Government Grants for Geothermal Energy Systems

Geothermal systems use a renewable resource, the earth, which is efficient and non-polluting. Replacing a fossil fuel system with geothermal immediately cuts your household energy emissions by 50%, the equivalent of taking four cars off the road. Federal and provincial governments recognize the important role that geothermal plays in reducing home energy use, and have created rebate programs to facilitate installation.

Government Grants for Geothermal Energy Systems:

Government Grants

Federal Grant

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is offering homeowners a new residential energy efficiency assessment service. Under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program, a property owner can qualify for federal grants by improving the energy efficiency of their home and reducing their home's impact on the environment.

NRCan-licensed energy advisors conduct a detailed on-site assessment of your home's energy use. These advisors then provide you with a personalized written report, including a checklist of recommended retrofits to improve the energy efficiency of your home. The homeowner then has 18 months to complete these retrofits. The highest grant that NRCan is offering is for the installation of a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump. When you replace your existing heating system with a geothermal heat pump, you are entitled to a $3,500 grant. The maximum grant you can receive through this retrofit program is $5,000.

For more information on the Federal Grant click here!

To find an Energy Advisor click here!

Ontario Residents

Premier McGuinty unveiled a new bundle of programs to help Ontarians upgrade their homes, save money and help Ontario meets its greenhouse gas emissions targets. These programs will be funded through money set aside in the 2007 Budget. They include:

    * A Home Energy Retrofit Program that will provide up to $5,000 for home energy retrofits that include Energy Star qualified furnaces for heating, solar domestic water systems and insulation
    * Extending the retail sales tax rebate on qualifying solar, wind, micro hydro-electric and geothermal equipment to January 1, 2010

For more information about the Ontario RST rebate click here!

Download the application form by clicking here!

Saskatchewan Residents

The Government of Saskatchewan announced March 26, 2007 it has extended the Saskatchewan EnerGuide for Houses retrofit grant program until March 31, 2011. Individuals who qualify under this new program may also qualify for the ecoENERGY Retrofit Initiative introduced by the Federal government January 21, 2007 and launching April 1, 2007.

Saskatchewan Grant of $3,500 for Geothermal systems applies if you are replacing an existing wood, electrical, oil or propane primary heating system. To be eligible for the grant if replacing a natural gas heating system, the electricity to run the system must be generated on-site using a renewable resource. This criteria takes into consideration economics and the impact on the environment in Saskatchewan.

Bitish Columbia Residents

The Government of British Columbia announced in May 2008 the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program. This $60 million program creates a single access point for provincial, utility and federal incentives by highlighting the best opportunities for energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Quebec Residents

If you decide on a geothermal system, you can get a grant from Hydro-Québec. Additional financial assistance is available through the Novoclimat and Rénoclimat programs of Québec's Agence de l'efficacité énergétique, as well as the ecoENERGY Retrofit program offered by Natural Resources Canada.