The launch of the $400 million federal ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program on July 13 has opened the floodgates for home energy upgrades, and Okanagan residents can access some of the biggest grants available in B.C., says Peter Sundberg, Executive Director of City Green Solutions, a non-profit organization providing energy efficiency services.
“Homeowners have been hearing about the ecoENERGY grants since before the federal election, and we know there’s pent-up demand. There are less than eight months to access ecoENERGY grants, so we expect a rush of Okanagan homeowners to take advantage of this program while it lasts,” Sundberg says.
“Unlike in other provinces, B.C. homeowners can potentially access two grants at the same time, by taking advantage of both the ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes Program and the popular LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program, which provides higher grant amounts in the Okanagan and the rest of B.C.’s Interior” Sundberg explains.
“Right now, thousands of dollars are available for high efficiency heating systems, insulation, windows and doors, solar hot water systems, and more” says Sundberg.
Benefits to homeowners participating in both the home energy grant programs include accessing thousands of dollars in grants to help with the cost of energy upgrades, reducing energy bills, increasing home comfort, enhancing home re-sale value and feeling good about reducing the environmental footprint of their home.
Homeowners wishing to access the federal and provincial grants follow a simple four step process: 1. Register with Natural Resources Canada at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/registration.cfm or 1-877-953-5454. 2. Get an energy assessment with a Certified Energy Advisor to identify and prioritize energy upgrade opportunities; 3. Perform the energy efficiency upgrades of your choice; 4. Have a post-retrofit assessment to verify the work and apply for the grants (your Certified Energy Advisor handles the paperwork for you); and 5. Receive your grants and enjoy the savings in a more comfortable and efficient home. Not all homes are eligible. For details about the grants available and eligibility criteria call City Green at 1.866.381.9995 or visit www.citygreen.ca<http://www.citygreen.ca>. City Green is the only non-profit provider of the LiveSmart BC and ecoENERGY programs in the province of B.C.
By Peter Sundberg