Loans and grants available for home renovations

By Lanny McInnes
Date Posted: March 25, 2023

Making our homes more energy efficient has been a major focus for homeowners and for all levels of government over the past year. Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA) is launching a new website that provides homeowners with a one-stop-shop to access information on federal and provincial grants, rebates and interest free loans that can help fund your energy efficiency home renovation.

By visiting www.meiaenergyefficiency.ca, you’ll find helpful videos, tips, and links to help you navigate and access these programs aimed at helping make your home more energy efficient.

In some cases, a homeowner can access both the federal and provincial programs to help fund an energy saving home renovation project. Significant savings and financing options for both major projects and smaller energy efficiency improvements in your home are available through two pathways:

Federal Programs: Greener Homes Grant and Interest Free Loan

These programs can help to finance home efficiency upgrades through a matching grant for a portion of some upgrades (up to $5,000) as well as an interest-free loan (up to $40,000 per home). To access these incentives, a homeowner will need to have an Energy Advisor to complete an EnerGuide audit on your home – which rates your home’s efficiency and provides recommendations to increase energy efficiency and comfort, and to reduce energy costs.

For more information about the Greener Homes Grant – https://www.nrcan.gc.ca

For more information on the Greener Homes Loan – https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/

Provincial Programs: Efficiency Manitoba

Multiple rebate and program offers are available to homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades including insulation; windows & doors; lights; showerheads; controls; heating; advanced Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) controls; pool pumps; solar (generating electricity); air source and ground source heat pumps (heating systems); or a more comprehensive whole-home energy retrofit. Rebates and incentives vary by program: for example, homeowners can qualify for up to 100% of insulation materials (pre-approval is required).

In addition, homeowners can finance the cost of energy efficiency upgrades through Manitoba Hydro’s Home Energy Efficiency Loan – a convenient and affordable financing option to make energy efficiency upgrades to your home. The monthly payment is added to your energy bill and no down payment is required.

For a comprehensive home renovation that could bring significant energy savings, Efficiency Manitoba’s Home Energy Retrofit program requires an EnerGuide evaluation by an Energy Advisor – the same evaluation as described in the Greener Homes programs above. As well, Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program provides incentives for those who are building a new home.

For more information on rebates and incentives from Efficiency Manitoba- https://efficiencymb.ca.

MEIA will be hosting free homeowner information sessions in March and April. Details on the times and locations can be found at www.meiaenergyefficiency.ca. You can also visit MEIA’s booth at the upcoming 2023 Winnipeg Home and Garden Show taking place at the RBC Convention Centre from April 13 to 16. For more show information and to purchase tickets online, visit winnipeghomeandgardenshow.com.

Lanny McInnes is the President & CEO of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.