Home Energy Loan Program accepting new applications starting May 1, 2024
The City of Saskatoon’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) will begin accepting new applications on May 1, 2024, at 6:00 pm, with room for 30-50 new applicants.
HELP provides low interest loans to single-family homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations that are repayable through their property taxes. Homeowners are eligible for loans between $1,000 - $60,000, with flexible repayment terms of 5, 10, or 20 years.
The loans are tied to the property, not the person. To be eligible, property owners need to have their property taxes in good standing, and no additional credit checks are needed.
HELP loans are specifically for home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofits, and renewable energy installations. Some of the eligible home upgrades include:
- Replacing windows, doors, or heating and cooling equipment with EnergyStar models
- Adding insulation to basements, attics, and walls
- Replacing toilets and faucets to low-flow options
- Installing solar panels
The program has been closed to new applicants since 2023 and is opening now as all waitlisted applications have been processed.
“This popular program has already seen 105 homes upgraded for better energy efficiency,” says Amber Weckworth, Manager of Climate, Strategy, and Data for the City of Saskatoon.
“We have calculated a reduction of 260 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year from renovations completed through the first batch of loans,” says Weckworth. “Reducing barriers for energy upgrades, lowering emissions, supporting local employment and businesses, and reducing utility costs are benefits that this program provides for the community that support broader goals set out by City Council.”
While only 30-50 spots will be available in 2024, new funding was approved by City Council in March 2024 to continue the program for an additional 1-3 years with 100-240 new spots expected to open over the funding period.
Visit saskatoon.ca/HELPHome for more information on the City’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP).