Green seniors articles
Get rewarded for energy efficient renovations with the ecoENERGY Retrofit program

By Megan McMeekin

The ecoENERGY Retrofit program is a federal government program that began April 1, 2007 and offers incentives for homeowners as well as small and medium sized organizations to make renovations that are energy efficient. This program helps homeowners make decisions in renovating that will impact not only their energy bills, but will also help create a cleaner and healthier environment. 

The first step in participating in this program for homeowners is to get a professional energy assessment, which needs to be done by an energy advisor licensed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). They will carry out the assessment and provide you with an action checklist of upgrades you can do to reduce your level of energy consumption. The actions that may be recommended can range from adding weather stripping and caulking to doors and windows, to replacing older, inefficient furnaces and water heaters.

Who is eligible?

This program offers grants to individuals who own low-rise residential properties, including single detached and attached homes, multi-unit residential buildings that are small, and apartment buildings three or less storeys and no more than 600 square metres. Mobile homes can also qualify if they are on a permanent foundation. Although this program has no restriction on the age of homes that qualify for the program, houses built before 1985 will benefit the most, as they have more potential to reduce energy consumption, and therefore help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How much money will you get?

The program guidelines provide a list of improvements that are covered under the retrofit and the amount given for each grant depending on the work done. The maximum amount you can receive is $5,000 for a home, while owners of multiple residential buildings can receive up to $500,000 in life of the program, which ends March 31, 2011.

How does the application process work?

After the work is done, the energy advisor will submit an electronic file to NRCan with the results of the post-retrofit assessment. You have 18 months from the time of your pre-retrofit assessment to do your work and obtain your post-retrofit assessment. You do not need to complete a grant application form as the advisor will do it and present it for your signature. Once it is approved it is submitted to NRCan to be processed. You can expect to get a cheque within 60 days of when NRCan receives the application.

Please visit the website http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/ for more information on the ecoENERGY Retrofit program.

Source:
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit-homes/questions-answers.cfm?attr=4#q14