Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program - A Guide to Energy Rebates

The Ontario government is investing $10.9 billion over the next 12 years in a comprehensive plan to enhance energy efficiency across the province, the largest in Canadian history. A key component of this initiative is the Home Renovation Savings Program, which offers rebates to help homeowners lower their energy bills. This investment aims to deliver long-term savings for families and businesses while promoting a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

How You Can Save on Energy With Ontario's New Home Renovation Savings Program

Source : Motion Garage Doors Inc.

Launched on January 28, 2025, the Home Renovation Savings Program offers rebates covering up to 30% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient home improvements. Eligible upgrades include new windows, doors, insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and battery storage systems. For instance, homeowners who invest $15,000 in a new heat pump can receive a $4,500 rebate and save up to 50% on heating costs. A family upgrading insulation, windows, and doors can receive rebates of up to $8,900 for insulation and $100 per window or door replaced.

The program is accessible to homes heated by natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity, making it widely available across Ontario. This inclusivity is a significant enhancement compared to previous energy efficiency programs, which had been limited in scope. In 2025, the program expands to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators and freezers. This addition further encourages homeowners to reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills.

The Home Renovation Savings Program was introduced as part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Act, which focuses on reducing energy consumption, lowering electricity bills, and supporting the province’s energy transition. The act includes 12 preexisting Save on Energy programs, making the Home Renovation Savings Program a key component of Ontario’s energy efficiency framework. Over the 12-year investment period, the province expects the program to reduce peak electricity demand by 3,000 MW—equivalent to removing three million homes from the grid. Additionally, the program is projected to deliver $23.1 billion in electricity system benefits and save ratepayers $12.2 billion by avoiding the need for new generation infrastructure.

Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce underscores the importance of energy efficiency, emphasizing that the cheapest form of energy generation is conservation—energy that doesn’t need to be produced. The program is a direct response to the rising demand for electricity, offering a proactive approach to managing consumption without compromising affordability. The program's introduction also responds to critiques from the Green Party and other stakeholders who lamented the cancellation of a similar program in 2018.

Industry experts and environmental advocates welcome the Home Renovation Savings Program. Clean Energy Canada called it a “monumental step in the right direction,” praising the rebates for making energy-efficient technology more accessible. The initiative also simplifies the rebate process by removing the requirement for energy assessments for specific upgrades, reducing red tape and accelerating access to savings.

The Home Renovation Savings Program marks a monumental step toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. It empowers homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, reduce their environmental impact, and enjoy long-term cost savings. As Lecce stated, “These programs are a crucial investment in the future of our grid.” By providing financial support for energy-efficient upgrades, Ontario has taken a bold step toward a greener and more resilient energy system—one that benefits homeowners, the environment, and the province’s economy alike.

What are some of the other Save on Energy programs?

Source : Peinture Veillette

Ontario offers many programs and incentives for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and enhance sustainability. These programs empower homeowners and businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades, optimize operations, and contribute to a greener Ontario. They include:

1. Energy Affordability Program: Provides free energy-saving upgrades (like LED bulbs, energy-efficient appliances, and insulation) to income-eligible households, helping reduce energy bills.

2. Retrofit Program: Offers incentives to businesses for upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, such as lighting, HVAC systems, and controls, to lower energy consumption.

3. Peak Perks Program (including the recent expansion): Rewards participants for reducing electricity use during peak times using eligible smart thermostats.

4. Home Renovation Savings Program (new): Provides rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, including insulation, windows, doors, and heat pumps, plus support for rooftop solar panels and battery storage.

5. Energy Performance Program: Rewards businesses for making continuous improvements in energy efficiency through capital investments and operational changes.