Energy program ends

Homeowners contemplating energy retrofits to their home are no longer eligible for federal rebates under the Energy Grants Program.

Ellen Mortfield, executive director at Eco-Superior, on Monday said the organization was unilaterally informed by Ottawa a day earlier that the program has reached its capacity and ended more than two months ahead of schedule.

Mortfield said the decision will assuredly leave homeowners high and dry, adding they’ve had 15 applicants to the program in the past three weeks, knowing the March 31 deadline was rapidly approaching.

It’s disappointing, Mortfield said.

“If you’re looking for a grant for your new furnace or new windows or any other improvements you were planning on this winter, you’re out of luck,” Mortfield said.

“I’m sure we’ll get calls, because of that.”

To qualify, homeowners had to first meet the program criteria, together with having their home inspected for energy efficient improvements by a certified energy advisor. A follow-up inspection is also required.

There’s a secondary problem to the about-face from Ottawa, Mortfield added. Homeowners must have their follow-up evaluation done by June 30, and all work must be completely wrapped up by the original March 31 deadline.

“This is a bit problematic for us,” she said. “Our energy advisors have been actively seeking other work to go to after March 21 and we were prepared to fit in all of the remaining customers by that date. It will be difficult to provide service for just a few customers over an additional three months.”

Eco-Superior has provided grants to more than 2,050 homes since 2007, helping homeowners collect more than $1.8 million in grants in that time.