One of the many incentives that Manitoba Hydro offers to improve the energy efficiency of homes is the Manitoba Hydro insulation program.

This program applies to homes built in 1999 or earlier and is designed to help residents of these homes upgrade the current insulation in their homes. The program covers the costs of upgrading existing insulation in foundations, attics, and exterior wall cavities – this by extension will help save energy costs for homeowners.

Note: It does not cover the replacement of existing insulation. It only covers the addition of new material.

Manitoba Hydro Insulation Program Eligibility

Your home is eligible if:

• you own a home built before 1999
• it has a Manitoba Hydro account that is active;
• it has permanent water supply, rests on a permanent foundation, and is meant for residence;
• It is you or your tenant’s full-time residence.

Your home is not eligible if:

• Construction or renovation is ongoing or it is unoccupied.
• It is a cottage, seasonal home, an apartment building, or vacation rental;
• The insulation project is for a porch, an attached veranda, garage, or sunroom;
• You are just replacing existing insulation;
• Existing insulation has already been removed

For a home to be eligible for a rebate under the Power Smart Home Insulation Program, the insulation in the home must meet the Power Smart levels listed below:

• existing insulation in attics must not exceed R-30:

• projects that entail replacement of current insulation will be eligible for any additional resistance value.
• the final attic insulation resistance value must be R-50;
• insulation must not exceed total final resistance value of R-50
• you must insulate at least 100 sq. ft;
• the final cathedral and flat ceiling insulation resistance value must be R-28

• Foundation walls

• existing insulation for homes using fuel oil, wood, propane, or electricity as their heating source must be less than or equal to R-12;
• to be eligible, the foundations of a natural gas heated home must not be insulated;
• the final foundation insulation resistance value must be R-24;
• additional resistance values will not be paid for.
• you must insulate at least 100 sq. ft;

• Wall cavities

• the final resistance value for wall cavity must be R-10;
• you must insulate at least 100 sq. ft;
• projects that require replacement of current insulation will only be eligible for the extra resistance value added.

How To Get The Manitoba Hydro Insulation Program Grant

Eligible seniors can apply for this grant while filing their personal income tax return. You may qualify for the grant even if you don’t have any income to report.

Qualify

• Choose the area(s) you want to insulate in your home.
• To DIY or outsource it to a contractor.

• If you will be hiring a contractor for your insulation upgrades, we recommend you make your decision after no less than three to four quotes from contractors participating in this program.
• If you choose to DIY, then you will need to find a retailer participating in the program and:

• measure existing insulation R-values (PDF, 104 KB).
• ?calculate the square footage for insulation;

• Your retailer or contractor will:

• Fill the program application with you;
• ?Submit your application for pre-approval

Note: Do not start insulation before this approval.

Insulation

Ensure that you (DIY) or your hired hand:

• Gets the necessary electrical or building permits.
• Meet the Manitoba Building Code work requirements, applicable bylaws, and ready to accept authorities for inspection.

Get the Rebate

Ensure that you (DIY) or your hired hand:

• When you are done with your project, you (in the case of DIY) or the hired hand (if you hire one) submits:

• the signed original two-page Home Insulation Program Rebate Application and Calculation Schedule;
• ?all original invoices or receipts for the materials used in insulation.

• If you had two or more approved project areas (e.g., basement and attic), you must finish all work before you submit your last paperwork
• Rebates will be issued between 7-8 weeks by cheque or like a credit on your loan account or bill. If you have outstanding loan arrears on your Manitoba Hydro account, the rebate will be used as a credit to your loan.
• Chances are that before the rebate is issued, your project will be selected for installation inspection.

To Reschedule or Cancel

Appointments cannot be canceled online. Please call 1-877-797-9473 to cancel your existing appointment.

Complementary Grant Programs by Manitoba Hydro

Helpful Links

Link 1 – How to calculate square footage for insulation Link 2 – Calculate your estimated rebate amount

Note: R-value (resistance value): a measure of the ability to slow heat flow – high R-value numbers mean better insulation

Additional Information

Territory/Province: ManitobaEnd Date: Ongoing

For more information about the program, call 204-480-5900, 1-888-624-9376 (outside of Winnipeg), or send an email to [email protected]