Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
Thank you for your interest in HELP!
PROGRAM UPDATE June 2024:
The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is currently accepting applications, applications will be reviewed based on funding availability and will be approved or waitlisted. To apply go to the Initial Online Application webform. You will need your property tax roll number in order to apply.
Check out our home energy renovation resources webpage for more information on energy efficient renovations and self serve tools.
The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) was developed to help Saskatoon homeowners improve energy efficiency, install renewable energy, or reduce water use by offering low interest loans to cover the costs of these upgrades. Loans between $1,000 and $60,000 are available to homeowners residing in the city of Saskatoon for eligible retrofits. These loans are offered at a low interest rate and are repaid through property taxes over 5, 10, or 20 year terms. HELP is not intended for smaller changes such as switching to LED lights, or installing a low-flow shower head. Instead, it is meant for larger home upgrades.
Why get a HELP loan?
A HELP loan provides a low-interest option to cover the upfront costs associated with renovating your home for energy efficiency or renewable energy. The loan balance can be repaid early at any time, without penalty.
A HELP loan is attached to the property, not the individual. This means if you move before your loan is paid off, the new owner of that home can continue to make the loan payments as they will receive the benefit from the upgrades.1
Investing in energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy in your home will save money in the long term by reducing your utility bills. Homes are also more comfortable and healthier due to less drafts and better air quality. Making these changes to your home is also part of the solution to slow down climate change by reducing household greenhouse gas emissions.
Am I eligible?
Owners of single-family residential homes including detached homes, semi-detached homes, and row housing, within Saskatoon City limits are eligible for HELP.
The home being renovated must:
- Not have any outstanding or delinquent taxes
- Be a single-family residential home
- Be located within the city of Saskatoon
- Be an existing home, new homes under construction are not eligible for the program
The applicant must:
- Be an individual
- Be the owner of the home where upgrades are being installed
- Be in “good standing” regarding City utility bills, taxes, and any other municipal charges
If you are already participating in a property tax deferral program with the City such as a lead line replacement loan, you are still eligible to apply for this program. Multi-unit commercial style condominium buildings are not eligible for this program.
What are the terms for a HELP loan?
The minimum loan to participate in the program is $1,000. The maximum loan amount for this program is $40,000, unless you can provide proof that your project will reduce your homes energy consumption by 50% or more, then you can receive a maximum loan of $60,000.
There is a $500 administration fee to participate in the program. If you can provide proof of low income, this administration fee can be waived.
Homeowners can choose the repayment term that best suits their needs options include:
| Term Length (years) | 2021 Interest Rate | 2022 Interest Rate | 2023 Interest Rate | 2024 Interest Rate |
| 5 | 1.45% | 1.68% | 4.32% | 3.63% |
| 10 | 2.31% | 2.23% | 4.2% | 3.94% |
| 20 | 3.14% | 2.72% | 4.86% | 4.42% |
Eligible projects
Eligible projects for this program are included in the table below. Any home upgrades outside of this list are ineligible for a HELP Loan.
| Project Category | Eligible Projects |
| Energy Efficiency |
|
| Renewable Energy |
|
| Water Conservation |
|
| Other |
|
*Cold climate air source heat pumps must be found on the NRcan's Eligible Cold Climate Heat Pump List
**Denotes products must be ENERGY STAR rated for locate climate region or Water Sense Certified
Eligible HELP Rebates
The following rebates are eligible for HELP for income qualified households and/or any homeowners approved to participate in HELP.
Income-qualified households are eligible for an expanded package of rebates up to $6,000 and all other participants are eligible for $4,000 in rebates.
| Rebate Category | Rebate Value |
|---|---|
| Income-qualified Rebates | |
| Programmable smart thermostat | $180 |
| Weather stripping | $200 |
| A low flow toilet | $200 per toilet |
| Low flow faucet aerators | $15 per faucet |
| Low flow showerheads | $25 per showerhead |
| Rainwater catchment (for outdoor landscaping purposes) | $100 |
| Window glazing and embedded markers for birds | $130 |
| Windows (maximum 10 per household) | $120 per window max. of $1,200/household |
| Exterior doors (maximum 2 per household) | $100 per door up to max. of $200/household |
| Furnace | $450 |
| Boiler | $450 |
| Standard Rebates (for anyone approved to participate in HELP) | |
| EnerGuide Home Assessment | $900 |
| Insulation (exterior wall, attic, and basement) | Wall $4,000; Attic $900; Basement $3,000 |
| Air sealing | $900 |
| Air source heat pump | $4,000 |
| Ground source heat pump | $4,000 |
| Rooftop Solar | $4,000 |
| EV charging station | $600 |
| Solar water heater | $1,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | $1,000 |
| ERV (energy recovery ventilator) | $1,500 |
| Drain water heat recovery system | $600 |
| Net Zero or Net Zero Ready home renovation rebate* | $10,000 |
A $10,000 rebate is available for homeowners who successfully renovate their homes to Net Zero. Participants can go through the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) Towards Cost-Effective Net-Zero Energy Ready Residential Renovations Project. Net Zero rebates are exempt from the maximum rebate cap.
How do I apply?
Before applying for the program, ensure that you and your project meet the eligibility criteria and read the HELP Program Guide.
The program process for HELP includes 6 steps. The roadmap below provides a summary of these steps.
Pre-vetted contractor list
Looking for a pre-vetted contractor to complete your project? The list below includes contractors who have met the City’s qualifications and registered for the contractor list. The City is not responsible for the quality of work performed by contractors on this list.
Choosing a contractor outside of this list or completing a project yourself are also allowed under the program. However, you will not be reimbursed for any labour costs on do-it-yourself projects
EnerGuide Home Energy Advisors
EnerGuide home energy efficiency evaluations for the program can be scheduled directly through one of the service organization's below. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has a complete list of service organizations that can help you plan energy-efficient renovations and other improvements to your home.
Click on the link below, and type "SK" in the "filter items" box to see all the companies that can do Audits in Saskatchewan:
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This project was carried out with assistance from the Green Municipal Fund, a Fund financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Notwithstanding this support, the views expressed are the personal views of the authors, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Canada accept no responsibility for them. © 2023, City of Saskatoon. All Rights Reserved. |