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Ottawa has rebranded and relaunched the Greener Homes energy retrofit incentive program that expired in 2024. Now called the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, it delivers Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This builds on the existing partnership with Manitoba. Over $500 million in funding, $300 million of which is federal, will be directed to help over 35,000 low- and median-income households install heat pumps, better insulation, improved air sealing and other upgrades at no cost, which will reduce their energy bills and lower their household emissions. The program will be delivered in co-ordination with all four provinces, as well as with Hydro-Quebec, BC Hydro, Fortis BC and EfficiencyOne. Rules vary across provinces but, in general, the revived program covers much fewer upgrades than the previous Greener Homes program and is means-tested. However, the assistance comes as an up-front grant rather than an interest-free loan or reimbursement of costs.
“Energy bills are too high and too volatile for many Canadians,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, when making the announcement. “That is why we are investing in what we control and helping families retrofit their homes at no up-front cost. As it is delivered across Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — and continues in Manitoba — 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.”