Energize Bridgewater to launch Home Upgrades program

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MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
November 30, 2022

 

Energize Bridgewater to launch Home Upgrades program on December 1, 2022

 

BRIDGEWATER, NS – After months of public consultation and planning with partner organizations, Energize Bridgewater is excited to officially launch its much-anticipated Home Upgrades program on December 1, 2022.

As winter settles on Nova Scotia once again, a safe and stable home is one that residents can afford to heat. Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades stacks federal and provincial incentives, along with low-interest financing, to make it easier for homeowners and landlords to afford energy efficient improvements. Eligible upgrades may include heat pumps, insulation, draft proofing, and other energy saving technologies.

“We’ve designed Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades to make a real difference in monthly bills,” said Jessica McDonald, Project Director for Energize Bridgewater. “We’re aiming to cut energy costs for participants in half. The results will vary a bit home to home, but that’s the level of impact our program can make.”

“This program is empowering homeowners to take a step towards better energy efficiency and will help them save money on energy costs,” said Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.”

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) notes that the importance of housing extends beyond simply having a roof overhead – that housing “has a profound impact on our overall well-being. Having a safe and stable place to call home is essential to leading a productive and successful life.” 

Energize Bridgewater’s bold plan to reduce household energy costs for those who are struggling to make ends meet has garnered national support. In 2019 the Town of Bridgewater was the recipient of $5 million through Infrastructure Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge to develop the Energize Bridgewater program.

Efficiency Nova Scotia is a key partner in Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades delivery. As a trusted organization working across the province to help reduce energy consumption, its energy specialists are well-positioned to support participants through the home energy upgrade process.

“This program will directly address energy poverty and have an immediate impact on residents,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO, EfficiencyOne, the non-profit administrator of Efficiency Nova Scotia. “Efficiency Nova Scotia is proud to partner with the Town of Bridgewater to deliver a program that will empower Nova Scotians to reduce their electricity use and save money at a time when it’s very much needed.”

How will the Home Upgrades Program work?

  • A Navigator will support participants at every step, helping them find best-fit funding, financing, and figuring out which improvements will best reduce home heating bills

  • The Program will stream participants to the right incentive, rebate, and financing options depending on the household’s needs, considering income and life situation

  • The process will begin and end with a home energy assessment to measure before-and-after results, with the post-upgrade assessment confirming projected cost savings

  • Program administrators will schedule Home Energy Advisors and contractors for home energy assessments and upgrades—participants don’t need to worry about finding their own contractors to carry out the home energy upgrades

 

Who is eligible for the Home Upgrades Program?

  • Homeowners within the Town of Bridgewater struggling to afford their energy bills who are income-qualified are eligible for the Home Upgrades. This includes homeowners who live in single family homes, semi-detached homes, or mobile homes.

  • The program does not extend to renters yet, but owners of multi-unit buildings will be eligible in the future to help reduce energy costs for tenants.

 

How can Bridgewater homeowners start the process?

Starting December 1, 2022, eligible homeowners can contact Energize Bridgewater in one of four ways:

 

About Energize Bridgewater

Energize Bridgewater is a project of the Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, stemming directly from the community’s nationally recognized and award-winning 2019 Smart Cities Challenge project pitch. To learn more about Energize Bridgewater, visit www.energizebridgewater.ca.

Media Contact

Meghan Doucette, Energize Bridgewater Planner I
Town of Bridgewater
(902) 530-3621
meghan.doucette@bridgewater.ca

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