Ontario Home Energy Rebates 2026: Every Program

SaveOnEnergy.ca: Ontario's Rebate Hub

Every major residential energy rebate in Ontario flows through SaveOnEnergy.ca. The site is operated by the IESO, Ontario's Crown corporation responsible for electricity system planning. Since 2011, Save on Energy programs have reached over 400,000 participants and saved approximately 19 TWh of electricity.[4]

Ontario's government committed $10.9 billion over 12 years to energy efficiency through the IESO framework. That funding backs every program listed below. Current programs are confirmed through November 2026, though individual programs can be modified or closed before that date.

If you only bookmark one page, make it saveonenergy.ca/homerenovationsavings. That is where you will register, track your application, and submit your rebate claims.

Home Renovation Savings Program (HRS)

This is the big one. The HRS program is co-delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas, replacing both the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and the Enbridge HER+ program that closed before it.[1] It covers a wider range of upgrades with higher rebate amounts than either predecessor.

Every Rebate Amount

Two Paths: Bundled vs. Single Upgrade

The HRS program gives you two ways in. Understanding the difference is key to maximizing your rebate.[1]

Bundled path: Combine 2 or more upgrades and get an energy assessment. The assessment itself is rebated up to $600. This path unlocks the full rebate amounts listed above and is the way to go if you are planning a larger renovation. The assessment identifies which upgrades will deliver the biggest energy savings for your specific home. Learn more about what the assessment involves in our Ontario energy audit guide.

Single upgrade path: If you only need one upgrade (say, a heat pump), you can apply without an energy assessment. The process is faster and simpler, but you miss the assessment rebate and the strategic guidance that comes with the evaluation.

Who Is Eligible

• You must own a single-detached home, semi-detached, townhome, or row house in Ontario.
• Your home must be heated with electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, or wood.
• Condos, apartments, and rental properties are not eligible for the residential HRS program.
• New construction does not qualify. The home must be existing and occupied.

How to Apply

1. Visit saveonenergy.ca/homerenovationsavings and create an account.
2. Choose your path (bundled or single upgrade).
3. If bundled: book your energy assessment through the program before starting any work.
4. Complete the upgrades using a qualified contractor. Keep all invoices and permits.
5. If bundled: complete the post-upgrade assessment to verify improvements.
6. Submit your application and documentation through your SaveOnEnergy account.

Timing is critical: For the bundled path, you must complete the pre-upgrade assessment before starting work. If you install equipment first, you will not qualify. For detailed stacking strategy with other programs, see our Ontario HVAC rebate stacking guide.

Energy Affordability Program (Free Upgrades)

If your household income falls below certain thresholds, you may qualify for free energy upgrades through the Energy Affordability Program.[2] This is not a rebate; it is a fully funded program where you pay nothing.

Two Tiers of Support

Basic tier: An energy-saving kit mailed to your home with efficient light bulbs, smart power bars, and weatherstripping materials. No home visit required.

Comprehensive tier: A free in-home assessment followed by major upgrades at no cost. This can include:

• Replacement appliances (fridge, freezer)
• Insulation upgrades
• Weather stripping and air sealing
• Smart thermostats
• Cold climate heat pumps

Eligibility is based on household size and income. The program targets households that spend a disproportionate share of income on energy. If you are unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway. The worst outcome is being told no.

Small Business Program

Ontario small businesses with 50 or fewer employees can access their own set of rebates through Save on Energy.[3]

• Free on-site energy assessment by a certified advisor.
• Up to $3,000 for lighting upgrades (LED retrofits, occupancy sensors, controls).
• Up to $2,500 for non-lighting improvements (HVAC controls, programmable thermostats, refrigeration upgrades).

The assessment is the starting point. An advisor visits your location, identifies the upgrades with the fastest payback, and helps you apply. Visit saveonenergy.ca/en/For-Your-Small-Business to get started.

Programs That Are Closed

These programs appear on dozens of websites and contractor ads. They are no longer accepting new applications. Do not budget for them.

The pattern here matters. Ontario and federal governments have a track record of launching energy programs, running them for a few years, and then shutting them down. GreenON lasted two years. Greener Homes lasted about three. The current HRS program is confirmed through November 2026, but there is no guarantee it will be extended.

Stacking: Which Programs Combine

One of the most common questions we get: can you combine these rebates? The short answer is yes, within limits. Here is what stacks with the HRS program:

For a full breakdown of stacking strategies, see our Ontario HVAC rebate stacking guide. You can also use our rebate checker tool to see which programs apply to your specific situation.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Heat Pump + Insulation Bundle

A homeowner in Barrie with a 20-year-old gas furnace and poorly insulated attic takes the bundled path:

Net out-of-pocket: $2,550 for a full heating system replacement and insulation upgrade. Add a municipal loan program and the net cost drops further. Curious about the heat pump vs. furnace decision? See our heat pump vs. furnace comparison.

Example 2: Single Upgrade (Heat Pump Only)

A homeowner in Ottawa replaces an aging air conditioner with a cold climate heat pump, taking the single upgrade path:

No energy assessment needed. Faster process, simpler paperwork. The trade-off is missing the assessment insights and additional rebates for other upgrades.

Larger Commercial and Industrial Programs

Save on Energy operates several programs for larger businesses and industrial facilities. These are outside the scope of most homeowners, but worth noting if you own commercial property:

• Retrofit Program: Custom incentives for major building upgrades. Projects up to $5 million per facility.
• XLerate Program: Fast-tracked incentives for common commercial upgrades (HVAC, lighting, building automation).
• Energy Performance Program: Pay-for-performance model for large facilities with measurable energy savings.
• Expanded Energy Management: Funding for dedicated energy managers at large facilities.
• BizEnergySaver: Turn-key solutions for small-to-medium commercial buildings.
• Local Initiatives: Community-specific programs run by local utilities.
• Peak Performance: Incentives for reducing peak electricity demand.

The Urgency Factor: Why Apply Now

Ontario has a pattern of launching energy rebate programs, keeping them open for a few years, and then closing them. Sometimes with warning, sometimes without:

• GreenON (2017-2018): Cancelled after the provincial election. Homeowners who were mid-application lost access.
• Canada Greener Homes Grant (2021-2024): Closed to new applications when funding was exhausted.[5]
• Enbridge HER+ (2019-2024): Replaced by HRS. Homeowners who delayed missed out on thousands.[6]

The HRS program is backed by substantial provincial funding and is confirmed through November 2026. But "confirmed" does not mean "guaranteed." If you are planning an upgrade, the safest move is to register now and lock in your eligibility while the program is open.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Here is the simplest path to claiming your rebates:

1. Go to saveonenergy.ca/homerenovationsavings and review the current program details for your situation.
2. Decide: bundled or single upgrade? If you are considering more than one improvement, the bundled path almost always delivers more value.
3. Book an energy assessment if taking the bundled path. Do this before any work begins.
4. Get three contractor quotes. Specify equipment models so you can confirm rebate eligibility for each item.
5. Check your municipality for additional local programs. Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and many other municipalities offer their own incentives.
6. Complete the work, keep every receipt, and submit through your SaveOnEnergy account.

If you are weighing the rent-vs-buy decision on specific equipment, our rent vs. buy water heater guide breaks down the real numbers. And our cost calculator can help you estimate the total project cost before you start.

Related Guides

Exploring specific upgrade types or want to dig deeper into costs? These guides cover the details.

• Heat Pump vs. Furnace Ontario - side-by-side comparison to help you decide
• HVAC Replacement Cost Ontario - full pricing for furnaces, ACs, and heat pumps
• Attic Insulation Cost Ontario - what R-60 insulation costs and why it matters
• Geothermal Heat Pump Cost Ontario - ground-source systems and their rebate eligibility
• Windows and Doors Cost Ontario - per-unit pricing and the $100/opening HRS rebate
• Solar Panels Ontario: Worth It? - ROI analysis for the $10,000 solar rebate

Frequently Asked Questions