A federal incentive program that helped Canadians save money on energy-efficient upgrades to homes is ending about six weeks early.
Natural Resources Canada announced last week that the EcoEnergy Retrofit – Homes program would no longer accept applications from homeowners hoping to get refunds on upgrades to windows, doors, heating and cooling systems. The incentive program was originally scheduled to end March 31.
Ian Gartshore, at Shore Energy Solutions, a Nanaimo company that helps people improve energy efficiency in their homes, said the program was very effective.
“We were run right off our feet when they announced it,” Gartshore said.
Although the incentive component for homeowners is ending, the eco energy program continues, with improvements to building codes, new housing standards, industrial practices, vehicle labels and consumer appliances.
The incentive program attracted 250,000 applicants. To qualify for incentives, homeowners needed an audit of their home’s energy efficiency, which provided a list of possible improvements. After upgrades were completed, homeowners could then apply for incentives – cash back from the federal government.
A provincial incentive program continues to offer rebates to B.C. residents, said Gartshore.
The federal program deadline for completed construction is March 31, while the deadline for the final audit was extended to June 30.
By improving a house’s energy efficiency, homeowners can save 20-50 per cent on their annual gas and electricity costs, said Gartshore.
“That’s the biggest incentive,” Garshore said.
For more information, please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
