Funding and 

Financing Programs

  • The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) is run by the Ontario Energy Board and helps reduce electricity bills for lower-income households. It provides a monthly credit based on income and household size, applied directly to your electricity bill.

    Funding Available
    Eligible households receive up to $45/month, or $68/month if the home uses electric heat, certain medical devices, or includes an Indigenous person.

    Eligibility
    To qualify, you must:

    • Be the account holder for the electricity bill

    • Live at the service address

    • Include all household members living at the address 6+ months/year

    • Meet these income thresholds:

      • 1 person: ≤ $38,000

      • 2 people: ≤ $54,000

      • 3–4 people: ≤ $65,000

      • 5+ people: ≤ $71,000

    How to Apply
    Apply online and learn more:
    ontarioelectricitysupport.ca

  • The RBC Green Home Mortgage Program is a funding pathway available for purchasing new ENERGY STAR® and Net Zero Ready homes. 

    The RBC Green Mortgage Overview: 

    • lower monthly mortgage payments via option to extend the amortization period to up to 35 years (versus a traditional mortgage with a 30-year amortization)

    • financing for upgrades as part of purchase price (i.e.include some energy efficient appliances in purchase price)

    • mortgage insurance rebate 

    Learn more at: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/mortgages/rbc-green-home-mortgage-program.html

  • The Energy Affordability Program helps income-eligible Ontarians reduce their electricity use and improve home comfort by offering free energy-saving upgrades tailored to their needs. Depending on eligibility, participants may receive either a free energy saving kit (for self-installation) or comprehensive support with in-home upgrades and appliance replacements. All services and products are provided at no cost.

    What's Included
    Depending on eligibility and existing equipment, support may include:

    • ENERGY STAR® LED light bulbs and night lights

    • High-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators

    • Weatherstripping and insulation upgrades

    • Smart thermostats and smart power strips

    • Energy-efficient refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and window AC units

    • Cold climate air-source heat pumps

    • Drying racks or retractable clotheslines

    Eligibility
    You may qualify if:

    • You are a resident of Ontario, listed as a utility account holder

    • You live in eligible social housing, OR

    • Your household income is within the limits (e.g. $47,090 for 1 person, $66,595 for 2, and so on)

    • OR you’ve received assistance from programs like ODSP, Ontario Works, OESP, or LEAP within the past 12 months

    • OR you're a participant in an eligible natural gas program or a member of an on-reserve community

    Money Available
    There is no direct financial payment. Instead, participants receive free energy-saving kits or professional in-home upgrades valued at potentially hundreds of dollars.

    Limitations

    • Eligibility is income-based or tied to participation in other support programs

    • Some measures (e.g. insulation or showerheads) are only available for homes using electric heating or electric hot water

    • Enbridge customers may also qualify through the Home Winterproofing Program

    Visit the Energy Affordability Program website to learn more and apply.

  • The Home Renovation Savings Program is a 2025 partnership between Enbridge Gas, Save on Energy, and the Government of Ontario. It’s designed to help Ontario homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency while lowering utility bills. There are two rebate paths:

    • One for homeowners doing multiple upgrades that require a home energy assessment

    • One for those completing major single upgrades like heat pumps or solar panels, which don’t require an assessment

    Qualified upgrades include everything from insulation and windows to cold-climate heat pumps, solar panels, and smart thermostats. Many rebates are processed directly through approved contractors, making the process more streamlined for homeowners.

    Money Available

    • Up to $12,000 for heat pumps

    • Up to $10,000 for solar panels + battery storage

    • $75 for smart thermostats

    • Up to $7,700 for insulation upgrades

    • $100 per window/door opening

    • $500 for heat pump water heaters

    • Up to $250 for air sealing

    • $600 rebate for a home energy assessment (if doing 2+ upgrades)

    Limitations

    • You must own your home

    • Home must be heated by natural gas (as an Enbridge customer) or by electricity, propane, oil, or wood (connected to the Ontario electricity grid)

    • Some rebates require a home energy assessment (see Stream 1)

    • Others do not require an assessment (see Stream 2)

    • Approved contractors must be used for heat pump and solar installs

    • Smart thermostat rebate is not available if you’ve already received a similar rebate from Enbridge Gas, Save on Energy, or this same program

    • Participants must complete their final home assessment within 180 days of their initial home assessment or by December 31, 2025, whichever comes first​.

    Stream 1 – Multiple Upgrades (Requires Home Energy Assessment)
    This path requires an initial and follow-up home energy assessment. You must complete at least two upgrades from the list below.

    Eligible Upgrades:

    • Insulation (attic, wall, foundation): up to $7,700

    • Windows and doors: $100 per rough opening

    • Air sealing: up to $250

    • Heat pump water heater: $500

    • Home energy assessments: $600 rebate after successful participation

    Steps:

    1. Schedule an assessment with a registered energy advisor from their list ONLY.

    2. Get a custom report outlining your home’s energy-saving opportunities.

    3. Complete 2 or more upgrades with a contractor.

    4. Book a final follow-up assessment (must be completed within 180 days of the initial assessment).

    5. Receive your rebates once all paperwork is submitted.

    Stream 2 – Major Single Upgrades (No Assessment Required)
    For homeowners interested in specific upgrades, this simplified path does not require a home energy assessment.

    Eligible Upgrades:

    • Heat pumps (cold-climate air source or ground source): up to $12,000

    • Solar panels + battery storage: up to $10,000 total

    • Smart thermostats: $75 rebate (can be claimed before or after purchase)

    How it works:
    Hire a program-qualified contractor to install your heat pump or solar system—they’ll take care of the rebate paperwork. For smart thermostats, you can install one yourself and still claim the rebate.

    Eligibility Recap:
    ✔ Must own a home (detached, semi, row/townhome, or mobile home on a permanent foundation)
    ✔ Must heat with natural gas (Enbridge Gas customer) or with electricity, propane, oil, or wood
    ✔ Must use program-approved contractors for some upgrades

    More info and application:
    homerenovationsavings.ca

  • Better Homes Lanark offers low-interest loans and grants to help homeowners in Lanark County make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable, and reliable. Eligible upgrades include heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows and doors, renewable energy options, water efficiency improvements, and climate adaptation measures. A free Retrofit Coach is available to guide participants through the process.

    Funding Available

    • Low-interest loans between $10,000 and $40,000

    • Fixed interest rate of 2.75%

    • Loan terms from 5 to 20 years, repaid through your property tax bill

    • Grants of up to $5,000 (combined grants and loans cannot exceed $40,000)

    Eligibility
    To qualify, you must:

    • Own a single-family home in Lanark County (excluding Smiths Falls)

    • Have all property owners agree to participate

    • Be up-to-date on property tax, utility bills, and municipal payments for the past 5 years

    • Achieve at least a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or energy consumption, as determined by an EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation

    How to Apply

    1. Submit a pre-application form

    2. Complete a pre-retrofit energy audit

    3. Meet with the Retrofit Coach and submit a funding request

    4. Enter a property owner agreement and begin retrofits

    5. Complete a post-retrofit energy audit and project report

    Learn more and apply: lanarkcounty.ca/betterhomeslanark
     Email: betterhomeslanark@lanarkcounty.ca
    Phone: 613-267-4200 ext. 3105

Other Helpful Tools

  • This tool helps homeowners estimate potential savings by switching from oil or propane heating to electric heating. It compares the annual cost of heating your home using fuel versus electricity. The savings depend on individual factors like usage levels and furnace efficiency. Note that the calculator does not apply to seasonal homes.

    Try the Fuel Switching Calculator

  • Hydro One customers can now choose between different electricity pricing plans, including Time-of-Use (TOU), Tiered, and the new Ultra-Low Overnight plan. The page explains how pricing is set and changes seasonally, and includes tools to help you compare options and switch to the plan that best suits your household’s energy habits.

    Explore pricing plans and try the calculator

Other Financial Incentives

  • Net metering allows homeowners to save money by generating renewable energy, such as solar or wind power. Once your renewable energy system is connected to the electricity grid, you can generate electricity for your own use and receive credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, reducing your overall electricity bill.

    Eligibility
    To participate, you must:

    • Generate electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, or bioenergy

    • Meet your electricity distributor’s technical, safety, and inspection requirements

    • Obtain required environmental approvals and municipal permits

    Limitations

    • In some areas, you may not be able to connect a renewable energy system due to local distribution system limitations.

    • Before installing a renewable energy system, you must apply to connect to the electricity grid.

      Check out the Ontario.ca webiste here.

  • If you’re buying a newly built energy-efficient home and your mortgage is insured by CMHC, you may be eligible for a 25% refund on your mortgage insurance premium through the Eco Plus program.

    To qualify, the home must be brand new (never occupied) and meet certain energy efficiency or greenhouse gas reduction standards. These can be verified through an EnerGuide assessment or a recognized third-party certification (like ENERGY STAR, LEED, or Passive House).

    You have up to two years from your mortgage closing date to apply for the refund. Documentation such as an EnerGuide label or qualifying certification is required.

    Learn more and apply here.

  • Peak Perks is a demand response program for Ontario residents and small businesses with smart thermostats. Participants agree to brief, automatic thermostat adjustments during periods of high electricity demand in the summer.

    Eligible participants receive a $75 virtual prepaid Mastercard for enrolling and $20 each additional year they remain in the program. Participation is optional, and users can opt out of individual events.

    Learn more and enroll here.