A new energy efficiency program to help families and businesses save money is coming to Parry Sound-Muskoka on Jan. 28.
The initiative is part of a $10.9 billion 12-year series of programs investment in energy efficiency from the Ontario government, which officials say is the largest in Canada’s history.
Officials add the new Home Renovation Savings Program will offer rebates of up to 30 per cent for home energy efficiency renovations and improvements, including new heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage systems for people who want to generate and store energy at home.
“These new Energy Efficiency Programs that all residents will have access to will lower energy bills, put more megawatts into Ontario’s energy grid, and ultimately put more money back into your pockets,” said Graydon Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Smith says these programs are “important measures” that will bring down the cost of home heating and air conditioning in the area.
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, says later in the year, they will expand this program to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances “to further reduce energy bills and demand on the grid.”
Officials say the Affordable Energy Act, which came into effect in early December, expands eligibility for the new program to include homeowners who heat their homes with propane and oil, unlike previous programs that were restricted to those using electricity.
The province says it is also expanding the Peak Perks program to include a new incentive for small businesses, such as convenience stores and restaurants as well as supporting other programs geared to low-income households, businesses, municipalities, institutions, the agricultural sector, industry and on-reserve First Nation communities.
