Helping Homeowners. Energizing the Economy.

April 03, 2009

Expanded program will help more homeowners save money and create new jobs

Vernon, B.C. – More homeowners in the Okanagan-Shuswap will save money by making their homes more energy-efficient thanks to the Conservative government’s improvements to the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program, announced Okanagan-Shuswap MP, Colin Mayes, today.  The Conservative government is expanding this program with an additional $300 million in energy-efficient home improvements grants.

“Expanding this program will create jobs and help families cut their costs, while reducing energy consumption at the same time,” said MP Mayes. “Families in the Okanagan-Shuswap are already taking advantage of this program, and thanks to our government’s new investment, tens of thousands more will be able to as well.”

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provides homeowners with grants of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of making energy-efficiency improvements.  Grants apply to a range of measures that reduce energy consumption and work for a cleaner environment; from increasing insulation to upgrading a furnace.  To be eligible for a grant, a home must first undergo an energy evaluation by a certified energy advisor.

Effective April 1st, Canadians completing approved energy-efficiency renovations on their home will be eligible to receive a 25% larger grant to help cover their expenses.  For example, Canadians who upgrade to a high-efficiency gas furnace will be eligible to receive a $625 grant; up from $500, the maximum they would have received before.

“We expect that for every $1 a Canadian homeowner receives through their ecoENERGY Retrofit grant, they spend $10 on various products and services to continue making their home more energy-efficient,” said Mayes.  “This new investment will help stimulate our economy today while improving the environment for tomorrow.”

Homeowners who are interested in learning more about the program can visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca/homes or call 1-800-O-CANADA.