Ontario Expanding Energy Savings Programs

New rebates and incentives will help families save money and help businesses grow

 As part of its plan to protect Ontario by keeping energy costs down, the government is expanding its energy savings programs, introducing new rebates for energy-efficient home appliances and incentives for industrial, municipal, institutional and health-care organizations. Ontario’s energy savings programs are part of province’s 12-year, $10.9 billion Energy Efficiency Framework, the largest investment in energy-efficiency programs in Canadian history, and Energy for Generations, the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan.

“With electricity demand rising, keeping more money in people’s pockets has never been more important,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “By expanding Ontario’s energy savings programs to include energy efficient appliances, families save money and Ontario saves power – the ultimate win-win. After energy costs quadrupled under the former government, our number one priority is affordability for families, which is why we expanded this savings program, permanently cut the gas tax, and led the charge to scrap the carbon tax.”

With electricity demand projected to significantly increase over the next 25 years, maximizing available grid capacity is essential to reducing strain and lowering energy costs. Many homes and businesses still use inefficient appliances and industrial processes, which increases energy consumption and drives up costs. This presents a clear need for accessible, cost-saving solutions to help Ontarians cut energy use, lower bills, and ensure a reliable power system for the future.

Starting this fall, under the Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP), eligible households will be able to receive rebates of up to $200 off for a wide range of energy-efficient appliances, including refrigerators, freezers and laundry machines. Appliances can be purchased from any retailer – online or in-store – and rebates will be issued within 60 days of approval. All homes on Ontario’s electricity grid will be eligible, including condos and apartments, as long as the appliance meets the eligibility criteria, including the replacement of existing, less energy-efficient electric appliances.

Enhancements to the HRSP also include new rebates for attic insulation without needing a home energy assessment. This will increase speed and make it easier for homeowners to apply and save money. Attic insulation is still available through the assessment-based stream, allowing for flexible consumer choice when it comes renovating your home.

On January 7, 2025, Ontario launched the first phase of the energy savings program, including savings for efficiency upgrades such as insulation, smart thermostats and rooftop solar. The energy savings program is on track to exceed its 2025 targets, with up to 685 gigawatt-hours in energy savings and 226 megawatts in peak demand reduction achieved as of June 2025 – the equivalent of taking over 220,000 homes off the grid.

The province is also expanding support for large-scale energy efficiency projects for industrial, municipal, institutional and health-care organizations. The Save on Energy XLerate Program will increase the per project incentive from $5 million to $15 million to support large, complex, industrial capital projects that deliver measurable energy savings using proven technologies to improve efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.

Key features include:

• Feasibility study support: Covers 50 per cent of study costs, up to $100,000, to help organizations scope and develop eligible projects
• Streamlined application processes: A single sign-off and first-come-first-served intake making it faster and easier to apply
• Broader eligibility and longer timelines: To support early-stage planning and implementation across a wider range of sectors

"Ontario is taking concrete steps to ensure that our economy is powered by strong, self-reliant, and competitive energy sources – particularly in the face of the unprecedented energy demands that our growing province is experiencing,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “This integrated energy plan, the first of its kind, is a generational step toward an energy future that will grow our economy and support Ontario's industries, while remaining affordable, reliable, and secure.”

Ontario’s Energy Efficiency Framework is forecasted to reduce the province’s peak demand by 3,000 megawatts by 2036, which is the equivalent of taking three million homes off the grid. By lowering operating costs for households and businesses and freeing up electricity capacity, these measures help strengthen Ontario’s competitiveness on the global stage and support the government’s goal of making Ontario one of the most competitive economies in the G7.

Quick Facts

• The expanded energy programs announced today build on the 14 new and expanded energy-efficiency programs, including the Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) that was announced on January 7, 2025.
• This builds on Ontario’s historic $10.9 billion investment in energy efficiency. The HRSP is a “one window” program delivered in partnership with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Enbridge Gas, streamlining access to rebates for energy-efficient upgrades and helping Ontarians make smart choices that reduce energy use and lower monthly bills.
• The government’s $10.9 billion investment over 12 years is also estimated to result in $23.1 billion in nominal electricity system benefits, thereby saving ratepayers $12.2 billion in electricity system costs by helping to avoid the build out of new generation.