OTTAWA - Owners of low-rise residential properties and
assisted housing may now be able to receive cash incentives for making their
buildings more energy-efficient. The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of
Natural Resources Canada, today announced amendments to the EnerGuide for Houses
Retrofit Incentive that eliminate the restriction to owner-occupied units, thus
extending eligibility to rental properties and co-op housing. The changes also
include incentives for installing high-efficiency gas or oil-fired central
heating systems.
"Property owners, as well as homeowners, will now be able to get more for
their renovation dollar," said Minister Efford. "The changes to the program will
give landlords and owners of assisted-housing property the opportunity to make
their buildings more comfortable, save money on their monthly energy bills, and
take action on climate change that will make a difference tomorrow."
In the case of assisted housing, the amendments will allow the property
owner's share of costs for the EnerGuide for Houses (EGH) service to be
reimbursed. This reimbursement would be limited to $100 per dwelling and $50,000
per housing authority or assisted-housing operator. To be eligible, the
assisted-housing operator or housing authority must guarantee that at least 50
percent of the dwelling receiving an EGH evaluation will actually be retrofitted
within 18 months.
The amendments will also allow for a direct grant of up to $100 to all
applicants who purchase and install ENERGY STAR®-qualified
high-efficiency furnaces and boilers, including oil-fired furnaces that have an
annual fuel-utilization efficiency of at least 85 percent. This grant should
help stimulate the market for these types of products and encourage property
owners to complete the maximum number of recommendations contained in their EGH
evaluation report.
Finally, the total grant amount payable to eligible recipients over the life
of the EGH program has been increased to $100,000.
The Government of Canada introduced the original EGH in the fall of 2003. To
date, 23,000 grants totalling $15 million have been paid to Canadian
homeowners.
The EGH program is also a way Canadians can participate in the Government of
Canada's One-Tonne Challenge. The Challenge encourages all Canadians to reduce
their individual greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, or one tonne.
Homeowners who have renovated after using the EGH service have achieved average
energy savings of 27 percent and trimmed their emissions by four tonnes per
year.
The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focused on making
the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute
to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st
century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming
Canada's place in the world.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada has expanded the eligibility for the EnerGuide for
Houses Retrofit Incentive to landlords and owners of assisted-housing property.
They, along with homeowners, will now be able to receive cash incentives for
making their properties more energy-efficient.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Tom Ormsby
Media Relations
Director of Communications
Natural Resources Canada
Office of the Minister
Ottawa
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
For more information on the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive, please
visit http://energuideforhouses.gc.ca/grants.
