News Residential
Edmonton offers HERA: a new residential energy efficiency rebate program

January 16, 2021 – The City of Edmonton is offering the Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator (HERA): a new residential energy efficiency incentive program that provides rebates to homeowners for a variety of improvements.

Rebates are available for a number of energy-efficient retrofits, such as improvements to insulation, air sealing, windows, water heating and space heating, with bonuses available for multiple renovations.

While the rebate amount for each homeowner will depend on the retrofits they choose, the average is estimated to be $1500 per home.

More than 400 homeowners are expected to take advantage of the incentive program each year.

Detached homes, semi-detached homes, townhomes and mobile homes on permanent foundations must be located within city limits and have equipment installed from a list of eligible products (PDF download).

After a homeowner receives an EnerGuide home energy evaluation and enrolls in the program, they will have up to 18 months to complete their energy efficiency upgrades and apply for eligible rebates.

HERA is a three-year pilot program with an annual budget of $600,000. The previous residential energy efficiency program in Edmonton resulted in more than $15 million in local economic activity, says the city.

“CHBA-ER members—including renovators, trades, manufacturers and suppliers—have the expertise and the willingness to help homeowners explore the benefits of this new program,” said Sydney Bond, president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association–Edmonton Region. “HERA will not only help bolster interest and participation in energy efficiency, but will also contribute to Edmonton’s economic recovery by supporting job stability for Edmontonians.”