Canada Launches Greener Homes Affordability Program to Cut Energy Bills and Emissions

September 15, 2025

Buildings are Canada’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the way we heat, cool and power them is critical to tackling climate change. The Government of Canada is stepping up with practical, affordable solutions that deliver real results for Canadians. That’s why we are launching the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) — a new initiative that will help low- to median-income households reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions through no-cost home retrofits.

Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that the first CGHAP agreement has been reached with Manitoba. The federal government will provide nearly $30 million to support Efficiency Manitoba for the program.

CGHAP will be delivered in partnership with provinces and territories to ensure the program meets the distinct needs of communities across Canada. For the first time, this program will be available to tenants. Using a direct-installation model, CGHAP participants will not have to pay out of pocket for upgrades to their homes. Retrofits may include insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, solar panels, windows and doors.

CGHAP will also provide resources to Indigenous governments and representative Indigenous organizations through existing agreements administered by Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Employing a distinctions-based approach with streamlined administrative requirements, CGHAP will work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to advance their self-determined priorities in home energy efficiency.

CGHAP is a complementary program to the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program that is already available to low- to median-income Manitoba households that are ready to make the switch from oil heating to an eligible heat pump system. With OHPA, Manitobans can receive an upfront payment of up to $20,000 to help pay for the switch. Eligible Manitobans can now apply for funding from both the OHPA program and CGHAP, making energy efficiency improvements to homes across the province more accessible and affordable.

By transforming how we heat, cool and power our buildings, we’re not only tackling emissions, we’re also reducing Canadians’ bills and creating a blueprint for long-term economic prosperity.

Quick facts

  • Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has a diverse suite of accessible offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money and the environment.
  • Efficiency Manitoba will use CGHAP funding to build on the success of two existing low- to median-income programs, the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program and the Métis Energy Efficiency Offers and will now cover the full income-based loan portion for ground-source heat pumps, reducing it to $0 for eligible homeowners. 
  • Manitobans can apply directly through the Efficiency Manitoba website and learn more about eligibility. 
  • Efficiency Manitoba also offers many cost-effective programs and services to help all Manitobans save energy, lower their bills and improve home comfort.
  • Homeowners and tenants who pay their energy bills can benefit from CGHAP retrofits — expanding access to more low- to median-income Canadians.
  • CGHAP is expected to become available in many additional provinces and territories over the coming year. 
  • Across Canada, over 96 percent of direct building emissions come from space and water heating. Replacing fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon options, like electric ground-source heat pumps, will make a real difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and monthly heating costs.
  • Over 260,000 new heat pumps have been installed nationally with federal support since 2020, including provincial/territorial support from co-delivery partners.  

Associated links

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • IDEAL Electrical Partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

    IDEAL Electrical Partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

    August 17, 2026 Earlier this month, approximately 30 IDEAL Electrical employees and skilled electricians volunteered alongside Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to help construct Countryside, an affordable 15-unit townhome development in Brampton that will welcome families later this year. Volunteers assisted with electrical wiring and rough-in installation and provide general construction support, helping… Read More…

  • Hubbell Canada Forms Strategic Alliance with Mac’s II Agencies to Strengthen Harsh & Hazardous Market Presence in British Columbia

    Hubbell Canada Forms Strategic Alliance with Mac’s II Agencies to Strengthen Harsh & Hazardous Market Presence in British Columbia

    August 17, 2026 Hubbell Canada is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Mac’s II Agencies, effective August 1, 2026, to represent Hubbell Canada’s Harsh & Hazardous portfolio throughout British Columbia. This newly formed alliance further strengthens Hubbell Canada’s commitment to serving customers operating in some of the most demanding industrial environments, while supporting… Read More…

  • AEA Scholarships and Bursaries Apply by August 31st

    AEA Scholarships and Bursaries Apply by August 31st

    August 17, 2026 The Alberta Electrical Alliance is proud to support our industry with over $320,500 of postsecondary scholarships for current members and their children. Your participation in AEA events helps fund AEA scholarships and build our industry’s future. AEA Sponsored Scholarships Open to employees, dependents, and children of parents who are members of the… Read More…

  • Contractors’ Corner at the 2026 NETCO Conference

    Contractors’ Corner at the 2026 NETCO Conference

    August 17, 2026 ECAO and CECA look forward to joining industry leaders at the NETCO – National Electrical Trade Council 2026 Conference for an important conversation on AI and its growing role in electrical contracting. R. Graeme Aitken, Executive Director of ECAO, Terry Milot, President of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association, and Témoc Vega, PhD,… Read More…