Did you know that Canada is the number one electricity user in the world?

And to add insult to injury, we also pay higher prices for it than anywhere else in the world!

Now add that to the money we put out every month on other forms of energy such as natural gas and gasoline, and it makes you really want to find ways to save money doesn’t it? And who doesn’t like to save money?

On a brighter note, Canadian energy consumption has drastically decreased in the last decade, so we’re getting it.

We’re reducing our carbon footprint, helping the environment, and saving energy and money. A large part of that is not only due to new advances in energy forms and distribution but also to the rebate and incentive programs many governments and utility companies have offered and currently offer.

In this article, check out all the available Manitoba Hydro rebates and incentives to help you save money and energy in your home!

Manitoba Hydro Rebate Programs

AFFORDABLE ENERGY PROGRAM

If your household has a low income but you would like to improve your energy efficiency, Manitoba Hydro will do a free inspection to let you know what upgrades are available to you.

Homeowners, renters, and landlords can all participate in this program, though renters need to have approval from their landlords because any costs and rebates will belong to them.

Homeowners benefit by learning more efficient ways to power, heat, and cool their homes and receiving energy-efficient upgrades they may have thought were beyond their budget.

Landlords win because they increase the value of their homes and reduce their tenants’ energy usage (a win for the planet too!), which can also translate to less demand on the systems using the energy.

And renters benefit by saving money with the free energy-efficiency upgrades and lower monthly utility bills, plus their home will perhaps be warmer and more comfortable.

You could qualify for this program if you:

• live in a single or semi-detached home or mobile home on a permanent foundation,
• live in the home year-round,
• have a total household income (before deductions) that meets or falls below the allowable limits, i.e., a family of four has an allowable income of $58,855), and
• provide all applicable documents for people 18 and older who live in your home (Notice of Assessment, Voluntary Consent form for Tenants, proof of full-time student status, proof of self-employment, and/or proof of participation in a provincial social program).

All you need to do is apply online. When you’ve been approved, staff will book an appointment and then you need to be available for an energy advisor to come into your home and review its energy efficiency.

During the inspection, the advisor will tell you how the program works, and you will even receive these free energy-efficient items during your inspection:

• low-flow showerheads
• LED bulbs
• faucet aerator

Through this program, you could receive free insulation for your attic, walls, basement, or crawlspaces, a natural gas furnace for $9.50 a month for 5 years, and/or a $3,000 rebate for the purchase of a high-efficiency natural gas boiler. To qualify for the furnace or boiler rebate, your current furnace/boiler must run on natural gas. But there are still other options if you’re interested in upgrading your existing heating system in an area not connected to natural gas, so don’t hesitate to ask.

And wait! Did you know your entire neighborhood can partner with Manitoba Hydro to improve everyone’s energy efficiency and help everyone save money? Call 1 (855) 360-3643 to learn more.

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR CONTROL PROGRAM

An advanced heat recovery ventilator’s (HRV) sensor can automatically turn the HRV on and off to keep your home at the set humidity level and can reduce your energy bill (save up to $46 every year) by matching your ventilation needs with your lifestyle. But don’t worry! You can still turn it on and off manually if you choose.

It’s a simple way to be more energy efficient and save a little extra money. If you’re a Manitoba homeowner (with a Manitoba Hydro account) living in your home year-round replacing a basic HRV control or installing a first HRV, then definitely consider using this program.

When you install an advanced HRV control for your furnace, you can receive a $150 rebate after purchase.

Just hire a contractor registered by Manitoba Hydro to install a new, advanced HRV and they will apply the rebate directly to the invoice for you. They’ll also complete the required Residential HRV Control Program Application with you, install the advanced HRV control, and teach you how to use the advanced HRV control.

HOME INSULATION PROGRAM

If you are a Manitoba homeowner with a Manitoba Hydro account and have a detached, semi-detached, or a mobile/modular home on a permanent foundation with a permanent water supply that is your primary residence that was built before 1999, you are eligible to receive a rebate that covers the material costs of installing upgraded, qualifying insulation (but not labour or extraneous costs).

You don’t need to do much to take advantage of this program, and you can even choose whether you want to hire a contractor or if you would rather do the installation yourself. If you do it yourself, you’ll need to calculate the square footage for insulation and measure your existing insulation R-values and then fill out the Home Insulation Program Rebate Application with your retailer. They will send the application form in for you and let you know when it’s been approved. Don’t start the work until you’ve been approved. If you hire a contractor, they will do all the work for you, help you fill in the application, send it in for you, and let you know when you’ve been approved.

Once you’re approved, go ahead and install that insulation! Make sure you have all the necessary permits and all the work is done to code.

When the work is complete, your or your contractor can send in the original application form plus the calculation schedule along with all receipts so you can get your rebate. And here’s a bonus: you don’t necessarily need to do all the recommended insulation work at once.

You can apply for the rebate for just the area you are ready to do. While you can only use the rebate for each space once, you can always reapply to insulate another area of your home later. You do, however, need to finish all the work that was approved on your application to get the rebate.

You can also apply to the Power Smart Residential Loan to finance the remaining installation costs. Read more about it later in this article. Just make sure you’ve finished applying for the financing and been approved before participating in the Home Insulation Program. If you’ve used the Residential Loan for financing, your rebate will be applied directly to the loan.

POWER SMART FOR NEW HOMES

Building a new home is the perfect time to choose a whole new set of energy-efficient systems. You could create a home that saves you more money than your old house did and that saves so much more energy, reducing your impact on the planet. Plus, with the right choices, you could build a home that could last a century or more!

If you are building a new home and would like to make it energy efficient, Manitoba Hydro has incentives and rebates for you. There are two options to choose from, depending on which works for you.

The Prescriptive Path will give you incentives for incorporating 10 energy-saving upgrades into your home. These homes achieve an energy rating 20% better than a conventional home built to minimum code standards and get an ENERGY STAR® rating. Houses built to use alternative technologies may also apply.

The Performance Path will offer you a potential rebate between $1,500 and $12,000. These homes are designed with energy modelling and receive a scaled, progressive incentive for increasing levels of performance to reward even higher performing houses such as Net Zero Energy homes, Passive Homes, and Net Zero Energy-Ready homes. This program gives you the freedom to incorporate any technology, building design, or upgrades to the home, such as solar panels, air source heat pumps, or super-insulated walls. An inspector will determine your home’s final performance rating and give you the correct rebate.

Whichever path you choose, just review your plans and/or energy modelling or designs carefully and then download and fill out the appropriate application form and send it in. Once your application is approved, construction can begin. When construction is complete, just download and send in the appropriate Complete Declaration to schedule a final inspection and receive your rebate.

And here’s an added bonus: building a new home under this program automatically qualifies you for a partial Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation loan insurance premium refund of 15% for the Prescriptive Path and 25% for the Performance Path.

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES AND POWER SMART

This sister program to the one above offers training for local businesses to learn about how to install and maintain geothermal heat pump systems. Geothermal heat pump systems work with the natural environment to heat your home.

At the same time, homeowners can take advantage of the Pay As You Save Financing program (explained in more detail later in the article) to fund the installation of a geothermal system. The cost of installation pays for itself quickly with the savings realized on your utility bill.

For more information on this program or how to take part, call (204) 480-5900 or 1 (888) 624-9376 (outside of Winnipeg) or email them.

• Phone 311 to request a pickup or visit the City of Winnipeg Water and Waste website for more information about pickup requests and fees.
• City of Winnipeg 4R Depots are places where residents can drop off appliances to be recycled.
• Drop off your appliance at PureSphera Recovery and Recycling at 1215 Gateway Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed holidays). PureSphera accepts non-working appliances as well as appliances that don’t meet the program eligibility requirements. Water tanks, dehumidifiers, and air-conditioners are also accepted on a drop-off basis for recycling. This is a free service and no incentives or rebates are provided. All units will be recycled responsibly. For more information, phone PureSphera at 204-233-7204.

WATER AND ENERGY SAVER PROGRAM

If you’re tired of washing money down the drain, consider taking advantage of this program. You’ll get a free kit containing low-flow showerheads, low-flow faucet aerators, water heater pipe-wrap insulation, plumber’s tape, and a thermometer for your refrigerator or freezer.

You can cut your water usage in half, save yourself $60 a year, and save at least 12% on your utility bill by heating less water—just by having this kit installed.

Just apply for a kit online and then install it yourself with the assistance of some helpful videos, or, call Ecofitt at 1 (877) 326-3488 to schedule an appointment to have it installed for you—for free.

All Manitoba Hydro customers that haven’t ordered a Water and Energy Saver Kit before at the home they currently live in year-round (or haven’t participated in the Affordable Energy Program) are eligible to receive a free kit.

You can choose to have a kit mailed to you and install it yourself, or you may qualify for free installation. For more information or to book an installation appointment, call 1 (877) 326-3488.

REFRIGERATOR RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Did you know that running a second fridge more than 15 years old costs you about an extra $100 every single year? Would you like to save that $100 on your energy bill plus walk away with another $50?

If you have a Manitoba Hydro account, just switch out your old, working fridge and call 1 (855) 5FRIDGE (1 [855] 537-4343) and Manitoba Hydro will not only pick up your old, energy-sucking fridge but will also give you $50. Check to see if your fridge fits the eligibility requirements.

Make sure you empty and clean out your fridge before crews arrive to pick it up. Also ensure there’s a clear path to it. You are required to be home when they pick up your fridge, but they will call you 30 minutes before they get there to let you know they’re on their way.

If your fridge doesn’t work, it’s still a good idea to get rid of it. If you live outside Winnipeg, ask your local municipality how they’d like you to dispose of it, and if you live within Winnipeg, just choose one of these options:

Manitoba Hydro Loans & Financing

CUSTOMER CONTRIBUTION TIME PAYMENT PLAN

You can borrow up to $10,000 (on approved credit) for a service extension, a plant relocation, or to move your power lines from overhead to underground. You can qualify for this program if you are a property owner—or you have a 10-year unexpired lease in a provincial or national park— and the extension or relocation is permanent.

This is an affordable, low-interest loan (fixed at 5.5% for the first 5 years) with monthly payments of just $15 spread out over 10 years. The minimum amount that can be borrowed is $500, and the loan comes due if you sell your home.

To participate, contact your local district office with your plans.

RESIDENTIAL EARTH POWER LOAN

Are you thinking of making your energy greener? This program will give you a low-interest loan spread over 15 years for the following upgrades:

The loan payments will be applied to your Manitoba Hydro monthly bill. No down payment is required for this financing.

• geothermal (ground source) heat pumps (up to $20,000)
• cold climate air source heat pumps (up to $10,000)
• solar photovoltaic systems (up to $30,000)
• solar thermal water heaters (up to $7,500)

This too is a low-interest loan (4.9% for the first 5 years). The minimum amount that can be borrowed is $500, and the loan comes due if you sell your home. You must be the homeowner and have a Manitoba Hydro account in good standing.

If you have tenants, the loan payment is your responsibility, not the tenants’. The loan can be paid in full, or you can make additional payments with no penalty after 6 months has passed.

However, you can’t combine this loan with any other Power Smart financing for the same upgrade, and you have to live in your house full time to qualify.

Your contractor or retailer will let you know if your project qualifies for this financing and will help you apply.

ENERGY FINANCE PLAN

If you are thinking of making upgrades to your gas and electrical systems, the Energy Finance Plan offers qualified homeowners (residential, commercial, farm, and seasonal) a loan between $500 and $5,000 for the upgrades.

The current interest rate is 6.75% and is spread over 5 years, with your monthly payments of just $15 applied to your bill.

The loan comes due if you sell your home. You must be the homeowner and have a Manitoba Hydro account in good standing. If you have tenants, the loan payment is your responsibility, no the tenants’. The loan can be paid in full or you can make additional payments with no penalty after 6 months has passed.

However, you can’t combine this loan with any other Power Smart financing for the same upgrade, and you must change your billing from seasonal to monthly if you are upgrading a seasonal property.

All of these items qualify for this loan:

• upgrades to electrical service entrance and panel board equipment
• wiring circuits and associated equipment
• natural gas piping, venting, delivery, permit costs, and taxes
• electric/conventional natural gas water heaters (electric must meet CSA C-191 standard)
• electric and natural gas furnaces/boilers for seasonal, farm, and commercial customers
• combination heating systems
• unit heaters (natural convection, forced air, or forced air infrared)
• direct vent natural gas fireplaces (built-in and free-standing)
• security lighting and fixtures when undertaking electrical and energy improvement work
• gas pool heaters

• permanently installed electronic air cleaners (the use of any plug-in type of power adapter is not allowed)
• permanently installed humidifiers (hard-wired)
• permanently installed dehumidifiers (hard-wired)
• permanently installed air purifiers (hard-wired)
• furnace UV lights
• ERVs not rated to 25°C
• air source heat pumps for natural gas heated properties
• radon mitigation (through a C-NRPP certified contractor)
• central air conditioning systems (must have a minimum seasonal energy efficient ratio [SEER] of 13.0)

Double check with the program to determine what is not eligible before applying for the financing and beginning the work.

Your contractor or retailer will let you know if your project qualifies for this financing and will help you apply.

Power Smart PAYS Financing

For homeowners with an account in good standing wishing to upgrade to more energy-efficient insulation, space heating equipment, or water heating and conservation devices, Manitoba Hydro has a formula that uses the amount of money you would save after installing these devices to provide you with a low-interest loan for buying and installing them.

The maximum finance term will vary depending on the type of upgrade but is never less than 20 years and is fully transferable should you sell your home (just follow the instructions to transfer the loan). Your monthly payment will be part of your bill and will never be more than the amount you save after installing the items.

The financing covers:

• residential space heating equipment,
• insulation, and
• residential water heating and conservation:

• drain water heat recovery systems
• WaterSense®-labelled toilets (in conjunction with one of the above energy-efficiency upgrades)

The financing takes the form of a low-interest loan (4.9% for the first 5 years), and the loan can be paid in full or you can make additional payments with no penalty after 6 months has passed.

Financing is not available for:

• unoccupied homes, seasonal dwellings (summer homes and cottages), apartment buildings, garages, and commercial properties
• projects in progress or already completed
• natural gas and electrical materials not installed by an allied gas fitter/electrician licensed by the province of Manitoba;
• the installation of electrical equipment for any building not previously equipped with electrical service
• your labour—only materials and equipment are eligible for do-it-yourself projects;
• labour in the absence of a qualified technology
• used equipment or materials;

Your contractor or retailer will let you know if your project qualifies for this financing and will help you apply.

Power Smart Residential Loan

For homeowners who would like to make energy-efficient upgrades to their home, Manitoba Hydro also offers this low-interest loan. The monthly payment is simply added to your bill.

The loan covers qualifying upgrades for these categories:

• windows and doors
• residential space heating equipment
• insulation
• air leakage sealing
• ventilation
• electric vehicle chargers
• residential water heating equipment

You can finance up to $7,500 per residence, with a minimum loan amount of $500, and the interest sits fixed at 4.8% for 5 years.

However, to qualify, you must be a Manitoba homeowner with a Manitoba Hydro account in good standing with a detached, semi-detached, or mobile (on permanent foundations with a permanent water supply) home. Indigenous customers living in Band-owned homes are eligible for financing with a Band Council Resolution, and upgrades must be made to levels recommended by Manitoba Hydro.

The minimum amount that can be borrowed is $500, the monthly payment is $15, and the loan comes due if you sell your home. If you have tenants, the loan payment is your responsibility, no the tenants’. The loan can be paid in full or you can make additional payments with no penalty after 6 months has passed.

Head to the website to check out what does not qualify for financing.

Your contractor or retailer will let you know if your project qualifies for this financing and will help you apply.

Power Smart Residential Loan

For homeowners who would like to make energy-efficient upgrades to their home, Manitoba Hydro also offers this low-interest loan. The monthly payment is simply added to your bill.

The loan covers qualifying upgrades for these categories:

• windows and doors
• residential space heating equipment
• insulation
• air leakage sealing
• ventilation
• electric vehicle chargers
• residential water heating equipment

You can finance up to $7,500 per residence, with a minimum loan amount of $500, and the interest sits fixed at 4.8% for 5 years.

However, to qualify, you must be a Manitoba homeowner with a Manitoba Hydro account in good standing with a detached, semi-detached, or mobile (on permanent foundations with a permanent water supply) home. Indigenous customers living in Band-owned homes are eligible for financing with a Band Council Resolution, and upgrades must be made to levels recommended by Manitoba Hydro.

The minimum amount that can be borrowed is $500, the monthly payment is $15, and the loan comes due if you sell your home. If you have tenants, the loan payment is your responsibility, no the tenants’. The loan can be paid in full or you can make additional payments with no penalty after 6 months has passed.

Head to the website to check out what does not qualify for financing.

Your contractor or retailer will let you know if your project qualifies for this financing and will help you apply.

Manitoba Hydro Home Energy Assessment

HOME COMFORT & ENERGY EVALUATION

While there is no rebate for this program, it’s worthwhile to take advantage of it when you’re just beginning your energy-efficiency journey so you know where and how to make changes to your home, so you can start saving money and energy. It will also help you decide what rebate or financing programs are of use to you.

This is an at-home evaluation that you can do yourself. For $19.99, you just fill out a series of online questions that will be combined with your home’s energy use history over the previous 12 months to create a customized report that you’ll receive in the mail 3 to 4 weeks later.

You can take part as long as you’ve lived in your home for more than a year and you don’t live in a cottage, an apartment without its own electrical service, or a duplex building serviced by only 1 electrical service.

10 Tips to Spend Less on Your Utilities

There are countless ways to reduce the amount of energy we use, and we just haven’t thought of them all yet!

Until we think of more, here are some great ways to stop using so much energy and spending so much money. When you’re done reading, sit back and imagine what else you could do with that money…tropical vacation anyone?

Install a programmable thermostat

It’s inexpensive and they’re truly much easier to use and more accurate than the old-fashioned kind. 

This way, you can control the temperature at different times of day, when people are at home or away or asleep, and you can even control the temperature in individual rooms.

Replace any remaining incandescent light bulbs with LEDs

You’re saving yourself a lot of money just on the replacement cost alone because LEDs last 15 to 20 years.

Stay on top of changing mortgage rules

Use clotheslines or drying racks instead of the dryer. The energy the dryer uses is enormous and unnecessary. Even in the winter your clothes will dry in less than a day. And if you live in an area with really hard water—even if you have a water softener—just pop them in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet for 5 minutes and they’ll soften right up! 5 minutes is a far cry from 30 minutes to an hour in the dryer.

Make sure all windows and doors are firmly shut

Make sure all windows and doors are firmly shut—no matter the season. You’ll keep out those unwanted insects too!

Adequate insulation

Check to make sure you have adequate insulation, especially if you live in an older home. This is the biggest change you can make to both save money and stay warmer.

Get used to sleeping with multiple blankets

Get used to sleeping with multiple blankets (or a family pet!) for warmth at night. You’ll save a lot of money turning your heat down for that 8 hours.

Learning new ways of saving energy

Keep learning new ways of saving energy because we learn more all the time. Then model and teach your children the importance of conservation.

Take advantage of the sunlight during the day

Take advantage of the sunlight during the day, and never leave lights on or appliances plugged in when you leave the house. Even a little LED light bulb will drain away your nickels and dimes!

Do an incense test to check for drafts

Draft proofing is a quick, easy, and affordable way to keep your heat inside your home where it belongs.

Think about a smart home system

That way, you can create settings so you never have to worry about forgetting something, such as turning off a light or turning down the thermostat.

And even if you don’t create settings—or miss one—and you forget to change your thermostat setting, unplug an appliance, or turn a light off, you can do it from anywhere! You can even turn the lights off on your kids if they leave them on!

Enjoy the extra savings!