By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Tilbury-area residents are set to benefit from new energy efficiency programs launching this month, offering rebates for home upgrades. The Ontario government is rolling out two initiatives aimed at helping homeowners and small businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
One initiative, the Home Renovation Savings Program, will roll out Jan. 28. It offers up to 30 per cent rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, such as installing new windows, doors, insulation, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and solar panels.
This program is a game-changer for Chatham-Kent resident John Dawson, who lives in Tilbury area and owns a 109-year-old home.
“My great-grandfather built this home, which has been in my family for generations. Since this home is airy and big, keeping it warm in the winter is costly. With the rebates, I plan to insulate the walls and upgrade the windows to make the home more energy-efficient. After the provincial government announced the rebate, people like me are happy to invest in our heritage homes,” Dawson said.
The program will also bring relief to residents facing financial challenges. Bhupinder Kumar, a Chatham-based taxi driver, expressed his gratitude.
“This relief by the government means a lot to me. I live paycheque to paycheque with three school-aged kids, and the rebates will help me afford improvements like a heat pump to save on my electricity bills. This program allows people like me to improve basic things in our homes to stay warm in this chilly weather. It’s about survival for many of us,” he said.
The province is also expanding its Peak Perks program to small businesses. It offers incentives such as a $75 virtual prepaid credit card for each eligible smart thermostat connected to a central air conditioning system or heat pump. Business owners will receive an additional $20 each year they remain in the program.
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce emphasized that the Home Renovation Savings Program will provide immediate and long-term savings.
“A family upgrading their insulation, windows, and doors could receive a rebate of up to $8,900 for insulation and $100 for every door and window replaced,” Lecce said.
For larger energy-efficient upgrades, the rebates are even more significant.
“Take, for example, a homeowner investing $15,000 in a new heat pump. They could see a $4,500 rebate upfront while benefiting from ongoing savings of up to 50 per cent on the heating portion of their electricity bill,” Lecce said.
The government has committed approximately $900 million annually for the next 12 years to energy efficiency initiatives, a significant increase from the $342 million average annual spending over the past 13 years. The Home Renovation Savings Program alone will cost about $60 million annually during its initial phase, while the new Peak Perks program for small businesses will require approximately $18 million annually.
Residents of Chatham-Kent and surrounding areas are hopeful these changes will enhance energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and provide financial relief for households and small businesses.
