Federal funding will lower heating costs across Newfoundland and Labrador
ST. JOHN’S, NL, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ — The federal government is making it easier for low- to median-income households in Newfoundland and Labrador to make their homes more energy efficient, more comfortable, and more affordable all while reducing emissions.
Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, joined by the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced a new agreement under the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program that will deliver no-cost energy-saving home upgrades to households across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The federal government is investing $10.5 million, and the province’s electrical utilities–Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power–are contributing an additional $3.15 million. This funding will help more than 1,400 homeowners and renters access upgrades such as heat pumps and insulation improvements.
This program will be delivered through TakeCharge, a joint initiative between Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Eligible Canadians will receive free full-service home upgrades including an energy assessment, tailored recommendations, and coordinated installations.
This agreement follows last week’s announcement of the new National Heat Pump Rebate, launching in 2027. That program is complementary to the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program and is targeted to households that need to replace a heating system urgently or prefer a self-directed switch to a heat pump, with up to $10,000 in rebates available to eligible low- to median-income households and $2,000 to other eligible households. For a family in St. John’s heating with oil, making the switch can save around $2,600 a year. Switching from electric resistance to a heat pump can save an average of $1,700 a year. These are savings that come back year after year.
Together, these programs will lower energy bills for households in Newfoundland and Labrador, improve comfort at home, and bring down emissions from home heating.
Quotes
“Heating a home through a Newfoundland and Labrador winter is one of the biggest bills a family faces. With new federal funding, the households that need help the most could get a heat pump or better insulation installed at no-cost, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will see the difference on their power bill year after year.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“More than 1,400 homeowners and renters in Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to get energy-saving upgrades at no cost. For a senior on a fixed income or a young family renting their first place, that means a warmer house and a smaller heating bill. I’m glad we could partner with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power to get this done for people across our province.”
– The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“This partnership will play an important role in making energy efficiency upgrades more accessible to households across Newfoundland and Labrador. By working with the Government of Canada, we can help eligible customers make significant improvements that reduce energy use, support affordability, and make their homes more comfortable.”
– Jennifer Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
“Programs that help improve the energy efficiency of homes can make a meaningful difference for our customers. Newfoundland Power welcomes initiatives like the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program that help eligible households access energy-saving upgrades, lower their energy use, and improve comfort at home.”
– Gary Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland Power
Quick facts
- Eligible retrofits in Newfoundland and Labrador include air-source heat pumps, air sealing, insulation, energy kits, additional remediation measures, HVAC equipment, and panel upgrades as required. Eligible technologies may vary based on home energy assessments and electrical system requirements.
- Energy efficiency is Canada’s “first fuel”–a proven way to lower costs, strengthen economic resilience, and support long-term prosperity.
- Across Canada, over 96% of direct building emissions come from space and water heating. Replacing fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon options, like electric heat pumps, can make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and monthly heating costs.
- Over 300,000 new heat pumps have been installed nationally with federal support. This includes more than 83,000 across Atlantic Canada since 2020.
- TakeCharge–a joint initiative between Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro–combines the expertise and customer reach of Newfoundland and Labrador’s two electricity utilities to provide energy efficiency tips, programs, and rebates to residents of the province.
- “No-cost” means eligible households do not pay upfront for approved energy-efficiency upgrades provided through the program.
Related products
Associated links
- TakeCharge – Greener Homes Program
- Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program
- National Heat Pump Rebate
- Canada Greener Homes Initiative
- Canada Green Buildings Strategy
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s X page
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada’s Facebook page
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s LinkedIn page
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Instagram page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
