The Executive Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey is thrilled to see the province launch a new energy efficiency cost savings program.
The new Home Renovation Savings Program will launch at the end of the month, offering rebates of up to 30 per cent for home energy efficiency renovations and improvements.
Such improvements include new windows, doors, insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and battery storage systems.
Additionally, the province’s Affordable Energy Act, which came into effect in December last year, will make sure this program and others will be expanded to homeowners who heat their homes by propane and oil, rather than being restricted to only electric.
Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says they are really glad to see this include propane and furnace oil.
“People who are middle class, upper middle class who are already going to do windows, new furnaces, that kind of thing have the money and get a 30 per cent rebate on it, this is fantastic for them,” says Dobbyn.
The province is also expanding its Peak Perks program with a new stream specific for small businesses like convenience stores and restaurants. These businesses will receive a financial incentive of $75 when they enrol in the program and $20 a year for each eligible smart thermostat connected to a central air condition system or heat pump.
The Ontario Government is also continuing to support 12 Save on Energy programs, including the Retrofit Program for businesses and low-income households, businesses, municipalities, institutions, those in agriculture, industry, and First Nation communities.
Dobbyn says they are waiting to hear more details on programs specifically targeting those on a lower income.
“That is where people need to have the program paid for up front because they just do not have the capital investments,” says Dobbyn.
She adds it is crucial to address energy issues, especially consumption to help lower bills.
“Keeping people housed, keeping people warm, keeping that housing envelop is really important,” says Dobbyn. “What we are looking for from the province on this is a little more hand holding, a little more system navigation.”
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers announced the program on Tuesday as part of a new $10.9 billion 12-year investment in energy efficiency.
“These new Energy Efficiency Programs are great news and will help lower energy bills and support Ontario’s energy grid,” says Byers.
It is anticipated by 2036, the energy efficiency program will expand and reduce Ontario’s peak demand by 3,000 megawatts, which is equal to taking three million homes off the electricity grid.