What is the ecoENERGY Retrofit Initiative?
The new ecoENERGY Retrofit Initiative is a federal program unveiled January 21, 2007. It is designed to provide financial incentives to help Canadians retrofit their existing homes, small-buildings and industrial processes to improve their energy efficiency and contribute to a cleaner environment. By implementing the energy retrofit recommendations, a typical homeowner could save 30% or more on their annual heating bill.
How do I qualify?
First, you must own a house or building considered a low-rise dwelling under Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. This includes row housing (town houses), duplexes and triplexes. Some small apartment buildings of three storeys or less and mobile homes may also qualify. Second, you will need to schedule a home energy evaluation to qualify for the financial incentive.
1. Call Sage Energy (604-495-6757) for the pre-retrofit assessment ($150 cost). You will be mailed a report with the details of your evaluation and a complete action plan.
2. Select the improvements from your home energy action plan that you would like to complete and implement the recommended energy upgrades within 18 months.
3. Call Sage Energy (604-495-6757) for the post-retrofit evaluation. Sage Energy will complete grant application paperwork and submit on your behalf. ($75 cost).
4. Wait for up to 90 days to receive your cheque based on the eligible upgrades that were performed in step 3.
For more information on the on-site assessments or the grant application process, please read the Government publication titled
"Grants for Residential Property Owners".
How much does this cost?
Pre-Retrofit Assessment: $150.00
Post-Retrofit Assessment: $75.00
How much can I get back?
Each grant will depend on the individual upgrades completed. Your home energy evaluation will include recommended upgrades based on the anticipated impact each upgrade will have on the home's energy efficiency, and the corresponding grant amount expected as a result. For example, replacing an old gas furnace with a highly energy efficient ENERGY STARŪ qualified model usually saves about 35% on heating bills, so this type of upgrade would receive a grant of several hundred dollars or more. Installing insulation in an unfinished basement is also a very effective upgrade and would be remunerated accordingly. On the other hand, replacing windows is a costly upgrade that usually has limited effect on energy savings, so the grant per window would be modest. It is expected that the average grant for a single property will be $1,000, up to a maximum of $ 5,000.
For a detailed listing of the upgrades eligible to receive grant money and the amounts please read the Government publication titled
"Retrofit Your Home and Qualify for a Grant!"
What is included in the on-site assessment?
A top to bottom inspection of the home's energy efficiency profile including an air leakage test ("blower door" test), insulation inspection, window inspection, and heat system inspection.
A 9+ page report detailing the upgrade recommendations, grant amounts and an energy efficiency rating label that shows how energy efficient the home is compared with others in the region.
What areas do you serve?
Click here for a map of our service area. We serve the Lower Mainland, from Whistler to Chilliwack.
Why SAGE ENERGY?
Excellent Customer Service
Evening and Weekend Appointments at No Extra Charge
No Mileage Charges throughout the Lower Mainland
24 Hour Booking and Enquiry Line (604-495-6757)
