Rebates for Geothermal Retrofits in Canada
FEDERAL GRANT
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is offering homeowners a new residential energy efficiency assessment service. Under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, a property owner can qualify for federal grants by improving the energy efficiency of their home and reducing their home’s impact on the environment. As of March 2009 small mixed-use buildings are also eligible as long as they meet the size requirements and 50% or more of the floor space is used as permanent residences.
NRCan-licensed energy advisors conduct a detailed on-site assessment of your home’s energy use. These advisors then provide you with a personalized written report, including a checklist of recommended retrofits to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You have 18 months or until March 31, 2011, (whichever comes first) from the date you receive your pre-retrofit evaluation report to complete the post-retrofit evaluation in order to receive a grant, subject to available funding.
The highest grant that NRCan is offering is for the installation of a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump. When you replace your existing heating system with a geothermal heat pump, you are entitled to a $3,500 grant. The maximum grant you can receive through this retrofit program is $5,000.
Resources and Links:
ecoENERGY Grants and Rebates
PROVINCIAL GRANTS
Ontario
Ontario – up to $3500 in Retrofits plus RST Rebates
Grants have been made available for Ontarians to upgrade their homes, save money and help Ontario meets its greenhouse gas emissions targets. These programs will be funded through money set aside in the 2007 Budget.
They include:
- A Home Energy Retrofit Program that will provide up to $5,000 for home energy retrofits. The program matches the federal government with a $3500 grant to replace your existing heating system with a geothermal heat pump.
- The Cool Savings Rebate pays $400 when you replace your air conditioner with a geothermal system.
- A 50% rebate up to $150 on the cost of the INITIAL home energy audit cost
- The retail sales tax rebate on geothermal equipment has been extended to January 1, 2010. This entitles homeowners to a 3% rebate on their geothermal installation.
- There is a plan to give 0% interest loans for homeowners installing renewable energy systems
Resources and Links:
Press Release
Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Ontario’s Home Energy Audit and Retrofit Rebate Programs
Ontario’s Retail Sales Tax Rebate (RST) Backgrounder
Cambridge & North Dumfries Hydro Rebate Program
Cambridge & North Dumfries Hydro wants their customers to embrace leading edge technology that reap good energy and financial savings. They are offering a financial incentive to any of their customers that install a Ground Source (geothermal) Heating/Cooling System. Once your installation is complete, their incentive would pay you up to $1500. This program is being administered through the Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP). Call them directly at (519) 744-9799 for full details and to discuss your eligibility. Click here for more info.
Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program
The Ontario Power Authority has created an incentive program for businesses looking to replace or upgrade any existing electric technologies. Incentives are available for pre-approved projects that result in a notable reduction in electrical peak demand. For more information about how your business can receive incentives for moving to a more energy-efficent option, click here.
British Columbia
British Columbia – up to $1250 in Retrofits
The BC Government offers a Provincial Sales Tax Exemption from February 21, 2007 to March 31, 2009 for ENERGY STAR qualified residential forced air furnaces or boilers (gas-fired and oil-fired), air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. This rebate is valid if the system is purchased or leased for residential purposes. Some restrictions apply.
Resources and Links:
BC Government Website
Program Backgrounder
Manitoba
Through their Earth Power program, Manitoba Hydro offers homeowners Residential Earth Power Loans of up to $20 000 at a interest rate of 4.9% (initial 5 year fixed term) to cover the additional cost of installing a geothermal heat pump, rather than a conventional heating and cooling system. Under the loan, the additional monthly financing cost of installing a geothermal heat pump rather than a conventional system becomes more manageable.
Resources and Links:
Manitoba Hydro
New Brunswick
Through Efficiency NB, the Government of NB offers grants and interest free loans to homeowners who install geothermal heating systems.
Resources and Links:
Efficiency New Brunswick
Saskatchewan
The Government of Saskatchewan has extended and enhanced the Saskatchewan EnerGuide for Houses retrofit grant program until March 31, 2011. Individuals who qualify under this new program also qualify for the ecoENERGY Retrofit Initiative introduced by the Federal government on April 1, 2007. Under the extended Saskatchewan EnerGuide for Houses program, you are eligible to receive a provincial grant of up to $5,000 on energy efficient upgrades you make to your home. To qualify, you must complete an EnerGuide for Houses pre-retrofit evaluation (“D” audit), your retrofits, and a post-retrofit evaluation (“E” audit). Your pre-retrofit evaluation will provide you with a list of recommendations for your home and applicable grant values.
(PST) - The Province of Saskatchewan offers a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) exemption for qualifying ENERGY STAR residential furnaces, boilers and ENERGY STAR heat pumps. The program that was scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2007, has been extended indefinitely. For the period beginning July 1, 2006, qualifying ground and air source heat pumps, are exempt from PST if purchased or leased for a continuous period of one year or more.
Resources and Links:
Saskatchewan Energy
Government of Saskatchewan