Propane Industry Can Play a Role in Ontario’s Home Energy Retrofit Program

Propane businesses can play a role in the Ontario government’s new home energy retrofit program – Ontario Home Energy Conservation Incentive Program (OHECIP). The government is committing $100 million over three years to help about 37,000 homeowners who use a natural gas, propane, oil or wood appliance as the primary source of heating in their homes.

Independent energy auditors manage the program process, including consumer pre-qualification, energy audits, paperwork and submission for payment. Eligible energy upgrades include furnace and water heater replacement. The program is intended for upgrades utilizing an existing energy source, such as moving from a low-efficiency to high-efficiency propane furnace but the CPA is investigating opportunities to create fuel-switching programs.

The province has been split into two territories, administered by Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. and Union Gas Ltd., with slightly different program offerings in each territory. A postal code search shows which territory a consumer is in and provides a list of auditors and rebates.

The propane industry can participate in this program by discussing energy upgrades with their customers and directing them to appropriate program resources. It is recommended that propane businesses work with local HVAC contractors, as well as energy auditors.

The CPA has a supply of printed flyers available for member companies. To order, please contact Peter Maddox, CPA’s Ontario Regional Manager at 416.903.8518 or petermaddox@propane.ca.