Business Lighting Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Business Lighting Program

Here are some answers to common questions about our Business Lighting Program:

Online Application Form

How do I access the online application form?

You can find our online application form at efficiencyMB.ca/lightingapply.

What’s myEM?

myEM is the name of our online application system. This is where you can access your Efficiency Manitoba applications.

Who needs a myEM account?

Anyone who submits an application, either as a building owner or as a registered supplier on behalf of a building owner, needs a myEM account.

I’m a registered supplier submitting an application for my customer. Do they need a myEM account?

Since you’re submitting the application on their behalf, only you need a myEM account. Your customer may choose to create one as well, but it’s not required. To sign the application, the customer will be sent a link that does not require a login.

When I try to create a myEM account, it says that an account already exists with my email address, but I haven’t previously signed up for an account. What do I do?

If you get that error message, it means you have an active application in our system and we’ve already started your account. Follow the “forgot your password” instructions to reset your password and gain access to your account.

Will I see my existing approved applications, submitted previously as PDFs, in myEM?

Yes! Our account records are tied to your email address, so any active applications will appear on your myEM account. If you think an application is missing from your account, send us an email.

I have an approved application that I previously submitted as a PDF. How do I complete this project using myEM?

Once you log into myEM, you can view your active applications on your dashboard. Open the application and follow the instructions to upload your completion documents.

How do I know you received my online application?

You’ll receive emails with status updates at every step of the application process. You can also log into myEM and view your application status on your dashboard.

How do I make a change to my project after I submit my online application?

You can view and edit your project details on your myEM dashboard.

I’m experiencing issues trying to submit my application in myEM; who can I talk to?

Please send us an email or call us at 204-944-8181 (toll free at 1-844-944-8181). We’d be happy to help sort out the issue!

Customer Bonus

What’s the Customer Bonus?

We’re increasing our current incentives by 50% for Business Lighting Program applications completed before March 31, 2026.

When does the Customer Bonus start?

Right now! All projects completed between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2026 will be eligible for the Customer Bonus.

How’s the Customer Bonus calculated?

Once a project is complete, we’ll take the total project incentive and add 50% to the total.

Who will the Customer Bonus be sent to?

The additional 50% incentive will be added to the application incentive and sent by cheque to the Building Owner (or the designated payee indicated on the Completion Declaration).

Will I still get the Customer Bonus if I have an existing application that was already approved?

Yes! As long as the project is completed, with paperwork submitted, by March 31, 2026, you’ll be eligible for the Customer Bonus.

I just completed a project. Can I still get the Customer Bonus?

Unfortunately, we can’t provide Customer Bonuses for projects that have already been paid.

My project is expired (approved more than a year ago). Can I still get the Customer Bonus?

Yes! As long as you can provide the completion documents for your project before March 31, 2026, you’ll be eligible for the Customer Bonus.

Supplier Bonus

What’s the Supplier Bonus?

We’re giving a $100 bonus to registered suppliers for every BLP application they complete, on behalf of a customer, before March 31, 2026.

When does the Supplier Bonus start?

Right now! All projects completed between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2026 will be eligible for the Supplier Bonus.

Who will the Supplier Bonus be sent to?

The Supplier Bonus cheque will be sent to the individual (not the company) who submitted the application.

Will I still get the Supplier Bonus if I have an existing application that was already approved?

Yes! As long as the project is completed, with paperwork submitted, by March 31, 2026, you’ll be eligible for the Supplier Bonus.

I just completed a project. Can I still get the Supplier Bonus?

Unfortunately, we can’t provide Supplier Bonuses for projects that have already been paid.

Can I receive multiple Supplier Bonuses?

Yes! However, only one Supplier Bonus will be paid per project. If there are multiple project applications for one address, the Supplier Bonus eligibility will be reviewed by Efficiency Manitoba.

Will a customer get the Supplier Bonus if they submit the application themselves?

No – the Supplier Bonus is only available to registered suppliers who submit an application on behalf of a building owner.

What if I’m not a registered supplier?

If you aren’t a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier, it’s not too late! As long as you submit a supplier registration form before the project is complete, you’ll still receive your Supplier Bonus.

What if a different supplier started the application, but I’m completing it?

By default, we send the cheque to the registered supplier who submitted the application. If the contact name or address of the registered supplier has changed since the application was first submitted, please provide us with updated mailing information by sending us an email or adding a note to your myEM account.

What if multiple suppliers worked on one project?

By default, we send the cheque to the registered supplier who submitted the application. If the Supplier Bonus should go elsewhere or you’d like to split it, let us know and we can work something out.

Innovation fund

Innovation fund

SUPPORTING NEW & INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MANITOBA

The Innovation Fund supports organizations that are looking to advance new and innovative energy efficiency opportunities in the Manitoba market. We provide funding for pilot projects and partnerships to reduce common adoption barriers to emerging energy-efficient technologies and strategies that can save electricity, peak demand, or natural gas.

Eligible projects can receive funding of up to 75% of the project cost to a maximum of $250,000. We offer two funding streams:

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION STREAM

  • Intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technology in the Manitoba context that’s ready for field testing or demonstration

MARKET CAPACITY STREAM

  • Intended to reduce market barriers and improve understanding of energy-efficient technologies

As an initiative of the Affordable Home Energy Program, the Innovation Fund also provides financial support towards feasibility studies for investigating ground source heat pumps in multi-unit residential buildings and district energy systems. Send us an email to discuss your project.  

DO YOU QUALIFY?

  • Your technology or strategy reduces the use of electricity or natural gas in Manitoba and you have a plan to measure and verify the results.
  • Your energy-efficient technology or strategy is replicable to numerous customers in Manitoba.
  • Your organization has a physical presence or is registered as a legal entity within Manitoba, or is a third-party partner outside of Manitoba demonstrating the project in Manitoba.
  • The project incorporates aspects of innovation, including efficiency, cost effectiveness, and commercial acceptability of the new energy-efficient solution.
  • The project advances a technology or solution in the residential, Indigenous, commercial, industrial, or agricultural market.
  • Technology demonstration projects must have a secured location for demonstration.

If your project doesn’t qualify for the Innovation Fund, you may be eligible for one of our other offers. Check our full suite of commercial offers to learn more.

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

  1. READ THE PROGRAM GUIDE

    The Innovation Fund program guide has all the information you need to see how your project might fit into one of the funding streams. Make sure you read it carefully before moving on to the next step.

  2. SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

    Once you’ve reviewed the program guide, submit an Expression of Interest, through which you’ll provide a high-level overview of your project. We’ll evaluate your submission to determine your project’s suitability for the Innovation Fund, and we’ll let you know within 10 business days if you qualify to submit a detailed application. 

  3. SUBMIT A DETAILED APPLICATION

    If your Expression of Interest shows that your project is suitable for the Innovation Fund, you’ll be invited to submit a detailed application. Our team will review your application based on several criteria including energy impact, market potential, and degree of innovation. 

  4. SIGN THE CONTRACT & START THE PROJECT

    If your application is successful, we’ll work together on a funding agreement. You can start work on your project once the contract is signed.

If you have any questions about the Innovation Fund, send us an email.

LEARN MORE

Custom Energy Solutions Program

If you are looking to make your industrial, commercial, or agricultural facility more energy efficient, we are here to help….

Man using settings on a digital display

New Buildings Program

Incentives for the design and construction of new, energy-efficient commercial buildings and additions.

Workers on construction site with crane

Commercial Deep Energy Retrofit Program

We offer incentives to help you undertake major energy efficiency renovations to your commercial building, helping you save energy, money,…

Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program

Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program

We offer communities the opportunity, support, and resources to hire an energy efficiency advocate to create and implement community energy efficiency plans with guidance from our energy experts.

These plans help communities lower their overall energy consumption by taking part in our energy efficiency programs. Hired by the community, the energy efficiency advocate helps foster a culture of conservation in the community, empowering its members to participate in energy-saving initiatives.

Check out our program guide for more information.

Funding

We provide $40,000 towards an energy efficiency advocate’s salary per year for two years.

Technical Support

We provide communities with direct and frequent access to our staff and technical experts, who will help train the energy efficiency advocate. 

Energy & Bill Savings

Increased community participation in energy efficiency programs will lead to energy and bill savings.

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

  1. APPLY FOR FUNDING

    Complete our funding application and send it to us via email. We’re here to support you. Contact us with any questions or assistance you may need in completing your application.

  2. GET APPROVED

    Successful applicants will be contacted within 30 days of sending their application to confirm their approval for funding and participation in the program. Acceptance into the program is based on available funding dollars for the current year.

  3. HIRE AN ADVOCATE

    Selected communities will be responsible for hiring an Energy Advocate within one month of funding approval.

  4. CREATE AND DELIVER YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLAN

    The advocate will work with us and the community to design a comprehensive, two-year Community Energy Efficiency Plan aimed at reducing energy use.

  5. START SAVING

    The community will participate in programs that will help residents enjoy lower energy bills.

Does your community qualify?

  • Your community is a recognized First Nation in Manitoba.
  • Your community has demonstrated commitment to energy efficiency and/or sustainability initiatives.

Building Commissioning

Building Commissioning

Enhanced Building Operations

Thanks for your interest in the Enhanced Building Operations Program. This offer ended on March 31, 2024. If you have…

Worker surveying machine

Enhanced Building Operations Program – Offer Ended

Enhanced Building Operations Program – Offer Ended

Thanks for your interest in the Enhanced Building Operations Program. This offer ended on March 31, 2024. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

Building Envelope Program

Building Envelope Program

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR INSULATION, WINDOWS, DOORS, CURTAIN WALL & STORE FRONT

We offer financial incentives to building owners who complete energy-efficient building envelope upgrades in their commercial, industrial, agricultural, religious, institutional, or multi-unit residential buildings.

Check out our program guide to learn about potential savings on eligible upgrades including roof and wall insulation, windows and doors, curtain wall, and storefront system upgrades. Read more about our incentive details here or download our program handout for a quick overview. 

BENEFITS OF BUILDING ENVELOPE UPGRADES

  • Reduced heating and cooling costs
  • Reduced condensation and drafts
  • Enhanced building durability
  • Improved occupant comfort
  • Improved building aesthetics
  • Increased building value
  • Reduced environmental footprint

WE’RE NOW OFFERING CUSTOMER & SUPPLIER BONUSES

We recognize that building envelope upgrades can be a significant financial investment. By offering bonuses to customers and suppliers, we aim to support and encourage energy efficiency upgrades.   

CUSTOMER BONUS

For projects completed before March 31, 2026, we’re increasing our current incentives by 25% for buildings heated with electricity and by 10% for buildings heated with natural gas.

SUPPLIER BONUS

We’re giving a $250 bonus to registered suppliers for every Building Envelope Program application they complete on behalf of a customer before March 31, 2026.

PROJECT FEATURE

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES &
TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Insulation

Save on the cost of insulation materials for roof and wall upgrades

Windows

Incentives for high-performance window system upgrades

Doors

Incentives for upgrading exterior sliding glass doors and swinging doors.

CURTAIN WALL & STOREFRONT

We offer financial support for the design and installation of high performance systems

Steps to Participate

  1. QUALIFY

    Find out if your project is eligible. We offer free technical support during this process. A registered Efficiency Manitoba contractor or consultant can assist with the planning and scope of your project. Please contact us if you have questions about eligibility. One of our representatives may conduct an on-site verification to confirm project details and/or equipment specifications.

  2. APPLY ONLINE

    Applications can be submitted by the building owner or the registered supplier on behalf of the building owner. View our program guide for the full application checklist and then apply online. You can also contact us to request a paper application.

  3. GET APPROVAL

    We’ll review your application and send your approval by email. Remember not to purchase or install any measures or equipment related to this project until you’ve received approval from us. After getting approved, you have one year to complete your upgrades.

  4. GET YOUR INCENTIVE

    After your project is complete, email or mail your completion documents to us. Once we’ve received your documents, we’ll finalize your incentive amount based on your invoicing and any project changes. A post-verification inspection may be required to confirm installation. We’ll send the incentive to the indicated payee.

Do you qualify?

  • You have a commercial, industrial, agricultural, religious, institutional, or multi-unit residential building.
  • You’re renovating an existing building that’s heated primarily with electricity or natural gas.
  • Your renovation includes energy-efficient building envelope upgrades.
  • Your project hasn’t started yet (if your application needs urgent attention, please email us).
  • Your contractor is registered with Efficiency Manitoba.

To learn more about our Building Envelope Program, check out our program guide and frequently asked questions.

Are you a
homeowner? 

Save on insulation upgrades with our Home Insulation Rebate or get rebates on select ENERGY STAR® certified windows and doors for your home.

Do you have a
small business? 

Unlock potential savings with enhanced insulation rebates through our Small Business Program. Check our eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

Energy Efficiency Assistance Program

Energy Efficiency Assistance Program

Free Energy Efficiency Upgrades For Income Qualifying Households

There are times when it can be hard to keep up with mortgage or rent payments and buying groceries and still having enough money to pay your energy bills.

You can lower your monthly energy bill and make your home more comfortable with our free and subsidized energy efficiency upgrades.

Our team of dedicated professionals takes care of everything and manages the entire process. We identify eligible improvements, connect you with registered contractors, and take care of the upfront payment, helping you save even more.

This enhanced offer is an initiative of the Affordable Home Energy Program

This Program Applies to You if you:

  • are a homeowner with a limited income and are interested in energy efficiency upgrades;
  • are a home renter with a limited income; or
  • are a landlord and are interested in improving the comfort of your rental property and reducing you tenant’s energy consumption.

If you’re a Red River Métis Citizen and are interested in energy efficiency upgrades, learn more about our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.

If you rent an apartment suite or own or manage an apartment building and are interested in energy efficiency upgrades, our In-Suite Energy Efficiency Program can help.

Don’t qualify for the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program? You may be interested in our other energy efficiency offers for your home.

DO YOU QUALIFY?

  • You live in a single-detached or semi-detached home.
  • You live in the home year-round.
  • You have a total household income (before deductions) that meets or falls below the limits in the table below.
Number of peopleTotal income
1 person$45,333
2 people$56,437
3 people$69,384
4 people$84,239
5 people$95,543
6 people$107,757
7 or more people$119,972

Income limits based on the number of people living in the home. Total income is based on total household income before deductions.


You’ll need to provide us with income verification documentation for all household residents 18 years of age or older. Learn how to submit these documents.

We may look at other factors while reviewing your program eligibility, including property value and assets.

Free Home Energy Assessment

Get a free in-home assessment to find ways to save energy.

Fiberglass insulation in interior wall

Free Insulation

Free insulation retrofits and installation are available for eligible attics, walls, and basements identified during your home energy assessment.

Must be installed by a registered program contractor.

Natural gas furnace upgrade

Upgrade to a high-efficiency natural gas furnace from a standard-efficiency furnace for only $9.50 per month for five years or from a mid-efficiency furnace for $25 per month for five years.

Must be installed by a registered program contractor.

Natural Gas Boiler Upgrade

Get a $5,000 rebate when upgrading from a standard-efficiency boiler to a high-efficiency boiler.

ELECTRIC AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP RETROFIT

Get an air source heat pump for only $30 per month for 10 years when retrofitting a home with an electric furnace, baseboard heaters, or electric boiler.

Must be installed by a registered program contractor.

Ground source heat pump upgrade

Get a ground source heat pump for only $50 per month for 10 years when retrofitting a home with an electric furnace, baseboard heaters, or electric boiler.

Must be installed by a registered program contractor.

Free smart thermostat

Get a free ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat.

LED light bulbs

Free Energy-Saving Devices

Get free LED bulbs, energy-efficient showerheads and aerators, air-sealing products, and other energy saving items.

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

  1. APPLY & SEE IF YOU INCOME QUALIFY

    Fill out an eligibility application, submit it online or by mail, and provide your income verification documents for all household residents 18 years of age or older. Learn how to submit these documents.

    Landlords who are applying to the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program will also need their tenants to complete a Tenant Consent Form, and include the form with their income verification documents.

  2. GET YOUR FREE HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT

    Get a free home energy assessment by one of our expert energy advisors. Start saving immediately with free installation of energy saving devices and get your home heating system and insulation levels assessed for potential upgrades.

  3. CHOOSE A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR

    If your home qualifies for a heating system upgrade or an insulation upgrade, we connect you to our registered program contractors. You choose a registered contractor from our list who will guide you through the next steps.

  4. GET YOUR ELIGIBLE UPGRADE DONE

    The contractor you selected will come to your home and coordinate the energy efficiency upgrade to maximize your energy savings. They will let you know once your project is approved and schedule the installation as soon as possible, so that you can start saving.

  5. SIGN OFF & ENJOY THE SAVINGS

    All registered contractors are set up to invoice us directly, so you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs. Efficiency Manitoba takes care of the rest to help you save more.

New Buildings Program 3.0

New Buildings Program 3.0

Incentives for new energy-efficient buildings

Design and construct a new, energy efficient commercial, multi-unit residential, or industrial building and receive up to $3.50 per square foot plus another $12,000 toward energy modelling.

Energy Modelling
Assistance Incentive

up
to
$12,000

  • Incentives for energy modelling during project design
  • Compare your design against building code requirements demonstrating it’s at least 5% more efficient
  • Optimize for energy efficiency with software modelling
  • Have your energy model report reviewed before construction

See our Energy Modelling Assistance info sheet for details.

Performance Path

up
to
$3.50/sq.ft.

  • Get incentives for new commercial construction projects (including additions) that adhere to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020 Tier 1 and provincial amendments
  • Use integrated design best practices
  • Incorporate building commissioning deliverables
  • Receive an energy efficiency certification for your building from Efficiency Manitoba
  • Get an optional systems manual bonus (an additional 10% on top of the eligible Performance Path incentive amount, up to $12,000)

See our program guide for a complete list of requirements.

ENERGY MODELLING

Designing and constructing a new commercial building? Learn how energy modelling can help you optimize your savings.

BONUS INCENTIVES FOR GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP UPGRADES 

For a limited time, we’re offering a 25% bonus on the performance incentive for multi-unit residential buildings that install a ground source heat pump as the primary heating system. The bonus applies to projects enrolled by March 31, 2026. See our program guide for further details.

We may be able to provide financial support through our Innovation Fund toward a feasibility study to investigate if a ground source heat pump is suitable for your project.   

This enhanced offer is an initiative of the Affordable Home Energy Program

Does your project qualify?

  • Your project is new construction or addition.
  • Your project follows the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 Tier 1 and provincial amendments.
  • You’re applying before the project tender date and before the construction permit issued.
  • Your proposed building is designed to be at least 5% better than the code baseline.

Steps To Participate

Energy Modelling Assistance Incentive | Performance Path

Energy Modelling Assistance Incentive

  1. APPLY

    Complete your Energy Modelling Assistance Incentive application form and send it to us by email

    Once accepted, we’ll send you a confirmation email and outline your next steps.

  2. SUBMIT YOUR REPORT

    Submit your design energy modelling report and invoice.

    Before the project’s tender date and before being issued a building permit, you must submit both your design energy modelling report and invoice. The invoice must only be for the relevant energy modelling services.

  3. GET YOUR INCENTIVE

    Once we receive all your documents, we’ll review the modelling report and provide incentives for approved projects.

Performance Path

  1. APPLY

    Complete your Performance Path application form and send it to us by email

    Once accepted, we’ll send a confirmation email and outline your next steps.

  2. SUBMIT YOUR DELIVERABLES

    Submit program deliverables throughout the design and construction of your new building.

    We have templates available for most deliverables. For full program requirements and details, refer to the program guide. Once we have all your deliverables, we’ll provide feedback and follow up with questions or comments if applicable.

  3. WE REVIEW ALL SUBMITTED DELIVERABLES

    Once we have all your deliverables, we’ll provide feedback and follow up questions/comments if applicable.

  4. GET YOUR INCENTIVE

    Once approved, we’ll pay your incentives and complete your application.

Supplier Network — Material Request

Supplier Network

Order Marketing Materials

To order program materials, please fill out and submit the form below. All requests will be processed and mailed within five business days.

Delivery time varies by location.

Custom Energy Solutions

Custom Energy Solutions

Energy savings designed for your facility

If you’re looking to make your industrial, commercial, or agricultural facility more energy efficient, we’re here to help. Our Custom Energy Solutions Program provides performance-based incentives when you make upgrades to your facility that save electricity and/or natural gas. We can help you optimize your energy needs, lower your operating costs, improve your productivity, and reduce your environmental impact.

New, higher incentives for electric projects

As of April 1, 2025, the incentive for new projects that save electricity will be increasing from $0.15 to $0.25/kWh*. 

INCENTIVES*
Electricity
$0.25/kWh
Natural gas
$0.30/m³
*Performance-based financial incentives are calculated based on annual energy saved.

We have the expertise to help you investigate and identify energy-saving opportunities as well as financial incentives to help you implement your project. This program is ideal for processing facilities that rely on end-use technologies such as:

  • Compressed air
  • Pumps, fans, and blowers
  • Refrigeration
  • Variable speed drives
  • Steam and water boiler systems
  • Ventilation
  • Waste heat recovery
  • Other process equipment

Performance-based incentives

We offer financial incentives and technical support through our Custom Energy Solutions Program. We take a systems approach to optimizing your energy needs.

  • Performance-based financial incentives of $0.25/kWh* and $0.30 m3 of annual energy saved are available. The more energy you save, the higher the incentive.
  • Financial incentives are available up to 50% of the incremental cost or the amount required to achieve a one-year payback.
  • All projects that save energy or natural gas will be considered. Projects must focus on end-use systems such as compressed air, pumps and fans, industrial refrigeration, process heating, and plant-wide energy management.
  • Energy efficiency projects must result in lower energy consumption and improved system performance.
  • Energy efficiency projects for renovations, new facilities, and expansions are eligible to participate.

*The increased $0.25/kWh incentive is applicable to new project applications submitted to us for pre-approval on or after April 1, 2025.

Let’s work together!

Your facility, our resources

  1. PLAN YOUR PROJECT

    Get in touch with us and describe the energy-saving project you have in mind. We’ll review it and our technical staff will give you feedback on your eligibility. If you aren’t sure where to start, we have services that can help you identify potential energy-saving projects.

  2. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

    We’ll work with you to complete an incentive application through our Custom Energy Solutions Program which includes estimated energy savings and incentive amounts.

  3. GET STARTED

    Once your application has been approved, the work can begin! Proceed with the purchase and implementation of your project. The project must be completed within 12 months from the time we approve your application.

  4. SUBMIT YOUR PAPERWORK FOR PAYMENT

    Let us know when your project is complete, and well work with you to verify your energy savings. Once your savings have been verified, well send you your incentive along with your Project Verification Report.