Manitoba home buyers are going to find it easier than ever before to buy a power smart home, thanks to a new program being launched by Manitoba Hydro. The Power Smart for New Homes program will see Manitoba Hydro partnering with the new home construction industry to increase the energy efficiency of new Manitoba homes.

Under the program, Manitoba homebuilders can receive incentives directly from Manitoba Hydro to help them designfor innovation and incorporate new energy efficient technologies in their homes. These rebates mean builders can bring the latest technologies to home buyers at a lower cost.

"Making our province a leader in the development and construction of energy efficient homes will help all Manitobans and create green jobs," says Dave Chomiak, Minister of Mineral Resources. "It helps our builders by promoting innovation and will give consumers more Power Smart choices when purchasing a new home. Being Power Smart is good for your pocketbook, and great for the environment."

"The program's objective is to lead the development of innovation in energy efficiency by partnering with builders who are at the forefront of the industry," says Lloyd Kuczek, Vice-President of Customer Care & Energy Conservation. "It goes beyond recent advancements in the Manitoba Building Code toward the next generation of code changes, helping builders be the leaders of this change."

Other new home standards that have made significant strides in promoting efficiency will also be supported by the program. "We view these programs as allies in our quest for more energy efficient homes. For that reason, programs such as Passive House, Net Zero, R2000, and others, are compatible with Power Smart for New Homes," explains Kuczek.

If 10% of new homes in Manitoba are built Power Smart by 2020, the program will have saved enough energy to power 330 homes for a year, and reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking over 1,000 cars off the road. In addition to savings, the program will enhance local industry expertise and reinforce Manitoba's reputation as a leader in energy efficiency.