New Energy Efficiency Rebates for Small Businesses Announced

Published on March 20, 2019

As a way of reducing the impact of the upcoming carbon tax on small businesses, the federal government is planning to offer rebates to help small businesses make energy efficiency improvements.

Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, made the announcement during her month long carbon tax promotion tour, saying that she wants a program that is not hindered by high amounts of bureaucracy, so that invested money can be returned right away.

The four provinces with a federal carbon tax, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba, are expected to generate about $2.3 billion after 12 months.

McKenna has said that 100 percent of the money raised from the carbon tax will be returned to the province where it originated.

Approximately 90 percent is earmarked towards tax returns for individuals, with 10 percent going towards small businesses, hospitals, aboriginal communities, universities, and municipalities.

Over the next five years, the government is aiming to put at least $1.46 billion in the hands of small and medium business owners to help them make energy efficiency improvements.

McKenna has said that the final details of the carbon tax plan are still being worked out, and an official added that an energy efficiency rebate program for small businesses has been confirmed as part of the plan.

Take Advantage of Home Reno Rebates and Save Money

Right now, there are a number of home renovation rebates available to Ontario homeowners who are customers of either Union Gas or Enbridge Gas. Through the Union Gas Home Reno Rebate Program, or the Home Energy Conservation Program from Enbridge Gas, homeowners can receive up to $5,000 of rebates for making energy efficiency improvements in their home.

These rebates can help make renovations more affordable, such as: attic insulation and airtightness improvements, furnace upgrades, and window retrofits. As part of the qualification process, homeowners should have a Home Energy Assessment conducted by a qualified and registered Energy Advisor.

As your home renovation and rebate experts, BSG can help your home become more comfortable, affordable, and have a higher market value through energy efficiency improvements - for the lowest upfront investment. Our Registered Energy Advisors are happy to walk you through the entire rebate process, and guide you towards the renovations that will provide you with the biggest energy and utility bill savings.   

By having an Energy Assessment of your home conducted, our advisors will show you exactly how energy efficient your home currently is, and provide you with a list of suggestions regarding how it could be improved. These suggestions will be ranked in terms of their cost-effectiveness, and calculated with all available rebates in mind.

This means that you are able to improve your home in the most affordable and effective manner possible, and see a return on your investment sooner rather than later.