Ottawa to launch $2.6B home retrofit program today.
The Canadian government is introducing a new initiative today that will provide Canadians with up to $5,000 in subsidies to help them pay for energy-saving home improvements.
According to a federal government source familiar with the scheme, the Canada Greener Homes Grants program, which is worth $2.6 billion over seven years, will help homes update heaters, install solar panels, and replace windows and doors.
Starting today, people from all over the country will be able to apply online.
An energy assessment by a trained expert is the first step in the application process. This adviser pays a visit to the applicant’s house to assess which energy-saving improvements are eligible for payment.
If the homeowner decides to proceed, the retrofits will be carried out by a licensed contractor. The homeowner would be compensated after an examination of the completed renovation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan are scheduled to unveil more information about the program today, which they claim would help Canadians save money on their energy bills, create jobs, and cut emissions.
Private residences and buildings are expected to be one of the main sources of carbon emissions in Canada, accounting for around 18% of total emissions.
The declaration today fulfills a promise made by the federal government in its Fall Economic Statement. According to the source, the federal money might be pooled with other provincial grants.
The federal government stated last week that it will spend up to $10 million to hire, train, and supervise 2,000 individuals to perform energy audits.
