ECO Grants

New in Canada's Economic Action Plan
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government is expanding the ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program by $300 million over two years to help property owners make their homes more energy efficient. Effective April 1, 2009, grant amounts have been increased by 25 percent. Homeowners are encouraged to act now to take advantage of this special, limited-time offer. It is estimated that the additional funds will extend the reach of the current program to an additional 200,000 homeowners.
About the Program
ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes provides home and property owners with grants of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of making energy-efficiency improvements. The grants apply to a range of measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment, from increasing insulation to upgrading a furnace. The maximum grant for property owners with multiple properties is $500,000.
How It Works
Before undertaking any energy-efficiency renovations, the homeowner hires an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada to perform an energy evaluation on the home. The homeowner selects which improvements to do and implements the recommended energy upgrades, leaving time to ensure that the post-retrofit evaluation is completed within 18 months or before March 31, 2011, whichever comes first. The homeowner calls the energy advisor to perform the post-retrofit evaluation, which will confirm the home's new energy rating. The advisor submits the ecoENERGY Retrofit grant application to the Government of Canada. If applicable, the application will also be forwarded to the collaborating provincial and territorial retrofit program for further financial reimbursement. Approved reimbursements are then sent out to applicants.
Who Is Eligible
Owners of single-family homes (detached, semi-detached and low-rise, multi-unit residential buildings that are no more than three storeys high) are eligible. Additionally, owners of some small buildings less than three storeys high, where at least 50 percent of the floor area is used for permanent residences, are also eligible.
How to Find Out More
For more information, please visit the ecoACTION website.