Ontario Expanding Clean Home Heating Initiative to Whitby, Ajax and Pickering

Provincial investment in home heating upgrades helping more families save money and reduce emissions

SOURCE – https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003052/ontario-expanding-clean-home-heating-initiative-to-whitby-ajax-and-pickering

WHITBY – The Ontario government is investing a total of $8.2 million in the Clean Home Heating Initiative to help families in more communities keep energy costs down. The increased funding brings the total number of households eligible to more than 1,500.

The Whitby, Ajax and Pickering communities will be some of the first in the province to benefit from the increased investment which will see hundreds of homeowners receive support for the installation of electric heat pumps with smart controls through incentives of up to $4,500.

“Switching to hybrid heating could save customers up to $280 every year on their energy bills, while cutting their emissions by a third thanks to Ontario’s clean electricity grid,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Our government is excited to provide this opportunity to homeowners in Whitby, Ajax and Pickering as we continue to deliver more ways for families to take control of their energy bills and keep costs down.”

The Clean Home Heating Initiative, delivered in collaboration with Enbridge, will allow households to leverage Ontario’s world-class clean electricity grid. Electric heat pumps replace existing air conditioners in the summer, but they can also operate in reverse in the winter to provide high-efficiency home heating. With the further addition of smart controls, a hybrid heating system automatically switches between the heat pump and a home's existing natural gas furnace depending on weather and which heating source is least expensive.

The Clean Home Heating Initiative supports Ontario’s economy and advances market readiness to offer clean heating options by creating well-paying jobs and building capacity in the skilled trades, including the province’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry, and local Ontario-based suppliers. It also provides the government with the opportunity to continue to learn from the hybrid heating model and inform decisions on offering the model more broadly in the future.

In addition to homeowners in Whitby, Ajax and Pickering, residents of Barrie, London, St. Catharines, Peterborough and Sault Ste. Marie continue to be eligible for the Clean Home Heating Initiative and can visit the program website to learn more and participate.

"As Ontario’s electricity demand grows, our government will continue to provide electricity relief for both people and businesses while investing in a clean and reliable energy system across the province," said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. "Today's announcement is another example of our government putting Ontarians back in control of their energy bills."

“Residents of Pickering, Whitby, and my Ajax constituents are among the first to receive incentives for switching to a greener home heating solution," said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. "Made possible by our government's strategic investment of $8.2 million in the Clean Home Heating Initiative, my constituents could save up to $280 on their annual electric bill. I'm pleased of our government's efforts to implement new solutions that benefit both Ontarians and the sustainability of our planet."

“As we expand the Clean Home Heating Initiative to Pickering and other parts of Durham Region, we are not only helping residents save on their energy bills but also taking an important step towards a greener and more sustainable future," said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By making homes more efficient, we can keep costs down for families while reducing our environmental footprint."

“Hybrid heating can significantly reduce a home’s carbon footprint while increasing the flexibility and reliability of its heating and cooling system,” said Malini Giridhar, Vice President of Business Development and Regulatory at Enbridge Gas. “We appreciate the support from the provincial government, the participating municipalities and the electricity sector for strengthening this program and its ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures. Together, we are working towards a cleaner energy future.”

Quick Facts

Quotes

"I’m very pleased that the Clean Home Heating Initiative is expanding to more communities in Ontario, including Whitby. Providing homeowners with an incentive to switch to hybrid heating can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy conservation. The Town of Whitby is working hard to become a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions – this is a great way for our residents to help too."

- Elizabeth Roy
Mayor, Town of Whitby

"The Clean Home Heating Initiative offers an excellent opportunity for homeowners to take tangible action against climate change and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The Town of Ajax has a strong history of environmental stewardship and on behalf of Council, I am pleased to see this initiative expanding into our community."

- Shaun Collier
Mayor, Town of Ajax

"As a recognized leader in sustainability, the City of Pickering is proud to be one of the first communities in the province to participate in the enhanced Clean Home Heating Initiative. I thank the Government of Ontario for introducing this innovative program, which will not only help homeowners save money on their energy bills, but also help significantly reduce their emissions. It’s a win-win for the wallet and the environment."

- Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering