The federal government recently announced the expansion of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program.
At the International Energy Agency Global Energy Efficiency Conference in Montreal, federal minister Tim Hodgson confirmed that the retrofit-oriented program will expand to Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
“Energy bills are too high and too volatile for many Canadians,” says Hodgson. “That is why we are investing in what we control and helping families retrofit their homes at no up-front cost.”
The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program “will help Canadian families save money, strengthen our energy systems, and continue to make Canada a clean energy superpower,” the minister stated.
Over $500 million in funding, $300 million of which is federal, will be directed to help 35,000 households install heat pumps like the Jetson Air and also render upgrades to energy-focused areas like superior insulation and enhanced air sealing.
“Retrofitting homes is one of the most effective and simplest ways to lower energy costs and reduce emissions,” posits Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment.
Retrofits undertaken via the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program will help participants save to $1,700 in annual energy costs, the government suggests.
The 400,000 homes retrofitted through the Canada Greener Homes Grant are currently saving an average of around $400 per year on their energy bills.
“These programs help people use less energy, pay less each month and live in healthier, more comfortable homes,” stated Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy, Marco MacLeod.
The initiative will improve “quality of life and contribute to more efficient use of our precious energy,” according to Hydro-Québec chief executive officer Claudine Bouchard.
Across Canada, 96% of building emissions come from space and water heating.
Nearly 300,000 heat pumps have been installed nationwide with federal support since 2020.