Canada Launches Federal Energy Savings Rebate Program to Help Ontario Municipalities Fight Climate Change
On June 20, the Government of Canada launched the federal Energy Savings Rebate Program (part of the Low Carbon Economy Fund) for retailers in Ontario to make energy-efficient products more accessible to people and businesses across the province.The new program will provide approximately $200 million over two years to participating retailers to help Ontario residents purchase energy-efficient products — such as Energy Star-certified washers, dryers, and smart thermostats. Retailers will provide rebates of up to 25 per cent off the price of eligible products, helping local residents reduce energy use, save money, and fight climate change, at home.To participate in this program, retailers must apply and must be incorporated in Canada and have a brick and mortar presence in Ontario that sells items from a list of eligible product categoriesOf the approximately $200 million available through this program:
- Approximately $150 million will be available for applicants with locations in at least five (5) or more municipalities in Ontario. These applicants have until Wednesday, July 24, 2019 to request up to $25 million to provide rebates until September 30, 2020; and
- Approximately $50 million will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for applicants with locations in at least one (1) and no more than four (4) municipalities in Ontario. These applicants can request up to $2.5 million to provide rebates until March 31, 2021. Applications will be assessed in the order they are received and applicants have until March 31, 2020 to submit their application unless the funding is exhausted in advance.
For more information and for an application form, visit the Energy Savings Rebate Program website.MY TAKE:This federal fund can be a great step in helping residents with energy cost savings, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.RELATED LINKS: