EFFICIENCY MANITOBA AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MANITOBA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS FOR LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS

Joint efforts will result in improved bill affordability and lower home maintenance costs for Manitoba families

Efficiency Manitoba and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Habitat Manitoba) are proud to announce the signing of a collaboration agreement to jointly pursue energy use reductions in homes. This partnership between Manitoba’s Crown corporation for energy efficiency and the affordable housing organization will enable the construction, operation, and maintenance of energy-efficient housing for low-income homeowners throughout the province, leading to lower living costs for Habitat Partner families.

Habitat Manitoba takes great pride in consistently building some of the most energy-efficient houses in Canada in any price range. They’ll be able to expand on their successes through this collaborative effort by acting on Efficiency Manitoba’s expert advice regarding energy-efficient construction practices and technologies, as well as providing education to ensure homeowners are able to adopt energy-efficient practices in their new homes. These strategies will result in lower monthly energy bills for Habitat homeowners, alongside improved home comfort and reduced environmental impacts.

”I am very pleased to see these two dedicated organizations work together to achieve shared goals for the benefit of Manitobans,” said Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “The collaboration agreement between Efficiency Manitoba and Habitat Manitoba presents great potential to bring greater energy efficiency into more homes, address the climate crisis, and make homeownership more affordable for those who need it most.”

Efficiency Manitoba’s mandate to achieve significant electricity and natural gas savings in the province is achieved through delivering programs, rebates, and advice for homes, businesses, and communities. Their team of technical experts will provide guidance to Habitat Manitoba in energy-efficient technologies and construction practices. Efficiency Manitoba also offers a variety of rebates and initiatives to reduce the costs associated with energy efficiency upgrades, allowing homeowners to realize immediate and long-term bill savings.

“Bill affordability and energy poverty are real issues many Manitoba families are experiencing in greater numbers than ever before. Helping Manitobans access our rebates and expertise to incorporate energy efficiency into their homes plays an important role in addressing these burdens,” said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba. “By collaborating with Habitat Manitoba, we’re driving even more opportunities to help Manitobans on a limited income understand the value of saving energy and take advantage of its many benefits.”

Habitat Manitoba is actively involved with Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program, which provides homeowners and builders with rebates and expert design assistance when they build energy-efficient new homes. Homes constructed through the program are at least 25% more energy efficient than new homes built to minimum building code requirements; they also receive an energy label and a Certified Energy Efficient designation from Efficiency Manitoba. Impressively, Habitat Manitoba has already shown great leadership in energy efficiency with all new homes designed to meet and exceed Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program standards, many of which are also Net Zero Energy Ready. “Building energy-efficient homes is one of the ways that we ensure that both the purchase cost and the operating costs are affordable for the low-income families that we serve,” said Jamie Hall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. “This commitment to collaboration with Efficiency Manitoba will help us ensure we are doing the most we can for our families and for our planet. I am looking forward to the mutual benefits from this renewed relationship.”

About Efficiency Manitoba

Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has over 40 diverse offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment.

About Habitat for Humanity Manitoba

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Habitat Manitoba) brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Since 1987, Habitat Manitoba has collaborated with local businesses, organizations, groups and thousands of dedicated volunteers to build homes for over 500 families in the province and Kenora, Ontario.

Release date: May 2, 2024

May 02, 2024May 02, 2024 in NEWS RELEASES

Tagged: ENERGY EFFICIENCY, MANITOBA

ENERGY SAVINGS ARE IN FULL BLOOM

CHECK EFFICIENCY MANITOBA FIRST

Spring is officially here!

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. It’s finally time to switch off our heating systems and enjoy the beautiful days ahead — and why not save energy (and money) while you’re at it?

We’re here to be your number one resource for energy efficiency. We have programs and rebates to help you save when you invest in energy efficiency upgrades in your home, business, or community. Plus, our articles are full of expert advice, tips, and information about how our offers can help you save now and for years into the future.

Before planning your next energy efficiency upgrade, check Efficiency Manitoba first.

Some energy efficiency upgrades are best tackled when the weather is warm, such as upgrading your home’s windows, doors, and insulation. Check out our programs and rebates that are ideal for spring and summer.

PROGRAMS & REBATES FOR SPRING SAVINGS

Windows & doors

Get a $100 rebate on each eligible window and door you install in your home, up to $2,000, and save…

Insulation

Making sure your home is adequately insulated is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills. We…

Heat pump rebates

Efficient heating systems like heat pumps can save you money by using less energy. By upgrading, you can save energy…

Solar PV systems

Solar PV systems provide energy to your home and business in a sustainable manner. They can help reduce your monthly…

Income based offers

If you’re living with a limited income, we can help you lower your monthly energy bills and make your home…

Home energy retrofits

If you’re planning an extensive home renovation that will significantly reduce your home’s energy usage, your project could qualify for…

MORE TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE THIS SPRING

Spring 2024 magazine

Read the spring 2024 edition of our magazine.

SAVING MORE HOUSEHOLDS MORE ENERGY

We want to help ease the financial burden many Manitobans face. That’s why we’re proud to offer our Energy Efficiency Assistance Program.

AIR CONDITIONING 101

Use these tips to ensure your air conditioning unit is running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Green landscaping

It’s that time of year again – the sun is shining, the snow is melting, and Manitobans are starting to think about their lawns and gardens. Heading outside and getting your hands dirty is a great way to kick off the new season.

May 01, 2024May 01, 2024 in CHECK EFFICIENCY MANITOBA FIRST

Tagged: EFFICIENCY TIPS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SPRING

COOKING UP SAVINGS IN THE KITCHEN

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

The kitchen is one of the rooms in your home that uses the most energy since it houses multiple major appliances. And because this area uses so much energy, it’s a place where energy-saving habits can have a noticeable impact. Follow these tips to start saving energy today:

When purchasing new appliances, make sure they’re ENERGY STAR® certified. ENERGY STAR is an internationally recognized program that identifies the most efficient products available for purchase. If you notice that an appliance has a blue ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident it’s in the top 10% to 30% of its class in energy performance. You may also want to look into buying an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient appliance. This is an annual designation awarded to the “best of the best” ENERGY STAR certified models in select product categories.
When the weather allows, cook your meals on the grill to keep excess heat out of your home.

If you have small appliances like air fryers and pressure cookers, use them instead of always using your oven. Make sure to also unplug your other countertop appliances, such as your coffee maker, after using them.

Clean your refrigerator coils periodically to regulate the temperature. Vacuuming the grill beneath or behind your fridge regularly will help extend the life of your refrigerator compressor.

Run your dishwasher only when it’s full and use the energy-saving cycle if it has one. When it’s used correctly (and when the model is ENERGY STAR certified), a dishwasher can be more energy efficient than washing by hand since it uses less hot water.

Set your fridge thermostat to 4°C and your freezer to -18°C.
Put a piece of paper in your fridge door and close the door. If the paper slides out when pulled, there’s a good chance the seal isn’t tight and should be cleaned or replaced.
Let leftovers cool before putting them in the fridge, allowing the appliance to do less work.
If you have an exterior door into your kitchen, make sure it’s properly air sealed. Also, consider replacing the door with an energy-efficient model. We offer rebates on select ENERGY STAR certified high-performance doors!
Install a kitchen faucet aerator to reduce water consumption.

April 30, 2024April 30, 2024 in ENERGY SAVING TIPS

Tagged: EFFICIENCY TIPS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, HOME, magazine

Spring 2024 magazine

OPEN THE DOOR TO ENERGY SAVINGS

The latest edition of our magazine is here! Read about tips to help you save energy in different rooms throughout your home, find out how to enter our giveaway, and learn about programs and rebates that can help you start saving now and for years to come.

Check your mailbox for a physical copy or click the magazine below to learn more.

READ THE MAGAZINE

If you haven’t received a magazine or prefer an electronic copy, download the digital version.

Our electronic spring magazine is also available in French! Read the French magazine here or download the digital version to have on hand for your energy efficiency needs.

April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 in ENERGY SAVING TIPS, OFFERS, PROGRAMS

Tagged: EFFICIENCY TIPS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, magazine, SPRING

PROJECT FEATURE: WINNIPEG SOCCER FEDERATION

SCORING BIG SAVINGS THROUGH OUR BUSINESS LIGHTING PROGRAM

Our Business Lighting Program offers financial incentives for businesses who complete lighting upgrades in their buildings. With our help, the Winnipeg Soccer Federation scored big savings by installing energy-efficient lighting in their soccer complex.

THE PROJECT

When Kory Stagg, Facilities Manager for the Winnipeg Soccer Federation, was looking to upgrade the lighting in their soccer complex, Mike Taylor, an electrician and installer for Wired Up Electric Ltd., suggested applying for our Business Lighting Program.

“Mike came to quote the field lights and suggested we upgrade the lighting in the whole facility,” Kory remarked. “While he was here, he said there are commercial lighting upgrade incentives available through Efficiency Manitoba.”

With help from our program, they switched the T8 lighting in their interior offices, hallways, common areas, concourse, and change rooms to LEDs. Above the indoor soccer fields and on the exterior of their facility, they upgraded from metal halide lighting to LEDs.

THE SAVINGS

Better lighting isn’t the only benefit of upgrading their fixtures. Not only will the soccer complex save on maintenance and replacement costs, they can also expect to save more than 260,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity each year, resulting in energy bill savings of approximately $13,000 annually. Plus, they received an impressive incentive of $47,650, which includes the additional 25% customer bonus that we’re offering on all lighting projects until March 31, 2025.  

“I was having to replace or repair lights frequently throughout the winter seasons. It’s our busiest season, and since the upgrades I haven’t had to repair any. Maintenance free so far!”  
Kory Stagg
Facilities Manager of the Winnipeg Soccer Federation

Interested in how much electricity you could save? Check out our savings calculator to see not only how many kilowatt-hours you could potentially save, but also how much you could be saving on your energy bills each year.

THE PROCESS

We make the process easy. Through our online application system, myEM, building owners can apply on their own or their lighting suppliers or contractors can apply on their behalf.

Terry Reimer, Winnipeg Soccer Federation’s lighting supplier at EECOL Electric, submitted the Business Lighting Program application on their behalf. Once we approved their application, Wired Up Electric Ltd. installed the new lighting, and we sent them their incentive cheque.

“Just go for it,” Kory said. “If you can financially do it right now, make the change because these incentives are the real deal. I think sometimes people read about these programs and the cost savings and aren’t sure, but we’re seeing the benefit already. I encourage everyone to make the change to LED to start saving.”

ARE YOU A BUILDING OWNER?

Building owners or their lighting suppliers or contractors can apply for financial incentives through the Business Lighting Program. Check out our program guide to see our incentive rates and eligibility requirements.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR
BUSINESS LIGHTING PROGRAM

ARE YOU A SUPPLIER OR CONTRACTOR?

We highly encourage you to join our supplier network. You’ll be listed on our website as a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier and can offer our programs to your customers. You’ll also have access to training opportunities and materials offered by our team of experts and can promote our energy efficiency programs in your advertising. The best part? It’s free to register and participate! 

JOIN OUR
SUPPLIER NETWORK

March 07, 2024March 07, 2024 in PROGRAMS

Tagged: BUILDING, BUSINESS LIGHTING, COMMERCIAL, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, LED, LIGHTING

PROJECT FEATURE: 65 DEWDNEY AVENUE

HOW LIGHTING & INSULATION UPGRADES TRANSFORMED THEIR COWORKING SPACE

Our Business Lighting Program and Building Envelope Program provide rebates to building owners who complete energy-efficient lighting, window, door, and insulation upgrades. With our help, 204 Capital Inc. made energy efficiency upgrades to the offices, boardrooms, washrooms, and hallways at their coworking space property located at 65 Dewdney Avenue in Winnipeg’s South Point Douglas neighborhood. In doing so, they’ll drastically reduce their energy bills and their tenants will have a more comfortable experience using their space.