{"id":64085,"date":"2024-06-25T12:13:17","date_gmt":"2024-06-25T19:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/energi.media\/?p=64085"},"modified":"2024-06-25T12:13:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T19:13:17","slug":"ottawa-has-opportunity-to-create-an-effective-energy-retrofit-program-for-low-income-households","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/energi.media\/news\/ottawa-has-opportunity-to-create-an-effective-energy-retrofit-program-for-low-income-households\/","title":{"rendered":"Ottawa has opportunity to create an effective energy retrofit program for low-income households"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>This article was published by <a href=\"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/magazines\/june-2024\/retrofits-low-income\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Policy Options<\/a> on June 25, 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>By <a href=\"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/authors\/abigail-jackson\/\">Abigail Jackson, <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/policyoptions.irpp.org\/authors\/brendan-haley\/\">Brendan Haley <\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">With each year, our built environment faces\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/climateinstitute.ca\/reports\/the-costs-of-climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">increased pressure<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from climate change and an ever-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">greater frequency of floods, extreme heat and smoke pollution.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These trends will\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/climateinstitute.ca\/reports\/extreme-heat-in-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">continue squeezing<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0lower-income households the hardest because they are more likely to live in riskier areas and are less able to afford resilience-enhancing retrofits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The 2024 federal budget contains a new greener homes affordability program and complementary measures with potential to support retrofits for lower-income households. It is a welcome step, but the promised funding falls short of what\u2019s needed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The government should embrace a four-point approach to make energy efficiency work for low-income Canadians: working with local partners rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all plan; ensuring seamless integration with provincial, territorial and local programs; empowering renters; and creating predictability for the retrofit market.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Breaking down the budget<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The new greener homes affordability program is\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/budget.canada.ca\/2024\/report-rapport\/chap1-en.html#a18\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">a significant step<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for low-income energy efficiency. It\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">is well-aligned with\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/irpp.org\/research-studies\/prioritize-low-income-households\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">recommendations put forward<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0by the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/irpp.org\/affordability\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Affordability Action Council<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">a non-partisan collaboration of diverse policy experts and community leaders from across the country.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The program<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0will fund\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">direct installations of energy retrofits for low- to median-income households, with $800 million allocated over five years, starting in 2025.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Targeted support is critical for lower-income households because they face some of the greatest barriers to accessing retrofits. Between\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/irpp.org\/research-studies\/prioritize-low-income-households\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">30 and 60 per cent<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0of very low-income households experience\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.efficiencycanada.org\/energy-poverty-in-canada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">energy poverty<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, depending on the definition used. Yet, until now,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Canada hasn\u2019t had a national energy-efficiency program to help them<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The new greener homes affordability program will include renters \u2013 a welcome development given that\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/n1\/pub\/46-28-0001\/2021001\/article\/00017-eng.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">62 per cent<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0of low-income families are renters and that rental households at all income levels are growing\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statcan.gc.ca\/o1\/en\/plus\/2357-national-housing-day-look-homeowners-and-renters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">more than twice<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0as fast as householders who own their homes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The program will also be co-delivered with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">provincial and territorial partners, which means the federal government can leverage and amplify work already being done on the ground.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Other budget items could complement the new program, including\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">$73.5 million to improve energy-efficiency tools that will enable better tracking of energy data and retrofit savings projections, as well as $30 million for developing a national approach to labeling homes with their energy usage levels so that more households can consider energy costs in their housing decisions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A new tenant protection fund also received $15 million, adding substance to the promise of a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.infrastructure.gc.ca\/housing-logement\/housing-plan-report-rapport-plan-logement-eng.html#:~:text=%C2%A0Creating%20a%20New%20Canadian%20Renters%27%20Bill%20of%20Rights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Canadian Renters\u2019 Bill of Rights<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The new fund will provide advocacy services and information for renters, which could be used to ensure tenants who participate in the energy retrofit program benefit from lower bills and better housing, while being protected against higher rents and eviction.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An insufficient investment in our future<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Despite these positive strides, the funding allocated to retrofit-related measures in the budget not only falls short of the investment needed but actually represents a cut, paling in comparison to the $2.6 billion originally invested in the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/natural-resources.canada.ca\/energy-efficiency\/homes\/canada-greener-homes-initiative\/canada-greener-homes-grant\/canada-greener-homes-grant\/canada-greener-homes-grant-winter-2022-update\/24388\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Canada greener homes<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">initiative.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/irpp.org\/research-studies\/prioritize-low-income-households\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Affordability Action Council<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0recommended that the government aim to retrofit around 100,000 low-income homes annually, representing just one-fifth of the total building target proposed in the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/natural-resources.canada.ca\/sites\/nrcan\/files\/engagements\/green-building-strategy\/CGBS%20Discussion%20Paper%20-%20EN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">green buildings strategy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0discussion paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Yet the $800-million funding over five years ($160 million per year) allocated to the new program is woefully incapable of achieving even that modest objective.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If each retrofit costs approximately $11,000 (the Canadian equivalent of what the U.S.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/scep\/weatherization-assistance-program\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">weatherization assistance program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0allocates per unit), that\u2019s enough funding for only about 14,545 homes a year. That doesn\u2019t even account for the spending that will go to the upfront program design and delivery.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Even if the funding is matched by provincial and territorial partners, the number of homes that could be retrofitted will fall far short of what the Affordability Action Council recommended.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Although the level of funding is inadequate for the scale of the problem, there is still an opportunity to make this program effective and durable over the long run.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As the federal government considers how to design and deliver the new low-to-median income retrofit program, here are four principles based on Affordability Action Council recommendations:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">1. Develop and enhance local energy-efficiency programs<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The new program should allow local partners to design and deliver their services in ways that work best for them. Rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all model, there should be\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.efficiencycanada.org\/low-income-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">different options<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for local partners seeking to develop new programs or scale up existing ones.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The new program should account for the upfront costs associated with program design and should deliver support for local partners accordingly. It could also complement local programs by connecting them with referral partners and education partners where appropriate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The federal government should allow the expansion of eligibility for existing low-income programs to median income levels to serve more people but avoid requiring expansions that would force local programs to retool in ways that don\u2019t fit local contexts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">2. Streamline the application and administrative processes<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There should be a seamless integration of federal, provincial, territorial and local incentives. The federal government should focus on integrating its systems with existing low-income energy-efficiency initiatives. As well, federal funds should enable (but not require) programs to expand the number of applicants reached.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To reduce administrative burdens and to better target vulnerable households, the new program should also allow for\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9723913\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">cross-eligibility<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0with other social assistance services. Other barriers can be further reduced by providing applicants with support services and user-friendly application forms translated into local languages.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">3. Empower renters and provide them with adequate support<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tenant rights<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.efficiencycanada.org\/tenant-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">must be embedded<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0into the program design, including the right to maintain residence and tenure during and after the retrofit. Landlords who access the program should be required to sign agreements to maintain or improve affordability, similar to those used in the U.S.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/sites\/prod\/files\/2016\/05\/f31\/WPN%20Rental%20Units%20FAQs%205%205%2016.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">weatherization assistance program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There should be a clear referral pathway between the new tenant protection fund and the g<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">reener homes affordability program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:2160,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">4. Create predictability for the retrofit market<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The federal government should work with local delivery partners to streamline project aggregation and bulk ordering for retrofits, which can create predictable project streams for suppliers while lowering costs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To establish long-term predictability for the retrofit market, the program should be permanent,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">like the U.S. weatherization assistance program, with\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.efficiencycanada.org\/low-income-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">long-term and stable<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0funding. The government must avoid prematurely ending the program, which could throw the retrofit market\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/calgary\/bakx-canada-greener-homes-grant-retrofit-application-layoffs-1.7100748\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">into turmoil<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To make the most of the federal budget\u2019s funding for low-income energy efficiency and set up the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">greener homes affordability program<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for long-term success<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, it will be important for the government to deliver a well-designed program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No one should be in poverty because of their energy bill, and everyone should have easy and affordable access to energy efficiency as we build a net-zero emissions economy. The new national energy efficiency program for low-income Canadians should be a basic pillar of a climate strategy that enhances affordability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>This article was published by Policy Options on June 25, 2024. By Abigail Jackson, Brendan Haley With each year, our built environment faces\u00a0increased pressure\u00a0from climate change and an ever-greater frequency of floods, extreme heat and <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/energi.media\/news\/ottawa-has-opportunity-to-create-an-effective-energy-retrofit-program-for-low-income-households\/\" title=\"Ottawa has opportunity to create an effective energy retrofit program for low-income households\">[Read more]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":64086,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[13,548,80,14,266,529],"class_list":{"0":"post-64085","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-canada","9":"tag-emissions","10":"tag-environment","11":"tag-featured","12":"tag-government","13":"tag-policy"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>retrofit - Thoughtful Journalism About Energy&#039;s Future<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The program\u00a0will fund\u00a0direct installations of energy retrofits for low- to median-income households starting in 2025.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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