What is the saveONenergy HOME ASSISTANCE program?
Your local utility in Ontario, and the Ontario Power Authority have joined together under the HOME ASSISTANCE program to help Ontario homeowners and tenants make their homes more energy efficient.
The HOME ASSISTANCE program is the first of its kind in Ontario, and will be made available through participating electric utilities.
Why does it matter if my home is energy efficient?
An energy-efficient home is a more comfortable home – plus it will use less energy, making it easier for you to manage your energy costs.
Who is eligible for the home Assistance program?
You are eligible for the Home Assistance program if you own or are a tenant in residential housing – such as a detached or semi-detached house, a townhouse, a mobile home or a unit in a duplex, triplex or other multi-residential building – provided it is:
- a maximum of three storeys high, and
- less than 600 square metres (6,400 sq. ft.).
AND
Your annual household income (before-tax income of all household members, age 18 or older) is the same or less than the amounts shown:
Number of people living in the home
Before-tax annual
1 person
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
5 persons
6 persons
7 or more persons
household income†
$29,931
$37,261
$45,810
$55,617
$63,081
$71,144
$79,209
OR
You have received one of the following for the past 12 months:
- National Child Benefit Supplement
- Allowance for the Survivor
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Allowance for Seniors
- Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program
OR
- You have received Utility Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) grant within the past 12 months.
Important note: If you live in social and/or assisted housing, please ask your housing provider to apply, and pick up the HOME ASSISTANCE brochure for social housing providers. If you live in a larger building, please visit saveonenergy.ca for the RETROFIT PROGRAM information.
AND
Your name appears on the electric utility bill (unless you live in social housing).
AND
If you are a tenant, you have the written consent of your building’s owner or manager to join the program.
How does the HOME ASSISTANCE program work?
The HOME ASSISTANCE program includes:
1. A detailed in-home energy assessment
A HOME ASSISTANCE technician from GreenSaver will work with you to assess how energy efficient your home is now. The technician will look at all the factors that affect your energy use, including:
- what light bulbs you are using,
- how old your major appliances are, and
- whether drafts are coming in through your doors, windows, attic or basement.
2. Professional installation
Based on the results of your assessment, the HOME ASSISTANCE technician will install the energy-efficiency upgrades your home qualifies for. These upgrades may include:
- energy-saving light bulbs
- a power bar
- a low-flow showerhead
- faucet aerators
- a programmable thermostat, and/or
- weatherstripping around your doors and windows.
The HOME ASSISTANCE technician will also be able to advise if your home is eligible for a new, energy-efficient refrigerator or other appliances, such as a room air conditioner, or additional insulation in your attic or basement.
3. Helpful advice
The HOME ASSISTANCE expert will also:
give you advice about how you can change what you do now to save energy, and make sure you know how to use all your new energy-saving upgrades correctly.
How do I apply?
To apply, either download the HOME ASSISTANCE program application from your utility below or call GreenSaver at 1-855-591-0877 or email hap@greensaver.org.
If you have any questions about the program or would like to apply,
please contact our customer service at:
1 855 591 0877
hap@greensaver.org
If you are not a customer of Welland Hydro or Niagara Peninsula Energy, or would like furthur information.
Please contact the Ontario Power Authourity by clicking here: www.powerauthority.on.ca
**Note: this section is under development and being updated. More information will be avaliable soon.
