Energy Affordability Programs in Atlantic Canada

Take control of your spending on energy by finding upgrades and energy-efficient actions that work for you

Atlantic Canada has high levels of energy poverty compared to other Canadian provinces based on the six per cent spending metric. According to a recent energy poverty report by the Canadian Urban Sustainability Practitioners (CUSP), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have energy poverty rates of 37 per cent, Newfoundland 38 per cent, and Prince Edward Island 41 per cent. The other provinces and territories in Canada have energy poverty rates ranging from 12 to 26 per cent. When observed as a whole, Canada has an energy poverty rate of about 20 per cent.

Each of the Atlantic provinces have resources and programs available to residents to help lower home energy costs. 

Below you will find a table summarizing the programs available in each province, including links to application pages.

Browse energy saving programs by atlantic province

See our full list of energy saving programs below:

New Brunswick

NB Power

Eligibility Criteria

  • New Brunswick homeowner, and the primary resident of that home.
    Home in need of major energy efficiency.
    Combined annual household income of $70,000 or less.

Offerings

  • Targeted home energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades, free of charge to the homeowner.
  • Necessary upgrades will be recommended based on a pre-upgrade evaluation by a Certified Energy Advisor.
  • Retrofits and upgrades are installed by a Contractor selected by NB Power.
  • Upgrades may include insulation, ventilation, mini-split heat pumps, and energy-efficient light bulbs.
  • Mini-split heat pumps installed under this program have a 10-year warranty for parts and labour. Three free deep cleans will be provided over the 10-year period.
  • After the upgrades are completed, an Energy Advisor will conduct a post-upgrade evaluation and provide training on the use, operation, and warranties of any new equipment.

Learn more about the Enhanced Energy Savings Program

Eligibility Criteria

A New Brunswick resident, renting their home (including apartments, houses, duplexes, row houses, townhouses, or mobile homes).

Offerings

The Renter Energy Saving Kit is free and is mailed directly to the home. Each kit includes:

  • LED lightbulbs (4) and an LED nightlight
  • Electrical power bar
  • Faucet aerators (2)
  • Water-efficient showerhead
  • Installation Guide for each product

Learn more about the Renter Energy Saving Kit Program

Eligibility Criteria

  • New Brunswick legal property owner.
  • A residential property, no more than 3 stories high and smaller than 600 m².
  • Single-family homes, detached, side-by-side, and row homes are eligible.
  • Manufactured or Mobile homes on a permanent foundation are eligible.
  • Homes must be habitable, structurally sound, and capable of receiving a home evaluation. All interior and exterior finishings must be in place and have a functioning automated heating system, kitchen, and bathroom.

Offerings

  • Homeowners can get money back after implementing energy-saving upgrades in their homes.
  • Homeowners must pay for a Home Energy Evaluation by a Certified Energy Advisor through NB Power. The Advisor will make efficiency upgrade recommendations to the homeowner.
  • The homeowner will need to pay out-of-pocket to make energy efficiency upgrades of their choice from the list of recommended upgrades.
  • Once the upgrades are completed, the Certified Energy Advisor will return to evaluate.

Incentives are available for:

    • Insulation
    • Space heating equipment
    • Water heating equipment
    • Air-sealing
    • Solar PV
    • Windows, doors, and skylights

Learn more about the Total Home Energy Savings Program

Eligibility Criteria

  • New Brunswickers who purchase or lease qualifying new electric vehicles at a licensed automobile dealership in the province.
  • New Brunswickers who purchase a qualifying used electric vehicle at a licensed automobile dealership in the province.
  •  

Offerings

  • Residents or organizations who receive a vehicle rebate through Plug-In NB are eligible to claim 50% of the cost to purchase and install one new Level 2 EV charger (up to a max of $750).
  • Depending on vehicle type, and whether an individual is purchasing or leasing, provincial rebates range from $625 to $5000.

Learn more about the Electrical Vehicle and Charger Rebates

Nova Scotia

Government of Nova Scotia

Eligibility Criteria

Must pay for your own home heat AND meet one of the following:

  • Net income of $29,000 or less and live alone with no kids or dependents
  • Combined net income of $44,000 or less and live with kids, dependents, or other adults
  • Receive Income Assistance from the Department of Community Services
  • Receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance from Service Canada
  •  

Offerings

  • A rebate based on your income as reported to the Canada Revenue Agency.

*Note that for 2023, there is a one-time rebate change allowing
anyone who pays for their own home heat and has a household
income of $85,000 or less can receive up to $1000

Learn more about the Heating Assistance Rebate Program

Eligibility Criteria

  • A Nova Scotia resident paying for home energy.
  • Have NOT already received the rebate on energy bills

Offerings

  • A rebate equal to the portion of the provincial HST paid on home energy products for your residential property.

*Note that this rebate is typically deducted by energy providers and/or
fuel distributors on your bill. If heating with other energy sources such
as kerosene, coal or wood pellets, you can apply for this rebate.

Learn more about Your Energy Rebate

NS Power and The Salvation Army

Eligibility Criteria

A Nova Scotia resident meeting the following income criteria:

  • A one-person household with a net income of $29,000
  • A 2 to 4-person household with a combined net income of $47,703
  • A 5 or more-person household with a combined net income of $67,937
  • Household is experiencing an emergency heating situation

Offerings

A rebate equal to the portion of the provincial HST paid on home energy products for your residential property.

*Note that this rebate is typically deducted by energy providers and/or
fuel distributors on your bill. If heating with other energy sources such
as kerosene, coal or wood pellets, you can apply for this rebate.

Learn more about HEAT Fund

NS Power, Efficiency Nova Scotia, Government of Nova Scotia

Eligibility Criteria

Income criteria:

  • A one-person household with a net income of $27,250 or less
  • A 2 to 4-person household with a combined net income of $50,635 or less
  • A 5 or more-person household with a combined net income of
    $72,113 or less
  • Owner of a single-unit home in Nova Scotia
  • Must be a year-round resident of your home with no intention to sell the property in the near future

Offerings

  • A free Home Energy Assessment by a certified Energy Advisor. This Advisor will provide recommendations for upgrades that will make the home more energy efficient.
  • The upgrades approved for the home will be made at no cost to the homeowner.
  • A final assessment will be conducted after the implementation of the upgrades.

Learn more about Homewarming

Eligibility Criteria

  • A resident of Pictou County of low income in need of urgent assistance with home heating.
  • A household in urgent need is facing running out of heat within 48 hours (ie. oil tank gauges reading empty or wood supplies running out).

Learn more about the Pictou County Fuel Fund

Efficiency Nova Scotia

Eligibility Criteria

Renter or homeowner responsible for paying for household energy use.

Offerings

Free energy-efficient products and installation including:

  • LED lightbulbs
  • Water-saving showerheads
  • Faucet aerators
  • Smart thermostat for mini-split heat pumps
  • Hot water tank wrap
  • Pipe wrap
  • Draft-proofing

Learn more about Energy Efficient Products

Eligibility Criteria

  • Any home in Nova Scotia that is at least 6 months old and has not yet begun major renovations.
  • Homeowners must pay $199 for the initial Home Energy Assessment.

Offerings

A certified Energy Advisor will conduct a home assessment and provide recommendations for improvements that would make the home more energy efficient.

The Energy Advisor will share a list of rebates that your home may be eligible for.

Rebates include:

  • Up to $5,000 for upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, etc.
  • Up to an additional $5000 for upgrades from the Canada Greener Homes Grant

*Note that this program is co-delivered with the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant, so those enrolled in the HEA program that meet the Greener Homes eligibility will automatically be considered for federal rebates and may apply for an interest-free loan.

Learn more about Home Energy Assessment

Eligibility Criteria

  • Multi-unit residential rentals
  • Not-for-profit properties that offer rent-free housing
  • Not-for-profit facilities providing community services such as food banks, outreach and support centres, employment and education centres, and social enterprises
  • More specific criteria can be found here

Offerings

Up to 80% in rebates for energy-efficient upgrades including improvements to:

  • Space and water heating
  • Window and door replacements
  • Insulation

*Note that not-for-profit properties offering rent-free housing may
be eligible for rebates up to 100%

Learn more about the Affordable Multifamily Housing Program

Eligibility Criteria

Single-unit, band-owned homes (including duplexes)

Offerings

No-cost energy efficient upgrades including:

  • Draft -proofing
  • Insulation
  • Ductless mini-split heat pumps

Learn more about the Mi’kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project

Eligibility Criteria

Extensive eligibility criteria for homes, non-profits, and Solar Photovoltaic Systems. These Criteria can be found here.

Offerings

  • $0.30/Watt installed in DC capacity up to $3,000 for SolarHomes program
  • $0.60/Watt installed in DC capacity up to 25% of eligible system costs or $15,000 for non-profits

Learn more about Solar Rebates

EV Assist Nova Scotia

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nova Scotia residents who purchase or lease a qualifying new electric vehicle at a licensed automobile dealership in the province.
  • Nova Scotia residents who purchase a qualifying used electric vehicle at a licensed automobile dealership in the province.

Offerings

  • Up to $3000 rebate for eligible new electric vehicles
  • Up to $2000 rebate for eligible used electric vehicles
  • Up to $500 rebate for eligible new e-bikes

Learn more about Electric Vehicle Rebates

Prince Edward Island

Government of P.E.I., Efficiency P.E.I.

Eligibility Criteria

  • P.E.I. resident with a total household income of $50,000 or less
  • Homeowner that lives in the residence OR a renter that pays the total heating costs of the unit
  • Property is your primary residence or a year-round rental property
  • Have NOT received help from Winter Warming in the past 5 years for this property

Offerings

  • Free air sealing
  • Energy-efficient upgrades including:
    • Installation of a programmable thermostat
    • Installation of a water-saving showerhead
    • LED light bulbs
  • Voucher for a free heating system cleaning up to $115 in value

Learn more about the Winter Warming Incentive

Government of P.E.I., The Salvation Army

Eligibility Criteria

  • P.E.I. resident within the following income brackets:
    • $45,000 for one-person households,
    • $60,000 for two or more person households
  • May not be receiving social assistance
  • Must be experiencing an emergency heating situation
  • Home heating source can be oil, wood, electric, wood pellets, or propane.

Offerings

Up to $1200 per calendar year for households needing assistance in heating their home.

Learn more about the Home Heating Program

 

Government of P.E.I., Efficiency P.E.I.

Eligibility Criteria

P.E.I. homeowners

Offering

  • Subsidized cost of $99 plus HST for the initial energy assessment. The certified Energy Advisor will provide information about the home’s current energy performance and upgrade options that would have the most impact.
  • Eligibility for the Canada Greener Homes Grant requires that an EnerGuide Home Energy Assessment take place prior to any energy upgrades started.

Learn more about the EnerGuide Home Energy Assessment

Eligibility Criteria

  • Homeowners in P.E.I. that use the home as a primary residence and have an income of $55,000 or less.
  • Eligible home must be valued at $300,000 or less.

Offerings

  • Zero-cost home insulation provided by a contractor chosen by Access P.E.I.
  • Qualifying applicants may also be eligible for a free heat pump, and a free electric hot water heater – all of these upgrades are available on the same application form.

Learn more about the Free Home Insulation Program

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must have an energy audit conducted by Homesol.

Offerings

Rebates and financing available for insulation, air sealing, and ENERGY STAR windows and doors.

Learn more about Home Insulation Rebates

Eligibility Criteria

  • Single-family detached homeowners installing a heat pump
  • Homes must have been inhabited for at least 6 months (new constructions are ineligible)
  • Heat pump must be supplied by a Network of Excellence contractor

Offerings

$1,200 point of sale rebate on eligible mini-split heat pumps (per heat pump)

Learn more about Heat Pump Rebates

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applications for rebates must be submitted within a year of installation.
  • Must be the owner of the property where the equipment was installed.
  • Buildings must be inhabited for more than 6 months to be eligible for rebates.
  • All heat pump services must be provided by the same Network of Excellence contractor, and a certificate of compliance is required.

Offerings

Rebates in varying amounts are available for:

  • Mini-split air source heat pumps
  • Central air source heat pumps
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • Solar thermal hot water heaters
  • Air source heat pump (hybrid) water heaters
  • Heat/energy recovery ventilators
  • Biomass stoves
  • Biomass boilers/furnaces

Learn more about Energy Efficient Equipment Rebates

Eligibility Criteria

  • Residents of P.E.I. building a new residence.
  • In order to be eligible for rebates, a certified energy advisor must evaluate the building plans before the build takes place.

Offerings

  • The subsidized cost of the building plans evaluation and follow-up assessments, thereby costing homebuilders $99 plus HST
  • Up to $5,000 in rebates for energy-efficient design and equipment

Learn more about New Home Construction Incentives

Eligibility Criteria

  • The legal owner of the property where the panels will be installed.
  • Eligible buildings include:
    • residential properties (with restrictions), commercial buildings with an operating business, or a farm building owned and operated year-round
    • Single-family home, detached, side-by-side, row house, or apartment building
  • A manufactured or mobile home with a permanent electrical utility connection
  • Buildings inhabited for more than 6 months.
  • Buildings must be structurally sound.
  • Solar PV system is eligible for net metering from the electric utility and meets all applicable regulations.

Offerings

  • Residential rebate amounts of $1,000 per installed kilowatt, not to exceed 40% of the total installed cost, to a maximum of $10,000
  • Commercial and farm rebate amounts of $350 per installed kilowatt not to exceed 40% of total installed cost to a maximum of $10,000

Learn more about the Solar Electric Rebate Program

Summerside Electric Utility

Eligibility Criteria

  • Residents of Summerside P.E.I. with electric thermal storage systems will have cheaper energy rates.
  • Summerside homeowners seeking to install an electric thermal storage system can access rebates by purchasing the equipment through the City of Summerside Heat for Less Now Program.

Offerings

  • Rates of $0.08/kwh for energy used in the home in comparison to the regular $0.1396/kWh rate.
  • Rebates in varying amounts are available for the installation of:
  • Electric thermal storage furnaces
  • Electric thermal storage heaters
  • Electric thermal hot water heaters

Learn more about the Heat for Less Now Program

 

Newfoundland & Labrador

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Eligibility Criteria

  • Newfoundland and Labrador homeowners with annual incomes of $32,500 or less.
  • The dwelling must be the homeowner’s primary residence.

Offerings

  • Pre and post retrofit energy evaluations by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
  • Grants of up to $5,000 for efficient retrofits, including:
    • Basement insulation
    • Attic insulation
    • draft-proofing

Learn more about the Home Energy Savings Program 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Newfoundland and Labrador homeowners with oil heating systems
  • Eligibility criteria may be expanded as more details about the program are released

Offerings

  • Minimum rebates of $5000 
  • Delivered by provincial electric utilities with options to alleviate upfront costs of installation

Learn more about the Oil to Electric Rebate

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Newfoundland Power

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a homeowner with an active electricity account.
  • Home must be on a permanent foundation and intended as a residence.
  • Eligibility criteria may vary per rebate. Follow the link and select the rebate of interest for more details.

Offerings

learn more about Take Charge Rebates

Eligibility Criteria

  • Newfoundland or Labrador homeowner or renter with an active electricity account.
  • Home must be on a permanent foundation.
  • Annual family net income must meet the following rquirements:
    • $30,000 or less for a single-person household
    • $38,000 or less for a 2-person household
    • $46,000 or less for a 3-person household
    • $56,000 or less for a 4-person household
    • $63,000 or less for a 5-person household
    • $71,000 or less for a 6-person household
    • $79,000 or less for a 7-person household

Offerings

The free energy savers kit may include the following:

  • LED light bulbs
  • Switch insulators
  • Outlet insulators
  • Draft plugs
  • Adhesive foam weatherstripping
  • V-Strip weatherstripping
  • Window insulation film kit
  • High performance showerhead
  • Kitchen faucet aerator
  • Bathroom faucet aerator
  • Water heater pipe wrap
  • These small upgrades can noticeably reduce home energy bills.

Learn more about the Energy Savers Kit

 

Canada

Canada Greener Homes Initiative

Eligibility Criteria

  • All homeowners in Canada can participate in the initiative.
  • Only one homeowner per home can register
  • Prove ownership by providing a property tax bill number (This number can be found on municipal property tax documents.) Alternative documents may be accepted (e.g. for rural areas, Newfoundland and Labrador, First Nations on-reserve)
  • Prove the property is your primary residence with a valid piece of government-issued ID with the matching address, such as a driver’s licence
  • Undertake both a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation of your home to be eligible for the grant

The following groups are also eligible applicants under the initiative:

  • Indigenous governments or organizations (e.g. band councils, land claim organizations)
  • Housing management bodies and other representative or Indigenous service delivery organizations with formal partnerships with Indigenous governments or organizations

Indigenous group applicants:

  • Indigenous governments and organizations that want to retrofit a large number of homes that they own (e.g. community-scale) may submit a single application to streamline the registration process and access program funds through one funding agreement. They can apply by using the form in the Application Guide for Indigenous Governments and Organizations Retrofitting Multiple Homes through the Greener Homes Program.

Offerings

  • Grants from $125 to $5,000 to get back a portion of your costs for eligible home retrofits
  • Up to $600 toward the total costs of your pre- and post retrofit EnerGuide evaluations
  • Eligible retrofits include home insulation, windows and doors, heat pumps and solar panels, as well as resiliency measures

Learn more about the Canada Greener Homes Grant

Canada Greener Homes Loan

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be eligible for and apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant or the equivalent provincial program
  • You must be a Canadian homeowner, and your home must be your primary residence
  • You have completed a pre-retrofit evaluation of your home dated April 1, 2020, or later
  • You have a good credit history and aren’t under:

Indigenous group applicants:

  • You are eligible to register multiple homes
  • You must own the home(s) or have a formal partnership to represent the owners, but the homes do not need to be the owner’s primary residence
  • Your home must be occupied by an Indigenous household
  • You must select at least one eligible retrofit for each property subject to the loan

Offerings

  • $5,000-$40,000, 10 years, interest free, unsecured personal loan on approved credit.

Learn more about the Canada Greener Homes Loan

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Eligibility Criteria

  • To qualify, the home must have an energy efficiency certificate of meet energy efficiency or greenhouse gas targets
    • Assessed by Natural Resources Canada energy advisors
  • The home must be insured by CMHC

Offerings

Partial premium refund of 25%

Learn more about CMHC Eco Plus

Eligibility Criteria

    • Applicants must meet a municipal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous government or CMHC program affordability criteria. Applicants can also follow other affordability criteria such as rent-geared-to-income, low-income, moderate-income, established income or rent limits/thresholds.
    • The project must be primarily residential and have at least 5 units or beds. Single detached dwellings, duplexes and townhouses must be at least 10 years old. Mid- to high-rise, low-rise and multi-plex buildings must be at least 20 years old.

Offerings

  • CMHC will fund 100% of eligible retrofit costs, up to $170,000 per unit (low-interest repayable and forgivable loans combined). Forgivable loans will be the lesser of: $85,000 per unit, or 80% of eligible retrofit costs. Low-interest loans will be available to finance the rest.
  • For pre-retrofit activities, the maximum contribution is $130,000 per project

Learn more about Canada Greener Affordable Housing

Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program

Eligibility Criteria

    • Your household income must qualify as median or below, after taxes defined by Statistics Canada (varies by province)
    • Your home is an eligible property type
    • You are a primary resident and owner of your home
    • You heat your home with oil
    • You have recent receipts for the purchase of at least 1,000 litres of heating oil to heat your home in the past 12 months leading up to the time of application
    • You have not already received money for a heat pump as part of the Canada Greener Homes Grant or Loan
    • You are able to complete the work within 6 months of receiving the upfront payment
    • Your home is connected to a North American electricity grid
    • Your new cold climate air source heat pump(s) must be on the eligible product searchable list: Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps – Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program.

Offerings

  • Up to $10,000 for the purchase and installation of eligible cold climate air source heat pump systems, and any of the following associated eligible measures related to its installation:
      • Necessary electrical and mechanical upgrades to your home for the new cold climate air source heat pump
      • The safe removal of your oil tank.
      • Installation of a back-up electric heating system (as required).
      • Switching over other oil-using household systems, such as a hot water heater (where necessary).

Learn more about the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program

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