Eligibility and Upgrades

  1. What are GreenSaver's Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates?
  2. How can I get financial incentives for an energy retrofit?
  3. How is the value of the financial incentive determined?
  4. When is the last date to submit an application?
  5. What types of upgrades qualify for incentives?
  6. What are the benefits?
  7. Are co-ops and condos eligible?
  8. Are Assisted and Social Housing buildings eligible?
  9. Where is the program available?
  10. Does it matter whether the tenant/resident pays their own utilities directly
    or is included in the rent or maintenance fees?
  11. How long do I have to do the upgrades?
  12. What if the upgrade isn’t on the Prescriptive list?
  13. I want to do both Prescriptive and Custom upgrades. Should I submit two applications?
  14. When can I get an application form?
What are GreenSaver's Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates?
GreenSaver is providing financial incentives for buildings that make energy efficiency upgrades to either privately-owned or Assisted and Social Housing (ASH) residential buildings of 6 residential dwelling units or more. The upgrades include lighting, appliances, chillers (air conditioning) and other electricity-saving measures. The initiative is funded by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).
How can I get financial incentives for an energy retrofit?
In order to receive these financial incentives, an application must be submitted to GreenSaver if located outside the Toronto 416 area. If within the Toronto 416 area code, contact the City of Toronto's Better Buildings Partnership for application requirements. 
How is the value of the financial incentive determined?
The incentive is calculated based on the energy savings achieved by each upgrade. Once the upgrade(s) are completed, the building owner/manager must advise GreenSaver. GreenSaver will validate the information either by a site visit and/or through receipts and other documentation that will be requested.
When is the last date to submit an application?
Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2010. In cases where buildings are applying retroactively, the project must have been started after January 1, 2008 and is either complete or will be complete by December 31, 2010.
What types of upgrades qualify for incentives?
Upgrades fall under one of two categories: Prescriptive Upgrades or Custom Upgrades. Prescriptive Upgrades are standard upgrades listed on Schedule A of the application form. They immediately qualify for an incentive on a per unit basis. Custom Upgrades are for most upgrades not on the Prescriptive Upgrade list and need to go through the Custom Upgrade application process.
What are the benefits?
  • GreenSaver helps to make the application process easy
  • Receive up to 50% of your project costs through various incentives
  • Incentives for a broad selection of standard upgrades
  • Option to apply for Custom upgrade incentives
  • Incentives available for energy audits
  • Optional Resident Education Program
  • Lower operating budget
  • Increase in property value
Are co-ops and condos eligible?
Yes, as long as they are connected to the Province's electrical grid and contain 6 residential dwelling units or more.
Are Assisted and Social Housing buildings eligible?
Yes, as long as they are connected to the Province's electrical grid and contain 6 residential dwelling units or more. (Shelters are exempt from the 6 residential dwelling unit criteria.)
Where is the program available?
The program is available throughout Ontario. However, buildings within the Toronto 416 area must apply through the City of Toronto's Better Buildings Partnership.
Does it matter whether the tenant/resident pays their own utilities directly or is included in the rent or maintenance fees?
No, you can still apply for the incentives.
How long do I have to do the upgrades?
All upgrades must be have started after January 1, 2008 and are either complete or will be completed before December 31, 2010.
What if the upgrade isn’t on the Prescriptive list?
Upgrades not featured on the Prescriptive list will be considered Custom Upgrades on a case-by-case basis and subject to the Custom Upgrade application process. Unproven and renewable energy generation technologies are not eligible, nor are showcase or pilot programs. You can contact a MEER Technical Advisor in advance of the application to verify whether your upgrade will qualify.
I want to do both Prescriptive and Custom upgrades. Should I submit two applications?
No. You can include a mixture of both Prescriptive and Custom measures on the same application. In fact, adding multiple measures on the same application can often make the process easier for you.
When can I get an application form?
You can download the Application Form, Guidelines and Terms of Agreement from our How to Apply section.
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