October 19 to 25 is BDC Small Business WeekTM! We’re taking this time to appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of Manitoba small businesses and the important role they play in supporting economic growth.
We’re also celebrating over on our Instagram profile by giving TEN winners a $100 gift card to a Manitoba small business of their choice! Here’s how to enter:
Tag your favourite small business in Manitoba. One comment = one entry (and you can comment as many times as you’d like).
This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. CT on October 25, 2025 and the winners will be selected by 11:59 p.m. C.T. on November 1, 2025. We’ll contact you via direct message if you’ve won, so keep an eye out for a message from us.
BDC Small Business WeekTM is an annual celebration organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Visit their website to learn more about how they’re supporting small businesses across Canada.
If you’d like the enter the giveaway and don’t have access to Instagram, please email us at smallbusiness@efficiencyMB.ca.
WINDOW & DOOR UPGRADES
WINDOW & DOOR UPGRADES
HIGH-PERFORMANCE WINDOW & DOOR REBATES FOR ALL MANITOBANS
High-performance windows and doors can make your home more comfortable, improve its energy efficiency, and save you money on your energy bills.
We have a variety of offers to help you save on your upgrade to ENERGY STAR® certified triple pane windows and doors.
If your household income qualifies, you can get a $300 rebate for each eligible ENERGY STAR certified triple pane window and door you install in your home.
If you’re a First Nation community or a band member, you can get a $300 rebate for each eligible ENERGY STAR certified triple pane window and door you install in your home.
If you’re a Red River Métis homeowner or renter and your household income qualifies, you can get a $300 rebate for each eligible ENERGY STAR certified triple pane window and door you install in your home.
APPLY FOR THE OFFER THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
WINDOWS AND DOORS REBATE
ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FIRST NATION ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
MÉTIS ENERGY EFFICIENCY OFFERS
Who can qualify
Homeowners and landlords
Income qualifying homeowners and tenants
First Nation communities and band members
Income qualifying Red River Métis Citizens
Rebate amount
$100
$300
$300
$300
MORE HELP IS AVAILABLE
Is your windows and doors upgrade part of an extensive home renovation that will significantly reduce your home’s energy usage? Your project could qualify for our Home Energy Retrofits.
You can finance qualifying upgrades with Manitoba Hydro’s Home Energy Efficiency Loan. Not only can you choose your loan term, but your monthly payments are conveniently added to your energy bill.
COMMUNITY HEAT PUMP PROGRAM FOR FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES
Efficiency Manitoba, in partnership with Raven Outcomes, is putting out a Call for Interest to First Nation communities across Manitoba to participate in the Community Heat Pump Program, which leverages the Community-Driven Outcomes Contract (CDOC) model to deliver energy-efficient heating solutions, housing retrofits, and long-term community benefits.
Through this model, Efficiency Manitoba and Raven Outcomes would work with accepted communities to determine the number of homes and phases which would receive a whole home retrofit approach that would start with a home assessment leading to building envelope upgrades such as insulation, windows and doors, in addition to energy efficient heating systems like heat pumps. This Call for Interest supports the Manitoba government’s Affordable Home Energy Program, aimed at making it easier for Manitobans to upgrade to energy-efficient heat pumps.
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
Efficiency Manitoba is investing up to $18.9 million through its Community Heat Pump Program through to 2029/30 to support energy efficiency upgrades in First Nation communities. This includes the installation of ground source heat pumps (or alternatively cold climate air source heat pumps if ground conditions aren’t suitable), insulation, windows, doors, and home energy evaluations.
Raven Outcomes brings additional private capital through its $50 million Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund and works directly with communities to define outcomes, secure investments, and ensure long-term success. Raven also contracts from local social enterprises.
This partnership is rooted in the Community-Driven Outcomes Contract model, pioneered by Raven Outcomes, which empowers communities to define their own goals and priorities. Efficiency Manitoba acts as an outcomes purchaser, and technical advisor, paying for verified energy savings once installations are complete.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Installation of ground source heat pumps and other energy efficiency upgrades
Enhanced rebates and capital support for eligible homes
Community-led training and employment opportunities
Partnership with Raven Outcomes to access social finance and outcomes-based funding
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Reduce household heating costs by up to 60%
Improve resiliency and home comfort, support community wide sustainability
Build local capacity and create skilled jobs
Shape outcomes that matter most to your community
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Call for Interest process will have two parts:
The second part of the process will be a follow up meeting with Efficiency Manitoba, Raven Outcomes, and the applicant community to discuss the application to further discuss and determine eligibility.
Communities can expect to be contacted approximately 30 days after the application deadline.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM
CANADA GREENER HOMES AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM
CANADA GREENER HOMES AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program is making it easier for Manitobans to save energy and money with free home upgrades. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about how the program works, who’s eligible, and how it can help you make your home more affordable and comfortable.
What’s the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program?
The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program is a Government of Canada initiative that provides a direct installation model for energy efficiency upgrades to low- to median-income households. Using a direct-installation model means there are no upfront costs, loans, or payments required. Upgrades are tailored to each home’s needs and may include insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps.
What’s Efficiency Manitoba’s role in the program?
Efficiency Manitoba will deliver the program in Manitoba, using its existing programs and partnerships. This includes coordinating with dedicated contractors, community renewal organizations, and local energy advocates to reach more households across the province.
The Government of Canada has allocated over $29.8 million in funding for Manitoba through 2030. These funds enable Efficiency Manitoba to expand existing programs, enhance retrofits, and serve more families — all while lowering costs for Manitoba ratepayers.
What does this mean for Manitobans?
The program makes energy efficiency upgrades more accessible and equitable. Homeowners and tenants who pay their energy bills can benefit from these retrofits—expanding access to more low-to median-income Canadians.
Manitobans who qualify can benefit from:
free home upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps;
lower monthly energy bills; and
more comfortable homes.
If upgrades are free, why is there still a furnace loan for natural gas furnaces?
The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program is focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which means that natural gas heating systems aren’t eligible. However, natural gas furnace upgrades are still available through the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program and Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.
How does this connect to the Affordable Home Energy Program?
The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program strengthens the Affordable Home Energy Program by fully covering the cost of ground source heat pumps. With this support, there is no longer a requirement for an income-based loan for ground source heat pumps. Instead, the full cost is covered upfront— making them free for eligible homeowners and renters.
How does the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program work with the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program?
The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program complements the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program. Manitobans can now apply for both programs — combining support to cover retrofits and switch from oil heating to a heat pump.
Through the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, families can access up to $20,000 in upfront support for a heat pump system. Additionally, with the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, further upgrades are provided at no cost. Together, these programs make energy efficiency more accessible and affordable.
LEAK ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR PROGRAM
LEAK ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR PROGRAM
FIND & FIX LEAKS TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY COSTS
New leaks in your facility constantly arise, wasting energy and money. These leaks often go unnoticed, making regular inspections and repairs crucial for saving energy and lowering operating costs.
We cover 50% of the cost of a leak assessment and provide incentives to fix the leaks.
Our pre-qualified service providers will visit your facility and identify leaks, quantify the benefits, and help you access your incentives.
This program is ideal for industrial, commercial, and agricultural facilities that use large amounts of energy for compressed air or operate large steam boilers and distribution systems with many steam traps for heating or processing.
Compressed air
Compressed air leaks can account for 30% of a system’s total load when not managed properly. Fixing leaks and improving your system can reduce energy use and costs, increase reliability, enhance safety, and can correct issues such as low air pressure, moisture in air lines, and production outages.
Steam traps
Up to 30% of steam traps may be failing in systems that haven’t been maintained. Repairing or replacing traps can lower energy costs, enhance safety, make equipment more efficient, and reduce natural gas or electricity consumption.
INCENTIVES
INCENTIVE
COMPRESSED AIR
STEAM TRAPS
FIND
50% of assessment cost
FIX
$100/repaired leak
$150/repaired leak
Total repair or replacement incentive maximum of 50% of the assessment cost. Facilities may apply to complete their own assessment and will be eligible to receive the repair or replacement incentives listed above to a maximum of $20,000.
New leaks constantly arise so customers can participate annually to identify and fix new leaks to save energy and money.
CHOOSE A PRE-QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER TO PERFORM YOUR LEAK ASSESSMENT
Once we’vedetermined that the program is right for you, choose a service provider from our list of pre-qualified service providers and contact them to start the project. They’ll work with you to getpre-approval for your project.
HAVE AN ASSESSMENT COMPLETED
Your service provider will perform a leak assessment, tagall leaks, and provide a report detailing the leaks and the amount and cost of energy being wasted. You’ll be invoiced for 50% of the leak assessment cost and Efficiency Manitoba will cover the remaining 50%.
REPAIR LEAKS
Repair leaks or replace failed or leaking steam traps to save energy. Make sure it’s completed within six months of your assessment.
RECEIVE INCENTIVES
Your service provider will verify which leaks were fixed and how much energy was saved. We’llconfirm the repairs or replacementsand provideyou with incentives for each leak fixed up to the remaining 50% of the leak assessment cost.
Get instant rebates on select energy-efficient products at participating retailers.
$50 OFF
Select ENERGY STAR® certified
SMART THERMOSTATS
$5 OFF
Select
DIMMERS, TIMERS & MOTION SENSORS
Manual and smart controls (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connected). Must be hardwired. Dimmer kits aren’t eligible.
$5 OFF
Select
OUTDOOR PLUG-IN TIMERS
Heavy-duty lighting plug-in timers and car plug timers.
$10 OFF
Select
ENERGY-EFFICIENT
SHOWERHEADS
WaterSense-labeled 1.8 GPM or less low-flow devices.
$5 OFF
Select
WEATHERSTRIPPING
Minimum product retail price of $9.99. Product must be specifically for sealing your home’s windows, doors, and gaps to the exterior (e.g. not for garage or automobile use). Removable weatherstrip sealants aren’t eligible (e.g. caulking).
$5 OFF
Select
WINDOW & DOOR INSULATING FILM KITS
Minimum product retail price of $9.99. Rolls and solar control films (sun reflectors) aren’t eligible.
Find a participating retailer near you
We’ve partnered with retailers throughout Manitoba to offer instant rebates. Use our interactive map below to find a retailer near you.
Eligible products are available at select participating locations of the listed retailers while quantities last. The specific selection of eligible products varies by retailer and store location – see store for details.
More and more Manitobans are buying smart thermostats for their homes. These Wi-Fi connected devices look slick, are easy to use, and are a great conversation starter when you have guests over.
Rebate is $5, $10, or $50 off per package. Limit of one smart thermostat rebate per customer. Limit of 10 items per customer for single-pack products (excluding smart thermostats). Limit of five items per customer for multi-pack products (excluding smart thermostats).
ENTER OUR MAGAZINE GIVEAWAY!
ENTER OUR MAGAZINE GIVEAWAY!
WIN ONE OF SIX PRIZE PACKS
There are three ways to enter for your chance to win one of six prize packs which include a smart thermostat, energy-saving devices, and Efficiency Manitoba merchandise:
The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. CT on Monday, August 4, 2025. Everyone who’s already subscribed to our newsletter or following us on social media will automatically be entered into the giveaway.
The winners will be notified via email or direct message on Facebook and Instagram by August 11, 2025.
Prizes provided by Google, The Home Depot Canada, Leviton, and Hubspace.
The giveaway prize packages include a guaranteed smart thermostat, energy-saving devices, and Efficiency Manitoba merchandise. The graphics showcase a variety of potential prizes and actual prize contents may vary per package.
The Affordable Home Energy Program is making it easier for Manitobans to upgrade to energy-efficient heat pump systems with no upfront costs. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about how the program works, who’s eligible, what incentives are available, and how it can help you save energy and money — while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable Manitoba.
What is the Affordable Home Energy Program?
The Affordable Home Energy Program, a key initiative under the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan, is designed to lower energy bills by installing new heat pumps for energy-efficient home heating and cooling for 5,000 Manitoba families.
What is Efficiency Manitoba’s role in the program?
Efficiency Manitoba is supporting the delivery of the Affordable Home Energy Program by providing program administration, marketing, and financial support for the installation of energy-efficient heat pump systems in Manitoba homes and multi-unit residential buildings.
What are the benefits of the program?
The program offers a range of benefits for Manitobans and the clean energy sector, including:
lowering energy bills for households with electric heating through immediate cost savings;
making the installation of ground source heat pumps more accessible across the province;
improving comfort and performance in homes;
offering flexible, customized options to meet the unique needs of different households and communities;
supporting Manitoba’s energy and climate goals by reducing electricity demand, especially during peak times; and
creating new job opportunities and supporting workforce development in the clean energy sector, helping Manitoba’s green economy.
What incentives/rebates does Efficiency Manitoba offer for ground source heat pumps?
Efficiency Manitoba has multiple offers available to help Manitobans upgrade their home heating system to a ground source heat pump. Each offer has its own eligibility requirements and incentive levels based on several factors, such as household income. Manitobans can find the offer best suited to them on our Affordable Home Energy Program web page.
AFFORDABLE HOME ENERGY PROGRAM
OFFER DETAILS
Income-based customers (homeowner or tenants)
Energy Efficiency Assistance Program
Qualifying households can have a ground source heat pump installed for free.
Métis Energy Efficiency Offers
First Nation communities
Community Heat Pump Program
Zero upfront cost for Community Driven Outcomes Contract (CDOC) stream (estimated incentives = $10,000 to $15,000 for ground source heat pumps and $7,500 for cold climate air source heat pumps), delivered leveraging other partnerships that provide funding.
Residential customers
Ground Source Heat Pump Program
Customer contribution of $75/month for 15 years = $13,500. Estimated incentive = $21,200; eligible to stack with new homes participation; incentive cap applied for systems with an installation cost of over $38,000.
Commercial multi-unit residential project
Deep Energy Retrofits
25% customer bonus for projects incorporating ground source heat pumps.
New Buildings Program
Ground source district systems
Innovation Fund
Up to 50% of feasibility study incentives. Capital incentives of up to $2.50/square foot toward construction of the system.
Why are incentive levels and Efficiency Manitoba’s support different for each customer segment in the program?
Incentive levels and Efficiency Manitoba’s support vary by customer segment to ensure the program is accessible and equitable for all Manitobans. Each offer is designed to reflect the unique needs, financial circumstances, and housing situations of different groups — such as income-based households, Indigenous communities, mass market homeowners, and multi-unit residential buildings. This tailored approach helps increase participation, energy savings, and overall impact across the province.
What is a ground source heat pump?
Ground source heat pumps (sometimes referred to as “geothermal heat pumps”) are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems. The reason ground source heat pumps are so efficient is because they move existing heat into or out of the ground, instead of creating heat by burning fossil fuels or powering an electric element.
How does a ground source heat pump work?
A ground source heat pump uses an electric pump to circulate a heat transfer fluid through a loop of pipes that are typically buried underground. In heating mode, the fluid absorbs heat from the ground, which maintains a stable temperature regardless of the weather above. This heated fluid then flows through a heat exchanger into the heat pump, where the heat is extracted and delivered to a fan coil or radiator system within the building. When the system operates in cooling mode, the process reverses, redistributing heat from the building back into the ground.
What are the benefits associated with ground source heat pumps?
A ground source heat pump is the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home in Manitoba’s cold climate. For customers switching from electric resistance heating, this can translate into heating energy cost savings of up to 60%.
How much does a ground source heat pump save?
Actual energy savings per home vary depending on a variety of factors including the type, age, and fuel source of the system being replaced, the quality of the home’s building envelope (insulation, air sealing, windows, and doors), and unique homeowner characteristics and behaviours (number of occupants, thermostat settings, etc.).
How much will it cost Manitobans to participate in the program?
Homeowners can have a ground source heat pump installed at no upfront cost. The program was designed to ensure that monthly loan payments are offset by energy savings — meaning electrically heated homeowners will see a net reduction on their energy bills right away.
The Affordable Home Energy Program offers multiple financial support options that cover a significant portion of installation costs, making energy efficiency upgrades more accessible and affordable for Manitoba families.
What role will the ground source heat pump industry working group play?
Efficiency Manitoba is supporting the creation of a ground source heat pump industry working group. This group will assess workforce readiness, identify training gaps, and ensure Manitoba can meet rising demand with skilled local talent. Through Efficiency Manitoba’s Innovation Fund, Efficiency Manitoba has invested over $200,000 in the Manitoba Construction Sector Council to lead this important work.
AFFORDABLE HOME ENERGY PROGRAM
AFFORDABLE HOME ENERGY PROGRAM
ENERGY-EFFICIENT HEATING & COOLING FOR MANITOBA HOMES
Efficiency Manitoba is supporting the delivery of the Affordable Home Energy Program by providing financial support for the installation of energy-efficient heat pump systems in Manitoba homes. We have multiple offers available to help Manitobans upgrade their home heating system to a ground source heat pump.
OBJECTIVES
The Affordable Home Energy Program consists of several offers to achieve the following objectives:
Lower energy costs for Manitoba families
Improve home energy affordability
Help close the energy poverty gap
Reduce Manitoba’s electric peak electric demand requirements
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
MAKE YOUR HOME AS ENERGY EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE
We recommend making your home as energy efficient as possible before installing your heat pump. Starting with building envelope upgrades, like insulation, will reduce your heating and cooling load, so your contractor will be able to properly size your heat pump system. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Let’s get started web page.
Through the offer you’ve selected, your registered contractor will install your new energy-efficient heat pump. Then, simply enjoy the energy and bill savings for years into the future!
HEAT PUMPS FOR YOUR HOME
INCOME-BASEDOFFERS
Qualifying homeowners and renters can have a ground source heat pump installed for free when retrofitting a home with an electric furnace, baseboard heaters, or electric boiler.
You can apply for this offer through our Energy Efficiency Assistance Program or Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.
Through the Community Heat Pump Program, a Community Driven Outcomes Contract (CDOC) model is used to cover the upfront capital costs of the ground source heat pump project.
When the CDOC model may not be available, we assist communities by providing enhanced rebates to leverage federal funding for heat pump installations.
Qualifying homeowners can install a ground source heat pump with no upfront cost and an interest-free monthly payment of $75 for 15 years ($13,500 total).
You can apply for this offer through our Ground Source Heat Pump Program.
Qualifying homeowners with oil heating systems can receive an upfront payment of up to $20,000 to have a ground source heat pump or cold-climate air source heat pump installed.
You can apply for this offer through the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program.
Through our Commercial Deep Energy Retrofit Program and New Buildings Program, an additional 100% bonus incentive is available for projects incorporating ground source heat pumps.
We also offer rebates and low monthly payments on energy-efficient cold-climate air source heat pumps. Go to our heat pumps page to learn more and find the offer that’s right for you.
Ground source heat pumps can reduce your heating costs by up to 60% when compared to an electric furnace. For the average home in Manitoba, that translates to annual savings of $900 on your energy bills!
ENERGY-EFFICIENT HEATING & COOLING FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Ground source heat pumps are efficient and environmentally friendly. They can reduce your electric heating costs, protect you from the impacts of future heating costs, and help you save for years to come.
A ground source heat pump circulates fluid through a loop of pipes buried underground. In heating mode, the fluid absorbs heat from the earth, which stays at a stable temperature regardless of the temperature above ground. In summer, the process is reversed, redistributing heat back into the ground.
We offer rebates to make your upgrade easier and more affordable. They’re calculated as the lesser of:
$2.50 per square foot heated by a ground source heat pump system
$120 per MBH of installed heating capacity
$120 per MBH of the building’s eligible base transmission and infiltration heating load.
Find out if your project is eligible, then choose a registered contractor. We recommend browsing our list of registered contractors, getting several quotes, and checking references before making your choice. Once you’ve chosen a contractor, they’ll lead you through the application process and apply on your behalf. You’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions at this time.
GET APPROVAL FOR YOUR PROJECT
We’ll send you an email approving your project and from there, you’ll have one year to purchase and install your ground source heat pump. Be sure to wait for approval before purchasing materials or starting any work.
COMPLETE YOUR PROJECT & GET YOUR REBATE
Once your heat pump is installed and operational, you and your contractor will sign a completion declaration and submit all applicable permits and invoices. We’ll review these documents and then send you your rebate. We may contact you to schedule a post-installation verification of your heat pump prior to issuing your rebate.
Ground source heat pumps can reduce your heating costs by up to 60% when compared to an electric furnace. For the average home in Manitoba, that translates to annual savings of $900 on your energy bills!