Ontario Expands Energy Savings Programs to Lower Costs for Families and Businesses
New rebates for energy-efficient home appliances headline expanded Ontario energy savings rebates
NORTH YORK – Ontario energy savings rebates are receiving a major boost as the provincial government expands its suite of programs designed to lower electricity costs, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen long-term grid reliability. Announced in North York, the expanded measures are part of Ontario’s $10.9-billion Energy Efficiency Framework and the province’s new integrated long-term energy plan, Energy for Generations.
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the expansion is meant to put “more money in people’s pockets” at a time when electricity demand is projected to rise sharply over the next 25 years.
New Ontario energy savings rebates for home appliances
Starting this fall, eligible households will be able to claim Ontario energy savings rebates of up to $200 on a range of high-efficiency home appliances, including:
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Refrigerators
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Freezers
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Washers and dryers
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Other ENERGY STAR-certified electric appliances
Rebates will be available through the Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) and apply whether appliances are purchased online or in-store. All Ontario households connected to the electricity grid — including apartments and condos — will qualify, provided the rebate replaces an older, less efficient electric appliance.
The province is also making attic insulation rebates more accessible by removing the requirement for a home energy assessment, allowing homeowners to complete applications faster and move ahead with upgrades.
Effective today, Ontario’s Energy Savings Program will expand to include rebates of up to $200 on energy-efficient appliances.
Saving you money on refrigerators, freezers, and laundry machines.
This builds on the first phase of our plan that also covers new windows/doors,… pic.twitter.com/ZgvyBDK98t
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) November 19, 2025
Why Ontario energy savings rebates matter right now
According to the province, many homes and businesses still operate older, inefficient appliances and systems that increase grid strain. By upgrading to more efficient equipment, Ontario can:
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Reduce electricity consumption
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Lower monthly energy bills
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Delay costly grid expansions
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Improve long-term system reliability
Ontario has already seen strong uptake in the first phase of the HRSP, launched earlier this year, which has delivered 685 gigawatt-hours in electricity savings and reduced peak demand by 226 megawatts — the equivalent of taking more than 220,000 homes off the grid.
Expanded industrial and institutional incentives through Save on Energy
Larger organizations — including industries, municipalities, hospitals, and educational institutions — will also benefit from expanded Ontario energy savings rebates and incentives.
The Save on Energy XLerate Program will now increase its per-project incentive from $5 million to $15 million, supporting capital projects that deliver measurable energy savings.
Key features include:
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Feasibility study funding covering up to $100,000
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A streamlined, first-come-first-served application process
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Expanded eligibility windows for early-stage energy-efficiency planning
This approach is intended to help employers reduce electricity costs, reinvest in growth, and boost competitiveness as global demand for clean and efficient technologies increases.
Government and sector leaders welcome the expansion
Associate Minister Sam Oosterhoff said the updated programs are essential as Ontario faces “unprecedented energy demands.”
Industry and energy organizations echoed this support, including:
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Efficiency Canada
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IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator)
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Ontario Chamber of Commerce
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Ontario Energy Association
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Enbridge Gas
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Ontario Home Builders’ Association
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Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Each group noted that expanded Ontario energy savings rebates provide measurable cost relief while improving the province’s long-term energy reliability.
A long-term plan to reduce demand and support affordability
Through the expanded programs, Ontario aims to reduce peak electricity demand by 3,000 megawatts by 2036 — equal to removing three million homes from the grid. The province says this will save ratepayers billions over time by reducing the need to build new generation capacity.
For Ontario families, the message is straightforward: energy efficiency saves money, and these expanded Ontario energy savings rebates are intended to help households and businesses make upgrades without major upfront costs.
GTA Today will continue to monitor Ontario’s energy policies, rebate programs and grid-capacity planning as electricity demand evolves across the province.
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