Energy Rebate Programs Highly Popular in P.E.I.

Published on November 29, 2018

Since the first of April, applications for energy programs that offer home renovation rebates to P.E.I homeowners have seen a 300 percent increase, with the total number of applicants sitting at about 2,500.

Due to the much higher than normal participation in the program, Energy Minister Paula Bigger answered questions about how long the wait will be for residents of P.E.I. to see their rebate come in the mail .

“We have hired extra staff to process those applications, and things are progressing so that we are making sure that those are gone out,” said Bigger.

Brad Trivers, Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly, has said that Efficiency PEI has told residents of P.E.I. that the wait for their home renovation rebates will take three months.

The three month wait is posing a problem for many, including Trivers, saying that it is difficult for low-income households to even shell out the cash for efficiency improving renovations, but the wait time is making it even more difficult for them.

Hannah Bell, Green Member of the Legislative Assembly, tweeted in support of Trivers, saying that low-income residents of P.E.I. can not afford the cost to install a heat pump, let alone wait months to see the money back that they invested - if they were even able to get the up-front funds together at all.

Trivers believes that the longer the wait time to receive the rebate, the more of a costly affect it will have on the applicant.

“Why did you implement an energy efficient equipment program that low-income islanders simply can’t afford to use?” said Trivers.

In response, Biggar said that there have been 4300 low-income clients who have already used P.E.I.’s free weatherization program.

Ontario Home Renovation Rebates

Homeowners in Ontario are currently able to apply for home renovation rebates, if they work towards improving their home’s efficiency. Part of the application process is having a Home Energy Assessment conducted by a Registered Energy Advisor, but the assessment provides the homeowner with much more than just part of the rebate qualification process.

Included in a Home Energy Assessment is a complete look at a home’s efficiency, along with where and how it could be improved. A list of suggested modifications or retrofits is provided to the homeowner - organized and listed by a Registered Energy Advisor in terms of which modification or retrofit will provide the greatest improvement to efficiency per dollar spent. The rebate programs are available for both Enbridge and Union Gas customers, and are useful in helping the homeowner see a return on their investment even sooner.

By working to improve your home’s energy efficiency, you may notice that your home: becomes more comfortable to live in, has better air quality, has lower utility cost, and has its value increase. Contacting Barrier Sciences Group and setting up an appointment for a Home Energy Assessment is the first step in improving your home’s energy efficiency and saving money on utility costs.