ecoENERGY - Success History

The Elora Environment Centre has processed over $2M in grants in 2008 and has conducted over 20,000 home energy audits since the program began in 1998.

2008 proved to be a very busy year for the Elora Environment Centre - we are pleased to report a significant of federal and provincial grant money issued to our clients. NB Currently the provincial government is matching all the grants being offered by the federal government. In addition the Ontario provincial government is offering a $150.00 rebate on the costs of the initial ecoENERGY home energy evaluation.

Nearly $800,000 in Grants Received by Elora Environment Centre Clients

Since the start of the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive program and up to September 30, 2005, Elora Environment REEP clients have received $787,231 in grants back from Natural Resources Canada. The vast majority of dollars spent on energy end up leaving our local economies, but these retrofit incentives are one way to return those funds. REEP is proud to assist homeowners with getting their grants and with strengthening our local economies.

2005 was the busiest year in our history: EGH

The Residential Energy Efficiency Projects (REEPs) have never been busier performing EnerGuide for Houses (EGH) evaluations during the fiscal year April 01, 2004 through March 31, 2005. REEPs completed 3,669 homeowner visits, all promoting the benefits of energy efficiency. REEP identified 2,349 tonnes of carbon dioxide savings in 2005.
Savings compound annually for the life of the upgrades, making the full C02 reduction potential ENORMOUS!

We’ve come a long way since the first year – 1998/1999 – with only 29 visits!

Now 14.5 megawatts of energy are saved each year because of REEP, equal to starting 10 new wind turbines!

REEPs Deliver on Federal and Provincial Priorities

The reduction of greenhouse gases is a key achievement of the EnerGuide for Houses service, coordinated by the Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence and delivered by REEPs. The pre and post-test rating system allows for verifiable emissions reductions.

ECEE is proud to report that a total of 2,349 tonnes of GHG emissions were reduced by the homes having their follow-up B visits in the last fiscal year. The true GHG-reduction potential of an EGH is enormous as the benefit compounds each year for the life of the upgrades.

In terms of energy conservation REEP clients on average enjoy a 27% reduction on yearly energy costs. This decreased demand on the energy grid will help Ontario reach the 5% target.

The Federal Government Invests in EnerGuide for Houses

The federal government invested heavily in the EnerGuide for Houses (EGH) service in Budget 2005.

The target number of homes to be retrofitted under the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive program was quadrupled – from 125,000 to 500,000 by 2010. This represents an investment of $225 million.

Budget 2005 stated that, “Actions by citizens can play a key role in addressing climate change. By using energy more efficiently, Canadians can reduce GHG emissions and other emissions that contribute to air pollution and smog. Efforts to reduce GHGs will give us a safer climate, cleaner air and healthier communities.”

The grant reward table was increased to help reach this new target. Homeowners now receive $100 more per each grant step. The minimum grant is now $215, which more than covers the total cost of both REEP visits of $175. If clients improve their rating by the minimum three points, the EGH service ends up being free. REEPs expect the demand for their services to increase as a result.

Restrictions on rental housing were also lessened and new incentives put in place for assisted housing operators. An additional $100 rebate for installing a high-efficiency furnace is also available until March 31, 2012.