Conservation

The Home Renovation Savings Program, offered through Save on Energy in partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Government of Ontario, helps homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. Whether you heat your home with electricity or natural gas, the program offers valuable incentives for a range of upgrades.

Homeowners can choose to start with a home energy assessment, which qualifies them for rebates on multiple upgrades such as insulation, windows and doors, air sealing, and heat pump water heaters. Alternatively, you can skip the assessment and receive rebates for individual upgrades like cold-climate air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, smart thermostats, and solar panels with battery storage.

This program is designed to make energy-efficient home improvements more affordable while enhancing comfort and sustainability.

For more information please visit: Home Renovation Savings Program | Save on Energy.

The Energy Affordability Program, offered by Save on Energy and managed by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), provides no-cost energy solutions to income‑eligible electricity consumers across Ontario.

Participants can qualify for one of two levels of support:

• Comprehensive Support: A home energy expert visits to assess your home’s energy needs. You may receive free upgrades such as LED light bulbs, smart thermostats, clothes drying racks, efficient appliances (e.g., refrigerators, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners), improved insulation, weatherstripping, and—in electrically heated homes—even cold climate heat pumps.
• Energy Saving Kits: Designed for moderate-income households, these easy-to-install kits arrive by mail at no cost and may include LED lights, weather stripping, faucet aerators, handheld showerheads, retractable clotheslines, LED night lights, and block heater timers for vehicle users.

To be eligible, applicants must be Ontario residents listed on the utility account and meet income thresholds or have received qualifying social assistance such as ODSP, OESP, LEAP, or other government benefits 

For more information please visit: Energy Affordability Program | Save on Energy.

The Peak Perks program, offered through Save on Energy in collaboration with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), delivers a seamless and rewarding way for Ontario homeowners to contribute to grid reliability during peak summer demand.

Participants who enroll—commercial households—and own a central air conditioning system or heat pump controlled by an eligible Wi‑Fi‑enabled smart thermostat receive a $75 virtual prepaid Mastercard® upon joining, plus $20 each year they remain enrolled.

During the summer months (June through September), Peak Perks activates up to ten short events—on weekdays only—during periods of high electricity demand. These events automatically adjust your thermostat by up to two degrees Celsius, typically for no longer than three hours. You are notified in advance and can opt out anytime via your thermostat’s app or device. Once the event ends, your settings return to normal.

Beyond household savings, enrolling in Peak Perks helps reduce stress on Ontario’s electricity grid—boosting reliability and supporting a more sustainable energy system.

For more information please visit: Peak Perks | Save on Energy.

The HomeEnergySaver Program, provided by Save on Energy, offers financial incentives to Ontario homeowners with electric heating systems in designated areas. The goal is to make energy-efficient heat pump installations more affordable while improving comfort and reducing energy use.

Eligible homeowners can receive rebates of up to:

• $5,000 for an air source heat pump,
• $10,000 for a ground source (geothermal) heat pump,
• plus an additional $75 rebate when paired with a smart thermostat—available only if installed alongside a qualifying heat pump.

To participate, a homeowner must:

• Own a home in an eligible postal code,
• Have an electrically heated dwelling—such as a detached home, townhouse, or condo (up to three storeys) built before February 26, 2024.

The application process involves:

1. Confirming eligibility and engaging a program-verified contractor to size and install the heat pump.
2. Completing a pre-installation form to express intent and receive program approval.
3. Installing the heat pump with the approved contractor.
4. Submitting a post-installation form—including your final invoice—within 90 days to claim your rebate. Incomplete applications allow an opportunity for revisions before approval.

This program supports regional energy demand management strategies by targeting homes in areas where grid reliability may benefit from reduced electrical load.

For more information please visit: HomeEnergySaver Program | Save on Energy.

The Advice & Tips section from Save on Energy offers a wealth of practical guidance to help homeowners across Ontario make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective—no matter the season or budget.

You'll find a diverse array of topics, including:

• Low-cost, high-impact upgrades like smart power strips to eliminate phantom energy use, cleaning refrigerator coils, insulating water heaters, using LED lighting, and applying weather stripping to seal drafts.
• Seasonal checklists tailored to maximize efficiency throughout the year, such as fall-focused tips like furnace maintenance, smart thermostat optimization, ceiling fan direction adjustments, and leveraging natural sunlight.
• Simple routines and home behavior tweaks, including running large appliances during off-peak hours, using outdoor clotheslines or drying racks, wrapping your hot water tank, and maintaining furnace filters.
• Guidance for families and newcomers, such as energy-saving habits for growing households—like using ENERGY STAR appliances, smart automation (e.g. thermostats and lighting), and smart scheduling to balance comfort and efficiency.
• Lifestyle-inspired energy-saving strategies, including creating a cozy, low-energy “hygge” atmosphere using dimmers, candles, houseplants, and embracing slower routines for both energy and personal well-being.
• Efficiency-focused renovation advice, encouraging homeowners to include insulation, energy-efficient windows, heat pumps, and high-efficiency HVAC upgrades in renovation plans to boost long-term savings and resale value.
• Outdoor-area energy tips, like switching to ENERGY STAR LED fixtures, using solar-powered lighting, managing timers for lighting and water features, trimming foliage around air conditioners, and using solar pool blankets to reduce heat loss.

For more information please visit: Energy Saving Tips and Advice for your Home | Save on Energy.

The Small Business Program, offered by Save on Energy in Ontario, helps small enterprises boost energy efficiency with no cost to the business. Eligible businesses—those operating with 50 or fewer employees—can receive up to $3,000 in incentives for lighting upgrades and $2,500 for non-lighting upgrades, such as refrigeration and smart thermostat systems.

How it works:

1. Schedule a free on-site assessment by contacting the program team or using their online form.
2. Review the proposed energy-saving upgrades and, if you choose to proceed, sign the participant agreement and work order.
3. A qualified Save on Energy delivery partner manages everything—from contractor selection and quotes to full installation and cleanup—so you don’t lift a finger.

Program advantages include:

• Lower electricity bills
• Reduced operating and maintenance costs
• Enhanced employee comfort and productivity
• Improved customer experience.

Important eligibility notes:

• Previous participants of Save on Energy’s programs—including the Small Business Lighting, Refrigeration Efficiency, Business Refrigeration Incentive, and RTUsaver programs—may qualify for additional upgrades at no cost.
• Businesses that took part in Save on Energy initiatives before April 1, 2019, are still eligible and may receive the full incentive allotments.
• If your lighting projects exceed $3,000 or non-lighting upgrades exceed $2,500, additional incentives may still be available—see the Eligible Measures List for details.

For more information please visit: Small Business Program | Save on Energy.

The Peak Perks program, part of Ontario’s Save on Energy initiatives administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), offers homeowners and small businesses an uncomplicated way to earn rewards while helping stabilize the electricity grid during hot summer days.

When you enroll and your home has central air conditioning or a heat pump controlled by an eligible Wi‑Fi-enabled smart thermostat, you'll receive a $75 virtual prepaid Mastercard® as a welcome reward. Continue participating each year, and you're eligible for an additional $20 preload—as long as you're enrolled by September 30, 2024, to receive the 2025 incentive.

During summer (June to September), Peak Perks may activate up to 10 short events—occurring only on weekdays—where your thermostat is automatically adjusted by up to 2°C for no more than three hours. Some pre‑cooling may occur just before the event to maintain comfort. You'll receive advance notification and retain full control, with the ability to opt out anytime via your thermostat or app. Once the event ends, your settings revert to normal.

Why participate?

• Earn incentives—that $75 up front, plus $20 annually.
• Maintain control—you can override adjustments at any time.
• Help your community—contributing to grid reliability during peak demand.

Who is eligible?

• Ontario residential electricity customers (excluding those served by Hydro-Québec in Cornwall).
• Homes with central A/C or heat pumps using a supported smart thermostat.
• Those not enrolled in another residential demand-response program

For more information please visit: Peak Perks | Save on Energy.

The Instant Discounts Program delivers immediate savings on energy-efficient lighting products for businesses, institutions, and multi-unit residential facilities across Ontario—without the hassle of paperwork or waiting periods.
Point-of-sale discounts are applied instantly by participating distributors when eligible lighting products are purchased, helping you reduce energy use, boost cost savings, and modernize your space.

Who Can Participate:

Businesses operating in commercial, agricultural, industrial, institutional, or multi-unit residential buildings—provided they are existing facilities upgrading less‑efficient lighting—are eligible for these discounts.

What’s Included:

A broad range of energy-efficient lighting products qualify, including:

• LED tubes and lamps (e.g., T5, T8)
• Linear ambient fixtures and troffer replacements
• Low‑bay and high‑bay lighting fixtures
• Recessed downlights, reflector lamps
• Refrigerated display case lighting (horizontal and vertical installations)
• Lighting controls like occupancy sensors and integrated systems

Discount values per unit vary—ranging from a few dollars up to $140 for certain high-output fixtures. 

How It Works:

1. Find a participating distributor or dealer.
2. Purchase the eligible lighting product and provide your business name and installation address at checkout.
3. Receive the discount instantly—no forms, no applications, no delays.  

Important Notes:

• Discounts are only available for retrofits of existing buildings—not new construction—with previously existing lighting.
• If you've already received incentives for specific lighting products through another Save on Energy program, you’re still eligible under Instant Discounts—but only for items not previously incentivized.
• Lighting controls (standard types) are now included as of January 1, 2025. However, networked lighting controls are still offered through the Retrofit program.
• There's no minimum purchase quantity, but all purchased eligible lighting must be installed at the end-use facility within 90 days of purchase.

For more information please visit: Instant Discounts Program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy.

The Retrofit Program offers financial incentives to Ontario businesses, institutions, and multi-unit residential facilities for implementing energy-efficient upgrades that reduce electricity consumption, lower operational costs, and support sustainability goals. Eligible participants can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs through two streams: Prescriptive and Custom. 

Prescriptive Stream

Designed for straightforward upgrades, the Prescriptive Stream provides fixed incentives for specific measures, including:

• Lighting: LED fixtures, networked lighting controls, refrigerated display case lighting.
• HVAC: Air conditioners, chillers, fan motors, rooftop unit controls.
• Refrigeration: Compressors, evaporator fan motors, open refrigerated display case doors.
• Manufacturing & Equipment: Motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), compressed air systems, solar photovoltaic systems. 

Incentives are also available for greenhouse and agricultural equipment, such as horticultural lighting and dairy plate coolers.

Custom Stream

For larger or more complex projects, the Custom Stream offers flexible incentives based on actual energy savings: 

• $1,800 per kilowatt (kW) of peak demand reduction
• $0.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy savings

This stream is ideal for projects that don't fit standard measures, such as HVAC redesigns or custom equipment retrofits. 

Eligibility

The Retrofit Program is open to: 

• Commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities
• Municipal buildings, universities, colleges, schools, and hospitals
• Multi-residential buildings
• Agricultural facilities 

If you lease your facility, you must have the owner's consent to participate. 

How It Works

1. Apply: Sign up through the Retrofit Application Portal.
2. Assessment: Work with a Save on Energy representative to identify eligible upgrades.
3. Implementation: Qualified contractors handle installation and project management.
4. Incentive: Receive financial support for approved upgrades. 

For more information or to apply please visit Retrofit Program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy.

For more resources for your small business please visit: Small Business Resources and Tools | Save on Energy.

The Expanded Energy Management Program helps Ontario’s industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities improve energy performance through financial incentives and expert support. It offers funding to hire full-time energy managers, implement energy management systems, and train energy practitioners, enabling businesses to reduce energy use, lower costs, and meet sustainability goals.

Program Highlights:

• Up to $100,000 funding per year for energy manager positions
• Support for Strategic Energy Management (SEM) and Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS)
• Incentives for training Certified Energy Managers and other professionals

How to Apply:
Apply via the EEM Program portal. For questions, contact SEM@ieso.ca.

For more information please visit: Expanded Energy Management Program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy.

The Energy Performance Program (EPP) offers Ontario businesses, institutions, and industrial facilities a performance-based incentive to enhance energy efficiency through both capital and operational improvements. Participants receive financial rewards for achieving verified electricity savings, with higher incentives for reductions during peak summer hours.

Key Features:

• Performance-Based Incentives: Earn $0.15/kWh for energy savings during peak summer hours (June 1–September 30, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT) and $0.04/kWh during off-peak hours.
• Flexible Participation: Implement a combination of capital upgrades and operational changes to achieve a minimum of 5% energy savings per facility within two years.
• Three-Year Commitment: Participants must commit to a three-year program duration.  
• Automated Tools: Utilize the EPP portal for online applications, baseline energy modeling, savings tracking, and performance monitoring. 

Eligibility:

• Owners and/or operators of commercial, institutional, or industrial facilities in Ontario.
• Facilities must have 12 months of hourly interval meter data.
• Commit to participate for three years and commit to realize a minimum of five percent energy savings per facility within two years. 

How to Apply:

1. Create an account and register your team.
2. Upload a signed Participant Agreement.
3. Provide facility details and 12 months of hourly interval meter data.
4. Submit a recent electricity utility bill. 

For assistance, contact info@energyperformanceprogram.ca or call 1-888-852-2440.

For more information please visit: Energy Performance Program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy.

The EBCx Program helps commercial and institutional building owners in Ontario improve energy efficiency by identifying and fixing operational issues. The program offers incentives to cover the costs of commissioning activities that reduce energy waste, improve occupant comfort, and lower operating costs.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 12 months of energy data
• Annual energy use of at least 750,000 kWh (excluding industrial process energy)
• No commissioning done in the past two years
• Connected to the IESO-controlled grid

Program Phases & Incentives:

1. Investigation: Assess building and develop commissioning plan. Incentive: Up to $50,000 or 75% of costs.
2. Implementation: Complete energy-saving measures. Incentive: Up to $50,000 or 30% of annual electricity use.
3. Persistence: Training to maintain savings for one year. Incentive: Similar to implementation phase.

Common Measures: Optimize HVAC settings, reduce equipment runtime, eliminate simultaneous heating/cooling, and more.

How to Apply:
Contact EBCx@ieso.ca to get started.

For more information please visit: Existing Building Commissioning program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy.

The Save on Energy Retrofit Program offers financial incentives to Ontario businesses, institutions, and agricultural facilities for implementing energy efficiency upgrades. Eligible projects can receive up to 50% of eligible costs covered through two main streams: 

• Prescriptive Stream: Provides fixed incentives for common upgrades such as lighting systems, HVAC controls, motors, variable frequency drives, and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. For solar PV, microgeneration projects up to 10 kW DC receive $1,000 per kW, and small to medium systems (10–1,000 kW AC) receive $860 per kW, up to 50% of eligible costs.
• Custom Stream: Designed for larger or more complex projects, offering incentives of $1,800 per kW of peak demand savings or $0.20 per kWh of energy savings, whichever is greater, up to 50% of eligible costs. Recent updates have increased incentive rates and thresholds for measurement and verification requirements. 

Example of Eligible Facilities Include:

• Commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Multi-residential buildings
• Agricultural facilities

For more information or to apply please visit: Retrofit Program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy.

The Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (IEEP), managed by the IESO's Save on Energy initiative, offers Ontario-based industrial facilities financial incentives to implement energy-saving projects. Eligible projects can receive up to $5 million in incentives, supporting initiatives that deliver significant electricity savings through proven commercial technologies. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Located in Ontario
• Owners/operators of industrial facilities or processes
• Projects must achieve a minimum of 2,000 MWh in annual electricity savings (representing at least a 15% reduction from baseline usage)
• Utilize commercially available technologies.

Application Process:

1. Submit an initial application via the
2. If eligible, provide a detailed proposal including a Measurement and Verification (M&V) Plan
3. Successful applicants enter into a Participant Agreement.

The program operates on a competitive funding basis, with applications ranked based on projected electricity savings and cost-effectiveness. 

Contact Information:

For more details or assistance, reach out to IndustrialEEProgram@ieso.ca 

For more information please visit: Industrial Energy Efficiency Program | Save on Energy.

Save on Energy Program Summary

Save on Energy Commercial Program Comparison Guide

Existing Building Commissioning Program Brochure

Retrofit Program Brochure

Retrofit Solar DER Fact Sheet

The First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program provides comprehensive funding and support to on‑reserve First Nation communities in Ontario for energy-efficiency upgrades in band-owned commercial and institutional buildings.

** What’s Included: **

• Eligible communities can receive up to $330,000 in funding to implement energy-efficiency projects across multiple facilities.
• The program includes on‑site energy assessments and audit reports for up to 15 facilities, alongside a community benchmark report to prioritize retrofit opportunities.
• Save on Energy’s delivery partner offers full project support—from contractor sourcing and quoting to installation oversight and cleanup.

Implementation Pathways:

1. Direct Install
   Turnkey installation by the program delivery partner. This includes lighting, smart thermostats, window air conditioners, and vending machine controls. Ideal for standard facility retrofits.
2. Community Install
   The community manages the project with support. Up to $10,000 of the $330,000 funding is available for feasibility studies and engineering projects (e.g., for arenas, water treatment systems, or street lighting).

Eligibility:

• Open to all on‑reserve First Nations communities in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid.
• Facilities must be band-owned, on-reserve, and used for community benefit (e.g., arenas, schools, Band Council offices).
• Requires an executed Band Council Resolution.

Benefits:

• Gain clarity on energy use and cost-saving opportunities across multiple facilities.
• Full funding reduces financial barriers to modernization.
• Supports local capacity building and potential job creation through project involvement.

For more information please visit: First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program | Save on Energy.

The Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program supports remote First Nations communities in Ontario—particularly those gaining transmission grid access—to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance comfort in homes and local businesses. 

How It Works
The program operates in two key steps:

1. Free Energy Audit: Homes and businesses receive a detailed assessment to analyze energy usage patterns.
2. No‑Cost Upgrades: Based on the audit, participants may receive complimentary energy-saving enhancements such as:
   • For Homes: ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs, smart power bars, outdoor timers, low-flow and water-saving fixtures, hot water tank insulation, draft-proofing, attic insulation, programmable or smart thermostats, and high-efficiency exhaust fans. Appliance replacements (e.g., refrigerators, chest freezers, window AC units, dehumidifiers) may also be included.
   • For Businesses: Energy-efficient LED lighting upgrades, lighting control sensors, and smart thermostats. 

Who’s Eligible
Participation is open to homes and businesses in select remote First Nations communities in Ontario, including—but not limited to—Bearskin Lake, Deer Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Keewaywin, Kingfisher Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Muskrat Dam, North Caribou Lake, North Spirit Lake, Pikangikum, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Wapekeka, and Wawakapewin.Save on Energy

Application Process
Program representatives initiate contact with the Chief and Council of eligible communities to confirm interest. Once confirmed, households and businesses are invited to participate. Registration and explanations of the process—including eligibility and participant agreements—are managed by the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program delivery partner.

For more information please visit: Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program | Save on Energy.