“Too good to be true”

Elmwood

Winnipeg

North End

Winnipeg

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This article was published 12/06/2023 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More Manitobans will soon be eligible for a program that helps homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes, for free or by way of a significant subsidy.

On June 5, in the middle of a late spring heatwave, Colleen Kuruluk, CEOof Efficiency Manitoba, made the announcement at 180 Poplar Ave., headquarters of the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation.

“Energy efficiency and the benefits it provides should be accessible for everyone,” Kuruluk said. “We want to ensure this particular program, one of over 40 programs and offers through Efficiency Manitoba, is available to as many households as possible. Expanding the eligibility of our energy efficiency assistance program will allow more people to participate in this program and benefit from the improved comfort of their homes, while also importantly saving on their monthly energy bills.”

The threshold for program eligibility is being raised, which will allow approximately 200,000 low to moderate income households in Manitoba to be eligible. Now, a two-person household with a total household income (before deductions) of $53,035 or less will qualify, while a four-person household will qualify with a total household income of $79,161 or less. Those who qualify can benefit from free insulation, a subsidized natural gas furnace upgrade, free energy saving devices such as LED lightbulbs, and more.

“By supporting energy efficient home upgrades and renovations, this program is making a real difference in the lives and budgets of families and individuals across the province,” said Kevin Klein, minister of environment and climate and minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba.

“We’ve worked with many residents in our community to spread the word and help them participate in this valuable program,” said Leilani Esteban-Villarba, executive director of the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation. “By having someone at the community level, talking to people one-on-one, we are able to meet people where they’re at and share information on how they can save money, use less energy, and reduce their carbon footprint.”

Having an efficiency ambassador from Efficiency Manitoba canvass at the community level, both in Elmwood and in the North End, by way of a similar partnership with North End Renewal Corporation, helps reduce or eliminate the barriers many low-income residents face, Esteban-Villarba added.

“We see so many people, the majority we see because of the demographics in Elmwood are low-income and vulnerable populations, we have seniors and families on fixed incomes and an aging housing stock, they can’t afford to do improvements, or they don’t know where to start,” she said. “Energy Efficiency has made such an impact on people’s lives. All we have to do is help people fill out an application, and build that relationship of trust.“

Esteban-Villarba noted that response so far from Elmwood residents has been great.

“It’s been amazing,” she said. “Some people say it’s too good to be true.”

With the new changes to eligibility, Esteban-Villarba hopes to see program uptake increase, allowing more residents to improve their homes, save money, and help reduce impacts on the environment.

“It also helps support the longevity of our neighbourhood,” she added. “People who are comfortable in their homes stay longer.”

For more information on the program, visit efficiencyMB.ca/EEAP