Are there any programs available for energy-efficient home upgrades?
Calgary residents have access to a wide range of energy efficiency retrofit programs that can significantly reduce utility bills and improve living comfort. This area is actively developing thanks to support from both federal and local governments, as well as local utility companies and non-profit organizations.
Key federal programs
The most well-known federal initiative remains the Canada Greener Homes Loan, a program that provides interest-free loans of up to CAD 40,000 for up to 10 years for energy-efficient renovations. Although the accompanying Canada Greener Homes Grant program closed to new applications in February 2024, participants who have already been approved have until December 31, 2025, to complete their projects.
The interest-free loan program covers a wide range of upgrades, from installing solar panels and heat pumps to upgrading insulation, windows, and doors. A unique feature of the program is that in order to receive funding, you must have a certified EnerGuide energy audit of your home completed both before and after the work is done. This audit costs around CAD 400-600 but provides an accurate understanding of which upgrades will be most beneficial.
According to experts, the Canada Greener Homes Loan program may run out of funding by November 2025, as 3,000-3,500 applications are approved each month and there is approximately CAD 440 million remaining in the program. Therefore, Calgary residents considering energy-efficient upgrades should apply as soon as possible.
City programs and initiatives
The City of Calgary actively supports energy efficiency through several of its own programs. The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is a flagship initiative that provides long-term financing for up to 100% of the project cost at an interest rate of 3.75% for 2025. The CEIP is unique in that repayments are made through property tax bills and the financing is tied to the property, not the owner.
This means that if you sell your home, the new owner can either assume the remaining debt along with the benefits of the upgrades, or you can pay off the debt in full without penalty. The program covers the installation of solar panels, heating system upgrades, insulation improvements, and other energy efficiency measures. Additionally, participants can receive up to a 10% discount on the total cost of the project as an incentive.
The Home Energy Label Program provides builders and owners of new homes with the opportunity to receive CAD 250 for each EnerGuide label, up to a maximum of CAD 7,500 per applicant. The program has been in effect since September 2023 and aims to increase the transparency of the energy efficiency of new homes. The city plans to publish this data through an online home energy efficiency map in 2025.
Programs for low-income families
The Calgary Home Upgrades Program, implemented through the Kambo Energy Group with support from the city, deserves special attention. This program provides energy-efficient upgrades to low-income families, including homeowners and renters, at no cost. The program includes three components: free upgrades (high-efficiency furnaces, toilets, insulation), multilingual educational workshops, and RetroKits with energy-efficient products for DIY installation.
To participate in the program, households must meet income eligibility requirements and their homes must have been built before 1998. The program targets families who spend more than 6% of their after-tax income on energy bills. In Calgary, this applies to approximately 64,000 families.
The Alberta Ecotrust Foundation also runs a similar program called the Home Upgrades Program, but it has reached its maximum number of participants and is currently only accepting new applicants. The program provided free energy-efficient upgrades and education to eligible families in Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, and St. Albert from 2023 to early 2025.
Programs from utility companies
ENMAX, Calgary's primary electricity provider, supports energy efficiency through its Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX program. Although this program is aimed at community organizations rather than private homeowners, it illustrates the company's approach to supporting energy efficiency in the city. The program provides up to CAD 10,000 for energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting for community centers, with 239 grants totaling CAD 890,849 awarded since 2015.
ENMAX has also implemented the Community Solar Fund, a $5 million partnership with the city to install solar panels on public buildings throughout Calgary. Although the program has already been fully allocated, it demonstrates the company's commitment to renewable energy.
Specialized programs and incentives
For heat pump owners, the Calgary Heat Pump Rebate 2025 is available, which encourages the installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. The program requires the installation of ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps and can be combined with other federal programs for maximum savings.
Metis Urban Housing offers the Energy Efficiency Retrofits Program for Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizens with an annual household income of up to CAD 150,000. The program is funded through the Indigenous Leadership Fund from Environment and Climate Change Canada and provides free EnerGuide assessments along with financial support for energy-efficient upgrades.
For solar energy, there is the Residential and Commercial Solar Program through the Municipal Climate Action Centre, which provides up to CAD 0.75 per watt for residential installations with a maximum rebate of CAD 5,000. Alberta also supports microgeneration through a program that allows owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
Funding and application procedures
Most programs require a preliminary EnerGuide energy efficiency assessment of the home by a certified energy advisor. Such an assessment costs CAD 400-600, but can often be partially or fully offset through program incentives. Energy advisors in Calgary are licensed through Natural Resources Canada and can help identify the most cost-effective upgrades for a specific home.
The process typically includes: applying to the relevant program, obtaining approval, conducting a pre-retrofit audit, having the approved work performed by licensed contractors, conducting a post-retrofit audit, and receiving funding or rebates. Some programs, such as CEIP, allow up to 100% of the project cost to be financed up front, while others operate on a reimbursement basis after the work is completed.
Combining programs and maximizing benefits
An important feature of most programs is that they can be combined to maximize financial benefits. For example, homeowners can use the Canada Greener Homes Loan in conjunction with local rebate programs, but the total amount of support cannot exceed 100% of the project cost. The Calgary CEIP provides an additional 10% rebate, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of upgrades.
When planning energy-efficient upgrades, it is worth considering a comprehensive approach: replacing the heating system, improving insulation, and installing solar panels at the same time may be more cost-effective than implementing separate projects in stages. Many programs offer bonuses for multiple upgrades or for achieving high energy efficiency standards.
Future prospects and recommendations
Energy efficiency retrofit programs in Calgary continue to evolve in line with the city and province's climate goals. Natural Resources Canada is working on a new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program that will provide additional opportunities for eligible Canadians. The city is also considering making EnerGuide labels mandatory for all new low-rise homes in Calgary.
For Calgary residents considering energy-efficient retrofits, it is recommended to: first, get an EnerGuide assessment to identify priority improvements; second, research all available programs and how they can be combined; third, get multiple commercial quotes from licensed contractors; fourth, apply as soon as possible, as some programs have limited funding.
Energy-efficient home retrofits not only reduce utility bills and improve comfort, but also increase property values and contribute to the city's climate goals. With the support programs available, there has never been a better time to invest in the energy efficiency of your Calgary home.