New Home Construction Incentives

Planning to build that dream home? We can help. We want to help make your new home more energy efficient and comfortable. 

Think energy efficiency when you build. Your new home will cost less to operate, be more comfortable and help reduce your environmental impact. Having a comprehensive plans evaluation done before you build gives you the information necessary to create a road map to an energy efficient home. This allows you to use the most cost effective options to reduce your energy consumption and minimize construction costs.

Step One - Plan your design

Contact one of our energy partners.  You can book this directly with them. There is no need to contact efficiencyPEI at this step. The energy partner will arrange for a certified energy advisor to evaluate your building plans before you build. 

efficiencyPEI automatically subsidizes more than 80% of the cost of this plans evaluation and follow-up assessment, so it only costs you $99 + HST.

Remember: to be eligible for the New Home Construction Program your plans evaluation must be submitted before or within 30 days of receiving your building permit. You must have your plans evaluated before the footings are poured. If your building permit is over 30 days but construction has not yet started, the energy partner will arrange a site inspection to verify this with efficiencyPEI.

Step 2 - Build with energy efficiency in mind

Use the energy advisor’s customized recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of your design.

Work with your builder to implement the efficiency recommendations when you build your new home.

Step 3 - Get your rebate

Have your certified energy advisor conduct a follow up assessment on your new home within 12 months.

Your home will be assigned an EnerGuide rating that tells you (and future buyers) that your home is comfortable, efficient and saves money. Depending on the efficiency of your new home, you could receive up to $5,000 in rebates.

You will be eligible for two tiers of rebates depending on the efficiency standard you achieve.  You may pursue certification through ENERGY STAR® or R2000, or alternatively, have your home rated through the EnerGuide Rating System.

• For ENERGY STAR® for New Homes or EnerGuide rating of 20% better than code, you'll receive a rebate of $2000
• For R2000 or EnerGuide rating of 50% better than code*, you'll receive a rebate of $5000.

Either the homeowner or builder may register the home. The rebate will go to the homeowner, unless the homeowner requests that the builder be paid directly.

*References to the building code are based on the Government of Canada's 2015 National Building Code.

What is the ENERGY STAR for New Homes standard?

Each ENERGY STAR certified home will have some common features, as well as features that may differ.

Common features:
ENERGY STAR certified homes have common features, such as energy-efficient windows, an HRV to recapture lost heat and provide outdoor air, and 400 kwh/year of electrical savings which are typically obtained through ENERGY STAR certified lighting or appliances. In addition, ENERGY STAR certified homes must meet certain thresholds for airtightness.

Flexible features:
ENERGY STAR certified homes also have a number of elements that will differ from home to home, such as level of insulation, efficiency of the water heater, and extent of air tightness. The upgrades chosen for each home will depend on the builder’s design and construction choices. This means that to some extent, each home is unique in how it was constructed, and in the energy efficiency elements used by the builder to meet the ENERGY STAR Standard

What is the R2000 standard?

R-2000 is simply a better home. R-2000-certified new homes are best-in-class energy-efficient homes that include high levels of insulation, clean air features and measures to help protect the environment. This translates into energy savings, increased comfort, and a healthier environment for the homeowner.

Every R-2000 home is built to the stringent R-2000 Standard developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in coordination with key industry stakeholders.

Contact:

If you need information on this program or any other energy efficiency help, get in touch. Visit us at efficiencyPEI at 69 Belvedere Avenue in Charlottetown or at Access PEI in Summerside. Program information is also available at any Access PEI location.

efficiencyPEI

69 Belvedere Ave., Charlottetown, Suite 1-B01

PO Box 2000, PE C1A 7N8

1-877-734-6336

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