At a time of global uncertainty, volatile energy costs and growing demand for electricity, the Government of Canada is taking action to make energy more affordable, reliable and secure for Canadians. To make sure we make the most of the energy we have and keep bills affordable for every family, the federal government is helping homeowners and renters retrofit their homes at no cost to Canadians.
Today, at the International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Energy Efficiency Conference in Montreal, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, announced the expansion of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This builds on the existing partnership with Manitoba.
Retrofits undertaken via the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program will help participants save between $300 and $1,700 in annual energy costs, and reduce their household's annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 1.5 tonnes. Over $500 million in funding, $300 million of which is federal, will be directed to help over 35,000 low- and median-income households install heat pumps, better insulation, improved air sealing and other upgrades at no cost, which will reduce their energy bills and lower their household emissions. The Program will be delivered in co-ordination with all four provinces, as well as with Hydro-Québec, BC Hydro, Fortis BC and EfficiencyOne.
Energy efficiency is one of the fastest, most practical and cost-effective ways to meet today's energy challenges. By helping Canadians use less energy in their homes, we can put money back in Canadians' pockets by reducing their monthly energy costs, take pressure off our energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our energy security.
