Federal funding to provide free home energy upgrades in Newfoundland and Labrador

More than 1,400 homeowners and renters in Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to benefit from free energy-saving home upgrades through a new $13.65-million federal-provincial utility investment.

Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the funding agreement Friday under the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program.

The federal government is contributing $10.5 million, while Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power are providing an additional $3.15 million.

The program will be delivered through TakeCharge, a joint initiative between the province’s two electrical utilities. Eligible households will receive a home energy assessment, personalized recommendations and coordinated installations at no cost.

Upgrades may include heat pumps and insulation improvements, helping households reduce heating costs, improve home comfort and lower emissions.

The announcement follows the federal government's introduction of a National Heat Pump Rebate program, scheduled to launch in 2027.

That program will offer rebates of up to $10,000 to eligible low- to median-income households and $2,000 to other eligible households. It is intended for people who need to replace a heating system urgently or prefer to manage their own transition to a heat pump.

According to the federal government, a St. John’s family switching from oil heating to a heat pump could save approximately $2,600 annually. Households switching from electric resistance heating could save an average of $1,700 per year.

The federal government says the two programs are intended to make home heating more affordable while improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions across Newfoundland and Labrador.