ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes Program Update

July 15, 2011

The program started on April 1, 2007, and was originally scheduled to end on March 31, 2011. As part of Budget 2011, the Government of Canada renewed the program from June 6, 2011, to March 31, 2012.

What has changed under the renewed program as of June 6, 2011?

First, homeowners are now required to register directly with the program before booking their pre or post-retrofit energy evaluation.

Second, homeowners must provide receipts to their energy advisor at the time of the post-retrofit evaluation to confirm that products and equipment were purchased after June 6, 2011 and installed after a pre-retrofit evaluation (since April 2007).

What are the steps to apply for a grant?

First, you must register each property as a new participant or past participant.

Second, if your property has not had an energy evaluation since April 2007, you must hire a local service organization licensed by NRCan. If the home has already had an evaluation by a certified energy advisor since April 2007, you do not require a new pre-retrofit evaluation for that property. Each service organization sets its own prices for updating your homes baseline information.

Third, choose eligible energy efficient upgrades for your home. Only products purchased after June 6, 2011, and installed after a pre-retrofit evaluation are eligible for a federal grant.

Finally, contact your service organization to schedule an appointment for a post-retrofit evaluation. You must complete all renovations, obtain a post-retrofit evaluation and sign an Application Form no later than March 31, 2012.

Can I apply for a grant multiple times?

Current homeowners can only apply for a federal grant one time per property between June 6, 2011, and March 31, 2012.

How do I apply for complementary regional programs?

Many provinces, territories, municipalities and energy utilities offer complementary regional programs which provide grants, rebates and other types of financial incentives based on the results of your ecoENERGY Retrofit post-retrofit evaluation.

Will homeowners who missed the opportunity to apply for a grant by March 31, 2011, be able to apply under the renewed program?

Yes. Homeowners who participated in the program before April 1, 2011, and did not receive the maximum amount of $5,000 for their current property, can submit another application for additional improvements purchased and installed in that property after June 6, 2011.

What is the last possible date I can obtain my post-retrofit evaluation?

New and past participants have until March 31, 2012 to complete their retrofits, have their post-retrofit evaluation and sign the Application Form.

What is the difference between a new participant and a past participant?

You need to register your property as a new participant. if you or a previous owner did not obtain an energy evaluation by a certified energy advisor since 2007, even if you received a grant for another property.

You need to register your property as a past participant. if you or a previous owner obtained an energy evaluation by a certified energy advisor since April 1, 2007, even if you did not previously receive a grant.

What types of properties are eligible?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Single detached and attached homes (e.g. row housing, duplexes and triplexes), small multi-unit residential buildings (three stories or less, the footprint is less than 600 square meters, there are a maximum of 20 units), four-season cottages, manufactured homes on a permanent foundation and permanently-moored floating homes.

Are there incentives available for upgrades in new houses? NO

Eligible Upgrades

• Heating systems
• Cooling systems
• Ventilation systems
• Domestic hot water equipment
• Insulation
• Air sealing
• Windows/doors/skylights
• Water conservation

Can I do the work myself and receive a grant?

Yes. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that they obtain all necessary permits and meet all municipal and provincial requirements.

Are renovations I started before my pre-retrofit evaluation eligible?

No. Only renovations started after obtaining a pre-retrofit energy evaluation (since April 2007) are eligible for a grant.

Is there a cost for the evaluations?

Yes. Service organizations across Canada set their own prices. Typically the cost is around $150 for each audit.

What if I cannot complete my renovations prior to March 31, 2012?

Homeowners will not be eligible for a federal grant if their post-retrofit evaluation takes place after March 31, 2012, and there can be no exceptions or extensions for any reason.

Call 1-800-O-CANADA or click here for more information