Budget to include funding for residents 'greening' their homes
Canadian homeowners who didn't take advantage of the government-funded home renovations program may still be able to do so.
Last week, the government released details of its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Some of the funding will renew the ecoEnergy Retrofit Homes program, which enables homeowners to receive compensation for updating their homes with energy-efficient utilities.
The program was instituted four years ago as part of the government's Clean Air Agenda which, among other things, aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent. But it's proven to be so popular that many legislators want to renew the program so more people can take advantage of it.
Timothy Egan, President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association, was pleased with the proposal to extend the program.
"The government's commitment to the ecoEnergy Retrofit program will further help Canadians implement energy-saving projects and reap the many benefits of greater energy efficiency."
Should the budget proposal pass as constituted, homeowners would be wise to contact their home insurance company after taking advantage of the program, as their home's value may be affected by the improvements.