The Ontario government is launching a new rebate program to support home energy efficiency upgrades. The Home Renovation Savings Program, starting Jan. 28, will provide rebates covering up to 30% of costs for heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and energy-efficient windows, doors, and insulation.

Later this year, the program will expand to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators and freezers. This initiative is part of a CAD 10.9 billion ($7.6 billion), 12-year investment in energy efficiency, which the provincial government describes as the largest in Canadian history.

Among the additional measures is the expansion of the Peak Perks Program, which offers virtual prepaid credit cards to small businesses for each eligible smart thermostat connected to central air or heat pump systems. The government is also continuing the Retrofit Program, which provides incentives for businesses to upgrade energy efficiency equipment. Other programs will extend support to low-income households, municipalities, institutions, the agricultural sector, industry, and on-reserve First Nations communities.

The government estimates that the expanded energy efficiency programs will reduce Ontario’s peak energy demand by 3 GW by 2036, equivalent to removing three million homes from the grid. In September, Ontario announced plans for large-scale energy procurement, including solar, bioenergy, and wind projects. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has recommended acquiring 5 GW of new resources by 2034 and is finalizing a framework for implementation.