Home Efficiency Tax Credits, Rebates and Incentives

Saving energy is important, but it isn’t always easy for homeowners to purchase energy saving appliances. Fortunately, many provincial and territorial agencies offer a range of credits and rebates to offset the cost of these purchases.

The CRA does not currently offer taxpayers any federal rebates for the purchase of energy efficient appliances. However, the agency updates its website annually to reflect changes in credits and benefits, and posts a comprehensive list of provincial and territorial government agencies who do provide rebates to homeowners.

If you live in BC and you purchase an Energy Star clothes washer, dryer, or refrigerator, you may apply for the BC Hydro Rebate. Rules and requirements change, but as of 2016, BC Hydro requires you to purchase the appliance between May 1 and June 30 of the year of your application.

The rebate amount varies from appliance to appliance, and in some cases, your rebate may double or even triple depending on where you live. For example, residents of Richmond may receive triple rebates on some items. FortisBC also offers rebates to BC appliance buyers.

If you are a homeowner in Saskatchewan, you may claim a provincial sales tax exemption on certain energy efficient purchases. Qualifying items include Energy Star refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and clothes washers, as well as furnaces, heaters, and certain heat pumps.

Manitoba Hydro offers loans and financing to homeowners who need to buy new appliances. They also offer rebates and benefits to homeowners who discard certain old and inefficient appliances. For example, as of 2016, if you dispose of your old refrigerator, Manitoba Hydro will pick it up from your home and pay you $50.

In Ontario, several different groups including Enbridge Gas Distribution, Hydro One, Independent Electricity System Operator, Ontario Electricity Support Program, and Toronto Hydro offer rebates and incentives.

For example, Enbridge Gas Distribution offers homeowners up to $2,000 to cover the cost of a home energy audit, and HydroOne offers rebates between $1 and $10 for buying certified LED bulbs.

For Nova Scotia residents, a variety of savings are available from Efficiency Nova Scotia. Appliance retirement incentives pay cash for old fridges, air conditioners, and freezers. Other programs offered include low cost home energy assessments, free assistance for installing energy efficient products such as shower heads and pipe wrap as well as rebates up to $1,900 for solar and home heating equipment and installation.

If you live in Quebec, you may qualify for financial incentives from Gaz Metro if you decide to heat your home with natural gas.

Additionally, Gaz Metro offers homeowners rebates on hot water systems, qualifying boilers, programmable thermostats, and a range of other grants and incentives.