi

Getting your Enbridge smart thermostat rebate is easy as it’s generated right from the website. You just need to verify your eligibility, choose your thermostat model, and then pick which retailer you’ll be buying the device from. The discount code will then be emailed to you and must be redeemed at the time of purchase.

Home Energy Loan Program – City of Toronto

The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) allows Toronto homeowners to apply for a low-interest loan of up to $75,000 that can be used for energy efficient improvements such as:

• High-efficiency furnaces / boilers / air conditioners
• Air-source heat pumps
• Window / door replacements
• Basement/attic/exterior wall insulation
• Air sealing (e.g. weather stripping or caulking)
• Geothermal systems
• High-efficiency water heaters
• 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

Applicants must own their home. If you still have a mortgage, your lender must agree to the loan before the city can offer funding. The next step is to book a home energy assessment with a registered Energy Advisor. After your audit, you can formally request the funds be released to you so you can pay for your upgrades. Once the project is done, you need to send a completion report.

That makes HELP one of the more popular Ontario energy rebates is the low interest aspect of the loan. Although the rates are slightly higher than current mortgage rates, they’re usually lower than personal line of credit interest rates. Similar to mortgages, with HELP, you choose a term and amortization schedule. While the immediate energy savings is great, if you amortize your loan over 10-15 years, the value would decrease. Payments are added to your property tax bill.

Energy Efficient Housing Program Refund – Sagen (formerly Genworth Financial)

Anyone who is purchasing an energy-efficient home or refinancing an existing home for the purpose of making energy-saving renovation while being insured by Sagen (formerly Genworth Financial) can get a refund of up to 25% of the mortgage insurance premium.

To be eligible for the Energy Efficient Housing Program Refund, you must be a Sagen-insured mortgage holder. On the date of your application for mortgage insurance, your home must meet all minimum energy efficient program requirements. If you’re buying a new or existing home, you need documents certifying your home was built under a Sagen qualifying energy efficient building program. For renovations, you need to provide the first page of both the pre and post-improvement evaluation reports. 

This is one of those very specific Ontario Energy Rebates that are worth getting if you already meet the qualifications, but it’s not really worth going out of your way for it.

First Nations Conservation Program – Hydro One 

The First Nations Conservation Program offered by Hydro One is a highly lucrative Ontario electricity rebate since there is no cost to you. Residents in eligible communities can request a free home energy assessment where a licensed contractor can look at what you currently have and make upgrade recommendations.

The energy-efficient upgrade recommendations made are free. There’s also no charge for the installation, so it’s in your best interest to take advantage. Some products you can get for free include:

• LED light bulbs
• Programmable thermostats
• Low-flow showerheads
• Power bars with digital timers
• ENERGY STAR® certified appliances
• Weatherstripping
• Attic and basement insulation
• Hot water tank wrap and pipe insulation
• Block heater timers
• Faucet aerators

To qualify, you must be a First Nations person living in a participating community. If you own the home, it must be your primary residence. Renters also qualify, but they need permission from the owner to make the upgrades.

Energy Affordability Program – SAVE ON ENERGY

Easily one of the best Ontario energy rebates is the Energy Affordability Program since it’s in place to help lower-income families. Depending on how many people live in your home and what your household income is, you may qualify for a free home energy needs assessment and free energy saving kits.

Depending on your situation, you could get the following energy efficient products for free:

• LED light bulbs
• High-efficiency showerheads
• Faucet aerators
• Drying line for clothes
• Energy efficient refrigerator
• Window air conditioner
• Smart power strip
• Additional attic or basement insulation
• Weatherstripping around doors and windows
• Smart thermostat

To be clear, the products and installation are free as long as you’re eligible. Eligibility depends on your household income from the previous year and how many people you live with. Those who live in social housing may also qualify. Regardless of your situation, you’ll get expert advice and energy-efficiency upgrades at no cost.

Live Green Perks App – City of Toronto

Although not a true energy rebate, the Live Green Perks App gives you access to discounts at local businesses while promoting a greener lifestyle. Every time you claim a deal via the app, it’ll be logged. Once you claim 20 items, the city of Toronto will plant a tree on your behalf. Some deals have included:

• 15% off at Green & Frugal
• 10% off minus H2O cleaning products
• 25% off any purchase over $75 at Shoosha Baby truly organic
• 5% off your order at Earth Love – Zero waste cleaning supplies
• $10 off your service at Matteo’s mobile bicycle repair

To be honest, the perks aren’t that exciting and they’re at specific retailers. That said, there are some popular merchants on the app including MEC, H&M, Steam Whistle, Fresh, Balzac’s Coffee, and more. It’s also free to download the app, so it’s worth checking out to see what deals are available near you.

How do I get an energy rebate in Ontario?

Getting an Ontario electricity rebate often depends on what you’re doing. In most cases, a pre-renovation energy assessment is required. Once your renovations are done, a post-renovation report is needed to finalize things. With that paperwork, you can apply for your rebates and incentives. That said, there are some instant rebates such as the Smart Thermostat Enbridge rebates and the Energy Affordability Program.

Who is eligible for Ontario electricity rebate?

Eligibility requirements for any rebate can vary quite a bit. For cash back rebates, it has more to do with the product you’re upgrading to as opposed to who the person is. If you’re looking to take advantage of the First Nations Conservation Program or Energy Affordability Program, then you must be a First Nations person or not exceed the household income threshold. Every program has specific eligibility requirements which so you need to read the fine print before starting any renovations.

How long does it take for rebates to arrive?

It depends on the program, the Enbridge smart thermostat discount is instant. If you’re looking to claim the Home Efficiency Rebate, you need to book a post-renovation energy assessment first. Once that report is done, it can take up to 12 weeks before your cheque arrives in the mail.

Is it worth making your home energy efficient?

In most cases, upgrading your home to be more energy efficient is well worth it. When you upgrade your HVAC equipment or windows to something that’s more energy efficient, your energy bills will likely decrease. Adding insulation to your basement and attic could also keep your warm home warmer which means less energy used to heat things. The issue for many homeowners is the upfront costs which is why Ontario energy savings programs can be so valuable. The cash back you get from any rebates and incentives will immediately help offset any of your costs. Once the upgrades are made, the lower monthly energy costs will help you save in the long run.