Government Programs

Both homeowners and businesses can benefit when planning improvements or new construction for energy efficiency.

For the Homeowner

A few examples are:
- Grants for the installation of solar domestic water heaters, insulating existing walls, attics
- Grants for retrofitting homes to be more energy efficient based on an EnergyGuide evaluation
- PST tax exemption on the purchase of solar electric and solar thermal systems.
- Rebates for installing low flow toilets.

The ‘ecoEnergy Retrofit Program’ is the current plan offered for home improvements for energy efficiency. It is run by Natural Resources Canada. A home energy audit is required to qualify for the grants or rebates. The auditor must be a company (individual) trained and certified by Natural Resources Canada. The home is inspected and given an EnerGuide rating. A listed of recommendations is provided. Theses can range from adding insulation in certain areas, sealing air leaks to replacing the furnace, windows, etc. Any improvements, which qualify for a grant, must be made within 18 months. This program is in effect from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011.

For more information contact natural Resources Canada at 1-800-622-6232 or visit their website.
Natural Resources Canada
www.nrcan.gc.ca
On the left hand column, click on the box marked EcoAction.
In the new window, go to the right column and click on: Grants and Rebates
In the new window, go to the right hand column and click on: Energy Rebates

A Home Renovation Tax Credit is currently available from the federal government.It is in effect for the 2009 tax year for the period of January 27, 2009 to February 1, 2010. This tax credit allows homeowners to deduct 15% of the cost for a home renovation project.The maximum claim is $1, 350.00. It applies to projects of more than $1,000.00 but less than $10,000.00, whether a company performs the work or it is for products purchased for a do-it-yourself job. Receipts are required. More information is on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
www.cra.gc.ca
In the search box type in: hrtc

For Business

A few examples are:
- Grants and/or loans for installing solar or solar thermal technology.
- Grants and exemptions for commercial building construction using energy efficient technology and design (commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential building projects).

Information on solar related incentives is available at:
The Canadian Solar Industries Association
Phone: 613-736-9077 or 866-522-6742
www.cansia.ca
In the column on the left hand side, click on: Government Incentives

When considering any energy efficient project check first with your local city or town office.
They can provide a list or outline of the current incentives available, local or otherwise.
Verify all procedures that are required to qualify for any grants, loans or rebates.Some cities or towns offer rebates for energy upgrades locally.It is worth a call to the City Hall or Town Office to inquire about rebates available for your community.

British Columbia
British Columbia offers provincial incentive programs to encourage BC homeowners and businesses to become more energy efficient.
Detailed information is available at the following:

Livesmart BC
www.livesmartbc.ca

SolarBC
www.solarbc.ca
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New Brunswick
The government of New Brunswick has established a division called Efficiency NB. Efficiency NB promotes energy efficiency in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
More information regarding outlines for various incentives is available at:

Efficiency NB
Phone: 506-643-7826
Toll-free: 1-866-643-8833
And at:
www.efficiencynb.ca
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Nova Scotia
Converse Nova Scotia is the provincial government agency for Nova Scotia.The policies are designed to promote energy efficiency and conservation.There are a variety of incentives available for the residents, businesses and industries in this province.
Up-to-date information is available at:

Conserve Nova Scotia
Phone: 1-902-424-0790
EnerInfo line: 10800-670-4636
And at:
www.conservens.ca
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Ontario
The Ontario government offers a rebate of the provincial retail sales tax on the purchase of residential solar systems as well as some other alternative energy systems.
It states that this is for the purchase of residential solar, or any expansion or upgrade to existing systems installed in a residential premises until January 1, 2010.
For more information contact the nearest Ontario Ministry of Finance Tax Office. It is listed in the blue pages of your phone book under Taxes – Provincial Retail Sales Tax.
Or call Tax Fax Service at 1-877-482-9329.
The Ministry of Revenue Website is:
www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/refund/windgeo/

The Ontario government offers an Energy Savings Program for homeowners.
It requires a home energy audit. Fifty percentage of the audit cost up to $150.00 is claimable.Upgrades completed according to the home audit list will qualify the homeowner for rebates from both the federal and provincial government.
Further information is available at:

Ontario Home Energy Savings
www.homeenergyontario.ca

For Ontario business related programs visit:
Canada Business/ Enterprise Canada
www.canadabusiness.ca
At the bottom of the page, select the Ontario flag.
Then select: Business Guides
Scroll down to the title: Greening Your Business.
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The Office of Energy Efficiency also provides information on grants and rebate packages.Federal as well as some specific provincial plans are listed.

The Office of Energy Efficiency
www.oee.ca
In the left hand column, click on: Grants and Incentives

The commercial and industrial sector may find the (LEED) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system of interest. It encourages green building and enhancing building performance.

Find more information about LEED at:
Canada Green Building Council
www.cagbc.org