TORONTO — Ollie Sheldrick-Moyle, clean economy program manager at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to Ontario’s forthcoming Home Renovation Savings Program from Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy (through Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator):
“Ontario Energy and Electrification Minister Minister Stephen Lecce announced this morning a suite of game-changing energy efficiency programs that will improve the way Ontarians upgrade their homes, making them more comfortable and, ultimately, less expensive to live in.
“Central to a $10.9 billion investment in energy efficiency is a Home Renovation Savings Program that will offer homeowners streamlined incentives for a range of upgrades, including heat pumps, insulation, window sealing, smart thermostats, and rooftop solar and battery storage. The important terms and conditions of these incentives will be announced later this month.
“The government suggests that, overall, the suite of efficiency programs will save $12.2 billion by reducing the need for additional infrastructure, a clear and powerful argument that energy efficiency programs like this one are a cost-effective way to ensure a reliable, affordable energy system for all residents.
“Rebates of up to $7,500 for air-source and $12,000 for ground-source heat pumps can substantially reduce their upfront price for households, making cost-saving technology more affordable and accessible than ever. Currently it is suggested the rebate would cover up to 30% of the cost of a heat pump. Research by Clean Energy Canada found that a family in Toronto could save $550 a year by switching to a heat pump for heating and cooling.
“We also applaud the fact that a number of major upgrades listed, including cold-climate heat pumps, can receive a rebate without homeowners having to undertake an energy assessment, simplifying a process that has seen too much red tape elsewhere, saving Ontarians both time and money.
“Questions remain, however, including details regarding when rebates for single upgrades will be made available. Current wording suggests they will be post-purchase, paid out within 30 to 60 days. At a time when too few Ontario households have large sums of cash on hand, we strongly recommend the government explore whether point-of-sale rebates could be applied for some of these purchases.
“Eligibility requirements will also be critical, ensuring the programs do not exclude, for example, young families who may have higher incomes but who also face extraordinary cost-of-living pressures. We would also like to see the heat pump water heater offered as a single upgrade, as they present a lower-cost solution to saving money and electrifying households.
“The new package of rebates offers something for almost every Ontarian looking to save money and energy. The design of this program will also hopefully make it accessible to more residents than ever. Given the focus on cost savings, our research suggests that the biggest savings are found from getting off gasoline and switching to an EV. Seeing the approach of this program extended to addressing the upfront cost of zero-emission vehicles would be another huge win for Ontarians.
“At the end of the day, the Home Renovation Savings Program is a monumental step in the right direction, and we look forward to seeing additional details.”
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