Articles Dealer’s Corner
Ontario launches massive window rebate program for Window Wise dealers

December 14, 2017 By Patrick Flannery

Home Depot

The Ontario government has announced a rebate program enabling homeowners to receive up to $500 per window to a maximum of $5,000 per project when they install Energy Star-certified windows from a list of approved dealers. The program is offered through the Green Ontario Fund, an agency set up to promote energy-efficient construction and renovations.

“I’m ecstatic that our Window Wise dealers are able to be part of the this fantastic program,” said Jason Neal, SAWDAC executive director. “It reinforces our message that we’ve been saying for years about the importance and validity of the Window Wise installation process. It’s a win-win-win for consumers, Window Wise dealers and Ontario because it reduces the carbon footprint of our industry.”

Here are the criteria for contractors to register for the program, according to the Green Ontario Fund website:

An HST registration number and either a Master Business License or Articles of Incorporation valid for at least two years;
$2 million in liability insurance
$1 million in automotive insurance
A letter of clearance from the WSIB (Not required for sole proprietor)
Evidence of current certification by Window Wise

The official press release from the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change follows:

Ontario families can now access rebates to complete low-carbon, energy-efficient renovations to their homes through a new program from the Green Ontario Fund, a non-profit provincial agency funded by proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market.

New GreenON Rebates will cover:

Up to $7,200 off new insulation and a $100 rebate for air sealing
Up to $20,000 to install ENERGY STAR certified ground source heat pumps (home geothermal) or up to $4,500 to repair existing heat pump systems
Up to $5,800 off air source heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR certified or meet program requirements
Up to $5,000 for replacement windows that meet program requirements

In addition to the renovation rebates, homeowners and tenants can access a $100 smart thermostat rebate through a partnership with Save on Energy.

The province is also launching GreenON Support, a free over-the-phone service offering impartial advice from energy experts to help consumers learn how they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint through home upgrades.

Visit GreenON.ca to find out how small – or big – changes in your home can help save money while reducing greenhouse gas pollution.

QUICK FACTS

Buildings generate almost a quarter of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Green Ontario Fund takes consumer protection seriously. No agents will come to your door without your consent. The agency requires residents taking advantage of rebates to work with a qualified and screened contractor listed on GreenON.ca. Contractors across Ontario interested in participating in the program are invited to sign up at GreenON.ca/contractor-signup.
Contractors participating in the program must satisfy established criteria and complete training for specific low-carbon renovations.
The Green Ontario Fund is a key pillar in the province’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded entirely by proceeds from the carbon market.
The rebate program builds on the success of the Green Ontario Fund’s first program, GreenON Installations, which offers a smart thermostat with installation and in-home energy review at no-cost. This program is temporarily closed to new applicants while the current orders of smart thermostats are being installed. Applications will re-open in 2018. Sign up for Green Ontario Fund alerts to get the latest information on all programs.
The Climate Change Action Plan and carbon market form the backbone of Ontario’s strategy to cut greenhouse gas pollution to 15 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, 37 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2050.
Other action plan measures funded by carbon market proceeds include new electric vehicle incentives, charging stations and infrastructure, a bigger and safer province-wide cycling commuter network, energy retrofits for homes, multi-residential buildings, social housing, targeted greenhouse gas emission reduction programs for large industries, small and medium-sized businesses and support for Indigenous communities to fight climate change.