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Emer's Guide: Energy Efficiency Grants and Rebates Programs in Halifax

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

Emer, casaGURU's green living guru, has created a helpful checklist for Regina homeowners of federal, provincial, city and utility company grant and rebate programs, including special solar savings from Conserve Nova Scotia and the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program.

Hello Halifax homeowners!

Here at casaGURU we're big fans of green in both senses of the word: we’re strong supporters of making homes more energy efficient AND of helping our community of homeowners save money. There are many ways you can do both at the same time!

However, with the amount of energy saving rebates and grants available from a variety of sources, finding and applying for them can seem daunting. So, that's why I’ve compiled an easy to follow list of energy savings specifically for homeowners in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Haligonians should be sure to check out the solar savings Conserve Nova Scotia has to offer!

I’ve done the research for you, so below are ways to help you save! It’s been broken into categories that will hopefully be easy to navigate.

GENERAL HOMEOWNER SAVINGS

Home Renovation Tax Credit

Up to $1,350

Under proposed changes, you can claim a non-refundable tax credit on your 2009 income tax return based on eligible expenditures incurred for work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010, in respect of an eligible dwelling. The HRTC applies to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 [($10,000 - $1000) x 15%].

ecoENERGY Retrofit Grant
Up to $5,000	The maximum grant per home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000; whereas, the total grant amount available to one individual or entity for eligible properties over the life of the program is $500,000. The average grant is expected to be more than $1,000 and will yield an average 25% reduction in energy use and costs.

Mortgage insurance (current homeowners)
Up to 10%	If you own a home and are with the CMHC, you’re your home more energy efficient and you could receive up to 10% of the cost of CMHC mortgage insurance and extended amortizations without regular premium surcharges.

Mortgage insurance (new or prospective homeowners)
Up to 10%	If you’re a new homeowner and with the CMHC, buy a green home and you could receive up to 10% of the cost of CMHC mortgage insurance and extended amortizations without regular premium surcharges.

SOLAR

Conserve Nova Scotia's Solar Hot Water
$20,000	Conserve Nova Scotia provides a 15% rebate on the installed cost of a solar water heating system. The maximum provincial rebate is $20,000. Rebates that exceed $20,000 may be considered, and applicants may apply in advance with a detailed project description.

Conserve Nova Scotia's Solar Hot Water
$1,250	Homeowners in existing homes should also consider taking part in the Nova Scotia EnerGuide for Houses program, under which they may be eligible for an additional $1,250 rebate from the Federal government for installing a CAN/CSA approved system for domestic hot water use.

Conserve Nova Scotia's Solar Air Heating
$20,000	Conserve Nova Scotia provides a 15% rebate on the installed cost of a solar air heating system. The maximum provincial rebate is $20,000. Rebates that exceed $20,000 may be considered, and applicants may apply in advance with a detailed project description.