Ontario offers free energy upgrades to income-qualified households. Learn how these programs work and how to apply!
Energy-Saving Programs for Income-Qualified Households in Ontario
Energy-Saving Programs for Income-Qualified Households in Ontario
Ontario offers programs to help income-qualified households reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Two key initiatives are Enbridge’s Home Winterproofing Program and Save on Energy’s Energy Affordability Program. Both provide free energy upgrades, but each has unique features and eligibility requirements.
Enbridge Home Winterproofing Program
The Home Winterproofing Program helps homeowners and renters on limited incomes make their homes warmer and more energy-efficient. Participants receive free in-home energy assessments and professional installation of measures such as:
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Attic, wall, or basement insulation
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Draft proofing to reduce heat loss
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Smart thermostats
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Additional items like LED lighting or ENERGY STAR® appliances in some cases
Eligibility is income-based and targeted to households that heat their home primarily with natural gas. Older homes are often prioritized due to greater potential energy savings. Renters can participate with landlord approval, and social housing residents may also qualify.
Save on Energy’s Energy Affordability Program
The Energy Affordability Program (EAP) supports income-qualified electricity customers across Ontario, including homeowners, renters, and social housing residents. It offers two levels of support:
Comprehensive Support
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Free in-home energy assessment
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Professional installation of upgrades such as LED lighting, draft proofing, smart thermostats, ENERGY STAR® appliances, and, in some cases, cold-climate air-source heat pumps
Energy Saving Kits
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Custom kits of simple energy-saving products delivered by mail, including LED bulbs, weather-stripping, showerheads, faucet aerators, and clothes-drying lines
Benefits of Participating
Both programs make energy-efficient upgrades accessible without upfront costs. Benefits include:
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Lower energy bills
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Increased home comfort
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Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
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Professional guidance on the most effective upgrades
By participating, households can combine measures from both programs, maximizing savings and improving efficiency through insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient appliances, and smart heating solutions.
How to Get Started
Applying for either program automatically provides access to both. To begin:
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Visit the Enbridge Gas Home Winterproofing Program page or the Save on Energy Energy Affordability Program page
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Call 1‑844‑770‑3148 to check eligibility and schedule an in-home energy assessment
The program team will guide you through the process, determine which upgrades your home qualifies for, and handle professional installation at no cost. These initiatives help income-qualified households reduce energy use, save money, and improve home comfort while contributing to a cleaner environment.
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