How Save on Energy helps Ontario homeowners save money

Find out how Ontario homeowners can cut energy costs with Save on Energy rebates, efficiency upgrades, and Jotson tracking for smarter energy management.

If you live in Ontario and want to lower your electricity bills, Save on Energy is a program you should know about. Run by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), it offers rebates, incentives, and free energy-saving upgrades to help homeowners improve energy efficiency. By pairing these programs with Jotson, you can maximize savings and make smarter energy decisions. Here’s how it works and how to take advantage of it.

What is Save on Energy?

Save on Energy is a government-backed initiative that helps Ontario residents and businesses improve energy efficiency. It provides rebates for home upgrades, discounts on energy-efficient appliances, and programs to help lower electricity use.

How to get started

Check Available Programs – Visit saveonenergy.ca to see what rebates and incentives apply to you.
Apply for Rebates – Some programs require an application, while others, like instant discounts, are automatically applied at participating retailers.
Book an Energy Assessment – If a program requires an assessment (like home renovation rebates), schedule one with an approved energy advisor.
Complete Upgrades – Install eligible energy-efficient products and submit proof of purchase if needed.
Receive Your Incentive – Rebates and discounts are typically processed after upgrades are complete.

Programs for homeowners

Program overview

Save on Energy offers several key programs:

Home Efficiency Rebate Plus – Rebates for insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, and other home upgrades. Available to all Ontario homeowners, regardless of heating source.
Energy Affordability Program – Free energy-saving upgrades for lower-income households, including LED bulbs, weatherstripping, and energy-efficient appliances.
Peak Perks Program – Get a $75 gift card for allowing minor temperature adjustments to your smart thermostat during high-demand periods.
CoolSaver Program – Free air conditioner tune-ups and discounts on high-efficiency cooling systems.

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus is one of the most used programs since it offers significant savings on home upgrades. The Energy Affordability Program is also popular among eligible households because it provides free energy-efficient products that lower electricity bills.

Eligibility requirements

Not all programs are open to everyone, so it’s important to check eligibility before applying:

Home Efficiency Rebate Plus – Open to all Ontario homeowners. You may need an energy assessment before upgrades.
Energy Affordability Program – Income-based. Homeowners and tenants with lower household incomes may qualify for free upgrades.
Peak Perks Program – Available to homeowners with eligible smart thermostats.
CoolSaver Program – Homeowners with central air conditioning can qualify for free tune-ups.

Check the official Save on Energy website for the most up-to-date details.

Time-sensitive offers

Some rebates have deadlines or limited funding, and programs may change year-by-year. If you’re considering home upgrades, apply as soon as possible so you don’t miss out.

Stacking rebates for maximum savings

Save on Energy rebates can often be combined with other incentives. This includes the Canada Greener Homes Grant (currently closed to new applicants) and Enbridge Gas Rebates. Taking advantage of multiple programs can significantly reduce the upfront cost of home improvements.

Approved contractors & suppliers

Some rebates require you to work with pre-approved contractors or buy eligible products. Check Save on Energy’s list of participating suppliers to ensure you qualify for the rebate before you begin home improvements.

How much can you actually save?

While actual savings depend on your home’s size and energy usage, here are some estimates based on the latest information from Natural Resources Canada and Save on Energy:

Attic Insulation: Properly insulating your attic can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Basement Insulation: Insulating basement walls can save approximately 15% on heating bills.
Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps: These systems can reduce heating costs by up to 50% when replacing electric baseboard heating.
Ground Source Heat Pumps: Homeowners may save anywhere from 20–60% annually on utilities by switching from an ordinary system to a ground-source system.
Draft Proofing: Sealing drafts can reduce heating costs by 20–30%.

By implementing these upgrades, homeowners in Ontario can achieve significant energy savings, leading to lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.

How does Jotson help?

By integrating Jotson’s analytical capabilities with Save on Energy’s programs, Ontario homeowners can effectively identify and implement energy-saving measures.

See historical energy usage – Jotson pulls in your utility bills for easy analysis, giving you more visibility over your energy consumption and costs.
Spot high usage and/or high-cost months – Sudden spikes in energy use or cost might indicate inefficiencies. Jotson makes it easy to spot anomalies and you can use this data to inform decisions like investing in a heat pump, replacing appliances with more energy-efficient models, or redoing your home’s insulation.
Measure the impact – After making improvements, use Jotson to see the impact on your energy bills. Whether it’s lower heating costs from a new heat pump or reduced power use thanks to LED lighting, you’ll have the data to back up your investment. You’ll be able to track efficiencies via lower usage and costs over time in the Jotson app.

By combining Jotson’s energy tracking with Save on Energy’s rebates, you can make smart upgrades that lower your bills and reduce your emissions. Download the app for free today.