The Government of Canada and FCM invest $15 million to cut energy bills and pollution
, /CNW/ - Improving the energy efficiency of homes is a smart investment that helps homeowners lower home energy bills, reduce emissions, and create more comfortable living spaces, while also creating local jobs.
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a $15-million investment through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to support an enhanced residential retrofit program in partnership with Saint John Energy.
This funding, which includes a $5-million grant and a $10-million loan, will make it easier for homeowners to access financing for energy-saving upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps, and solar installations, as well as renewable energy options including photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. It will significantly lower energy costs for homeowners who undertake the upgrades, while driving substantial benefits such as improved home comfort and quality.
Importantly, residential loans will be repayable through Saint John Energy utility bills for increased convenience. This builds upon a well-established Saint John Energy program that enables customers to pay a monthly fee on their energy bills to rent energy products including heat pumps and hot water heaters.
The upgrades will also significantly curb household greenhouse gas emissions and create economic benefits through local jobs in the construction, renovation and skilled trades sectors.
In addition to helping homeowners save money and reduce emissions, the program is intentionally designed with scalability in mind. By documenting lessons learned and sharing tools and templates with partners, Saint John Energy will be supporting other communities that may be looking to implement similar home retrofit programs in the future.
This project is funded through GMF's Community Efficiency Financing initiative, which leverages innovative financing models such as loan repayments on utility bills to transform how Canadians access and implement home energy upgrades that lower bills and improve home comfort. With over 40 programs already in action, which are enabling energy efficiency upgrades for thousands of Canadians, CEF proves that energy-efficient housing is within reach for all Canadians.
About the FCM's Green Municipal Fund
FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them build sustainable, resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,100 person-years of employment, enabled nearly 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.
About Saint John Energy
Saint John Energy, a trusted energy provider since 1922, delivers high-quality products and services to more than 36,000 homes and businesses in Saint John, New Brunswick. A top-rated utility renowned for innovation, reliability and top customer service, it is committed to being a national utility leader in the transition to net zero. For more information, visit www.sjenergy.ca.
Quotes
"Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadians—and a powerful opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable future by helping homeowners lower their energy bills, reduce pollution, and creating good, local jobs, we are unlocking the full potential of our communities to lead in enhancing Canada's energy security and sustainable economy."
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"Canada's transition to becoming an energy superpower requires innovative solutions that help Canadians reduce costs while improving their quality of life through energy savings. By investing in residential energy efficiency, we are building healthy, sustainable communities, all while lowering Canadians' energy bills."
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"Saint John Energy continues to punch above its weight, proving that a locally owned utility can be a national leader in innovation, sustainability and service. Its forward-thinking approach and exceptional customer focus are helping families lower costs while positioning our community at the forefront of Canada's clean energy transition. I'm proud to support programs like this, delivered through FCM and our government, that make life more affordable while tackling the climate crisis head-on."
The Honourable Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Kennebecasis and Secretary of State for CRA and Financial Institutions
"This investment helps Saint John families lower their energy bills while making energy efficiency more affordable. It also empowers homeowners to improve home comfort and curb emissions. Saint John Energy is proud to deliver a program that supports local jobs and strengthens our path to net zero, made possible through a shared vision and a strong partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the federal government."
Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO, Saint John Energy
"With climate change, affordability and energy self-sufficiency being some of Canada's biggest challenges, GMF, supported by the Government of Canada, is proud to partner with Saint John Energy to enable local residents to make home energy upgrades that will lower their utility bills while also advancing sustainability objectives."
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Green Municipal Fund
Saint John Energy
SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
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