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Both homeowners and businesses can benefit when planning retrofits or new construction for energy efficiency.
For the Homeowner
A few examples are:
Grants for the installation of solar domestic water heaters, insulating existing walls, attics
Grants for retrofitting homes to be more energy efficient based on an EnergyGuide evaluation
PST tax exemption on the purchase of solar electric and solar thermal systems
Rebates for installing low flow toilets
The ‘ecoEnergy Retrofit Program’ is the current plan offered for home improvements for energy efficiency. It is run by Natural Resources Canada. A home energy audit is required to qualify for the grants or rebates. The auditor must be a company (individual) trained and certified by Natural Resources Canada. The home is inspected and given an EnerGuide rating. A listed of recommendations is provided. Theses can range from adding insulation in certain areas, sealing air leaks to replacing the furnace, windows, etc. Any improvements, which qualify for a grant, must be made within 18 months. This program is in effect from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011.
For Business
A few examples are:
Grants and/or loans for installing solar or solar thermal technology
Grants and exemptions for commercial building construction using energy efficient technology and design (commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential building projects)
When considering any energy efficient project check with your local city or town office.
They can provide a list or outline of the current incentives available, local or otherwise.
Verify all procedures that are required to qualify for any grants, loans or rebates.
More information is available from:
Natural Resources Canada
Phone: 1-800-622-6232
www.nrcan.gc.ca
Select the topic: Energy
The Canadian Solar Industries Association
Phone: 613-736-9077 or 866-522-6742
www.cansia.ca/government.asp
New Brunswick
In 2006, the province of New Brunswick established a financial incentives agenda for this province.
It is “The New Brunswick Existing Homes Energy Efficiency Upgrades”.
This program is for owners of existing single-family homes who make energy efficient improvements to their homes as per the federal retrofit program. The guidelines are set up to guarantee consistency and ensure real energy gains.
The incentives include:
-an interest free loan to finance energy efficient improvements -a cash rebate for the HST for eligible expenses More information is available at:
Efficiency NB
Phone: 1-866-643-8833
www.efficiencynb.ca
Nova Scotia
Converse Nova Scotia is the provincial government agency for Nova Scotia.
The policies are designed to promote energy efficiency and conservation.
There are a variety of incentives available for the residents, businesses and industries in this province.
For example, rebates are offered for wood and oil appliances and solar water heating.
The Nova Scotia EnerGuide for Houses and ecoEnergy Retrofit are combined provincial and federal rebates/ grants.
More information is available at:
Conserve Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-424-0790
www.conservens.ca
Energy Efficient Systems Suitable For Incentives Programs
Tips to Conserve Electricity
