How Canadian Energy Rebate Programs Work
Energy rebate programs in Canada are delivered through three channels:
- Federal programs — administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
- Provincial government programs — administered by provincial ministries or agencies
- Utility rebates — administered by electric and gas utilities (some publicly owned, some private)
Programs can be stacked — you can receive federal + provincial + utility rebates for the same upgrade, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket cost. Check eligibility for each program separately, as income thresholds and equipment requirements vary.
Federal Programs
Canada Greener Homes Loan
- Amount: Up to $40,000 interest-free
- Eligible upgrades: Heat pumps, insulation, windows/doors, solar PV, EV charging equipment
- Requirement: EnerGuide home evaluation before and after
- Administered by: Natural Resources Canada
- Note: Check current application status at nrcan.gc.ca — program availability has changed since 2024
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant
- Amount: Up to $15,000
- Who: Low-to-moderate income households replacing oil, propane, or electric resistance heating with a heat pump
- Income threshold: Household income under $113,000
- Administered by: Natural Resources Canada / Service Canada
Ontario
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Cold-climate air-source heat pump | Up to $10,000 |
| Combination heat pump (heating + hot water) | Up to $12,500 |
| Insulation (attic, basement, walls) | Up to $3,200 |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $150 |
| Windows and doors | Up to $250 per unit |
| Energy audit | Up to $600 |
Available to natural gas customers. Requires EnerGuide evaluation.
Toronto Hydro / Local utilities
Some Ontario municipalities offer additional programs through their local distribution company. Check with your local hydro for supplemental programs.
British Columbia
Better Homes BC / CleanBC (BC Hydro + FortisBC)
| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Cold-climate ASHP (electric heat customers) | Up to $16,000 |
| Cold-climate ASHP (natural gas heat customers) | Up to $6,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | Up to $1,000 |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $100 |
| Insulation (attic) | Up to $1,350 |
| Insulation (basement/crawlspace) | Up to $2,500 |
| Windows and sliding doors | Up to $40/unit (limited) |
| Energy evaluation | Up to $600 |
Income-qualified households (under $100,000/year) may receive enhanced rebates — up to 2× the standard amounts.
Alberta
Alberta Energy Efficiency Programs
Alberta disbanded Energy Efficiency Alberta in 2019, but some programs have since returned:
| Upgrade | Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Residential solar | Residential and Commercial Solar Program | $0.30–$0.90/watt |
| Home insulation | Limited utility programs | Varies |
| Smart thermostat | ATCO Gas / ENMAX programs | Up to $150 |
Alberta’s rebate landscape is thinner than other provinces. The federal Greener Homes Loan is the primary vehicle available to most Albertans.
Quebec
Hydro-Québec Programs
| Upgrade | Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-climate heat pump | Thermopompe program | Up to $2,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | Chauffe-eau thermodynamique | Up to $1,000 |
| Smart thermostat | Hilo / Chauffez Smart | Up to $200 + bill credits |
Quebec has very low electricity rates (7–9¢/kWh), so some retrofit paybacks are longer than in other provinces. Incentives help but the economics are most compelling for oil and propane replacements.
Novoclimat 2.0 (new construction)
For new homes meeting Novoclimat energy efficiency standards, buyers receive a $2,000–$3,000 provincial grant.
Nova Scotia
Efficiency Nova Scotia
| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Cold-climate ASHP (oil replacement) | Up to $12,000 |
| ASHP (electric baseboards replacement) | Up to $6,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | Up to $1,000 |
| Insulation (attic) | Up to $1,600 |
| Insulation (basement) | Up to $2,500 |
| Insulation (walls) | Up to $6,000 |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $100 |
Nova Scotia has the most generous heat pump rebate program in Canada, reflecting the province’s high electricity rates and large proportion of homes heated with oil.
New Brunswick
NB Power Home Energy Efficiency Program
| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat pump (ducted, cold climate) | Up to $5,000 |
| Heat pump (mini-split) | Up to $2,000 |
| Insulation | Up to $3,000 |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $100 |
Prince Edward Island
EfficiencyPEI
| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Cold-climate ASHP | Up to $10,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | Up to $750 |
| Insulation | Up to $5,000 |
| Solar panels | $0.50/watt |
| Energy evaluation | Up to $450 |
Manitoba
Efficiency Manitoba
| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|
| Cold-climate ASHP | Up to $3,000 |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $75 |
| Insulation | Up to $2,500 |
| Air sealing | Up to $750 |
Saskatchewan
SaskPower
| Upgrade | Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Net metering (solar) | SaskPower Net Metering | Retail rate credits |
| Smart thermostat | SaskPower program | Up to $100 |
| Insulation | Limited program | Varies |
How to Apply
Step 1: Book an energy audit
Contact a Natural Resources Canada Registered Energy Advisor. Many programs require a pre-upgrade audit. The audit costs $300–$600 but most programs rebate this amount.
Step 2: Confirm eligible upgrades
The REA will provide an EnerGuide report showing your home’s current efficiency and which upgrades qualify.
Step 3: Hire a certified contractor
Most programs require work by certified/registered contractors. Ask your REA or check the program’s approved contractor list.
Step 4: Submit your application
Most programs require documentation: contractor invoice, proof of payment, before/after audit reports, and equipment serial numbers. Apply promptly — some programs have annual funding caps.