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. 

Efficiency Manitoba will use this funding to build on the success of two existing low- to median-income programs: the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program and the Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.

How much funding is available? 

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.