Save on Energy’s Retrofit program is an initiative designed to help Ontario businesses save energy, reduce costs, and increase productivity. The program is available to commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-residential, and agricultural businesses, including greenhouse growers. By offering financial incentives for equipment upgrades that reduce facility electricity consumption, the program aims to encourage businesses to invest in up-to-date, efficient equipment and technology.
Why Participate?
One of the key benefits of participating in the Save on Energy Retrofit program is reduced electricity costs. By upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, businesses can save money on their monthly electricity bills. There are also immediate operational and maintenance savings to be realized. By investing in new equipment, businesses can reduce the frequency of breakdowns and repairs, which can be costly and disruptive. Being more energy efficient can also make businesses more competitive.
The Save on Energy Retrofit program sets fixed incentives for a published list of prescriptive measures, which currently covers agricultural grow lights and controls, network lighting controls, HVAC controls, pumps, motors, variable frequency drives, and manufacturing equipment. These measures are designed to help businesses identify areas where they can improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Eligible Measures
Some types of measures that are available and relevant to Ontario Growers are:
- Grow lights
- Greenhouse and networked lighting controls
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for pumps, fans and motors
- Chillers
- Booster pumps
- Dual ventilation systems
- Exhaust fans
- And More!
In addition to the prescriptive measures, the program runs a Custom stream for larger or more complex retrofits that may not fit the prescriptive list. Incentives there are calculated from verified electricity reductions under the project’s own operating conditions rather than from a fixed rate. Program terms are updated periodically, so check Save on Energy’s news and updates to stay current.
Qualification / Application Criteria
To participate in the Save on Energy Retrofit program, apply on the Retrofit portal before you enter a binding commitment, which means before a purchase order is issued, a contract is signed, or equipment is ordered. Save on Energy may also ask for photographs of the existing equipment before it is removed, so take them before the work begins. Incentive caps, minimum amounts and verification thresholds are set by Save on Energy and they change from time to time, so check the current program requirements linked from the Retrofit Program page before you budget a project.
Save on Energy Retrofit program provides a range of services to help businesses apply for and implement energy-saving measures. For example, a Save on Energy representative can act as your applicant representative and offer opportunity identification both in-person and virtually. Representatives can also offer support for addressing technical review requirements and requests for information. Retrofit program resources are available on the Save on Energy website, including application tips, best practice documents, pre- and post-project checklists, how-to guides, and incentive invoice guides.
To apply for the program, businesses must submit an application online through the Retrofit portal. The application must include a quote/detailed project cost breakdown and product specification sheets. In addition, applications must be submitted before entering a contract, and a Disposal Confirmation Form is required with post-project submissions to verify proper disposal or decommissioning.
In conclusion, Save on Energy Retrofit program is an excellent opportunity for Ontario greenhouse growers to save money, increase productivity, and reduce their environmental impact. By investing in energy-efficient equipment and technology, businesses can reduce their electricity costs, improve employee comfort and productivity, and keep pace with changing marketplace needs. The program offers a range of financial incentives, services, and resources to help businesses identify and implement energy-saving measures. By participating in the program, greenhouse growers can position themselves for long-term success, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
For more information about the program, please visit SaveonEnergy.ca/Retrofit.
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