Natural Resources Canada
97/94
November 28, 1997

RENO$ENSE HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM EXPANDING IN 1998

TORONTO, ONTARIO — It's never been so easy and inexpensive to build energy efficiency into renovation projects! Reno$ense '98 offers homeowners incentives that will allow them to cut their energy costs and contribute to a healthier planet. A joint program of the Canadian government, retailers, manufacturers and energy utilities, Reno$ense '98 is being announced today.

Every year, the average home produces four tonnes of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas. Energy-efficient renovations of existing homes can contribute significantly to lower carbon dioxide emissions at a reasonable cost to homeowners, many of whom could cut their heating costs by up to 25 per cent.

Reno$ense '98 will build on the program's success of the past two years, with the participation of more retailers and manufacturers. Energy utilities across Canada are now joining as well, and will be offering consumers a product rebate program called "Enercheque" and an energy awareness program called "Enertips." A major Canadian bank will be offering homeowners a specially designed retrofit financing program. Homeowners can obtain additional information from Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian government partner in the Reno$ense program.

"Climate change and global warming strike at the very core of this nation's economic structure," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources. "The government is committed to finding ways to balance the needs of Canadians and our economy with those of the environment. Reno$ense is truly a model of how the public and private sectors can work together and, at the same time, engage the interest and participation of consumers".

"Having been in this business for some time, I applaud the federal government for its initiative in bringing the different stakeholders together to deliver programs in a coherent fashion. Reno$ense makes a lot sense." said John Wiersma, Ontario Municipal Electrical Association representative and General Manager of Pickering Hydro.

Canadians now spend $20 billion annually on home renovations — more than is now spent on new home construction. There are seven million low-rise residential households in Canada, and many have significant potential for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. Projects to improve home energy efficiency also help to create jobs and contribute to Canada's economic growth.

For more information contact:
John Embury
Press Secretary
Minister's Office
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007