Home Energy Efficiency Grant

What is the Home Energy Efficiency Grant?

The Government of Ontario has identified energy conservation as key to help the province meet its energy supply challenge. Hydro One is committed to helping Ontario meet this challenge. We'll provide financial assistance to help qualified lower-income homeowners implement energy saving measures to their electrically heated homes. This will help them use less electricity and lower their electricity bills.

Who are the partners in the energy efficiency program?

Hydro One has partnered with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). In this partnership, CMHC will determine which homeowners qualify for the Hydro One grant through its Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). NRCan will provide qualified evaluators to perform EnerGuide for Houses energy evaluations of qualifying homes. These evaluations will show customers how energy is being lost and where improvements can be made.

How is the grant money to be used?

The Home Energy Efficiency Grant money is used to improve the energy efficiency of qualifying Hydro One customers' homes. If you qualify for the grant, an EnerGuide for Houses energy evaluation will be performed on your home to determine how energy efficient it is now. You'll also receive recommendations to help you improve your home's energy efficiency. The recommendations will focus on providing energy savings solutions for space heating and electric water heating, and improving the thermal envelope of your home. The Home Energy Efficiency Grant money is used to help retrofit your home to improve its energy efficiency. This will help you use less electricity and also reduce your electricity bill.

Who qualifies for the grant?

Hydro One is committed to helping its customers in Ontario with lower income who might otherwise be unable to afford energy efficiency home improvements. These customers would benefit most from lowering their electricity bill, especially during the winter months when heating costs can be quite high. CMHC will review all applicants and will select qualifying customers based on several criteria. These include whether your home is heated using electricity and whether your income is at or below set limits based on your home's size and area. If you qualify under CMHC's guidelines, you'll be eligible for a Hydro One grant of up to $3,000.

How do I apply for the grant?

If you're a homeowner with lower income and you heat your home with electricity and would like to know if you qualify, call CMHC at 1 800 704-6488. You can also send an email to: rrap_ontario@cmhc-schl.gc.ca . If you qualify, someone will contact you to set up your EnerGuide for Houses energy evaluation of your home. This initiative is valid until March 31, 2006.