Retrofit Program
Ontario businesses can get up to 50% of eligible costs back for energy-saving improvements. This is a matching grant, but you must pay the full cost upfront and get approval before spending. Applications are open.
“Get up to 50% of eligible project costs covered”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
You must receive pre-project approval BEFORE you install any equipment or spend money; costs incurred before approval are typically not eligible.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You own or lease a commercial, industrial, or institutional building in Ontario.
- You are planning to install specific energy-saving equipment like HVAC improvements, solar PV, or variable-speed drives.
- You have the cash flow to pay the full project cost upfront before receiving reimbursement.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a residential homeowner or a small retail shop without eligible industrial or commercial infrastructure.
- You want to start construction or buy equipment before receiving written pre-project approval.
- You cannot afford to pay the full cost of the project upfront, since this program pays you back after the work is done.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
Up to 50% of eligible project costs; confirm any per-measure incentive cap with Save on Energy.
What may be supported
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- HVAC and chiller improvements
- Variable-speed drive installations
- Network lighting controls
- Computer room air conditioners
- Industrial EMIS
- Data centre equipment
- Manufacturing equipment
- Horticulture and agribusiness improvements
- Custom equipment retrofits
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must create a portal account, submit a pre-project application, wait for approval, complete the installation, and then submit post-project documentation to trigger payment.
- 01Sign up for a Retrofit portal account at the IESO website.
- 02Submit a pre-project application via the portal and wait for approval.
- 03Install the eligible energy-saving equipment only after receiving pre-project approval.
- 04Submit post-project information via the portal once installation is complete.
- 05Receive post-project approval and confirmation of the incentive amount.
- 06Receive the incentive payment after final approval.
Who to ask: Email: retrofit@ieso.ca; Tel: 1-844-303-5542 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Documents commonly required
- Proof of ownership or lease agreement with owner consent.
- Pre-project application details including equipment specifications.
- Post-project documentation proving installation and completion.
- Invoices or proof of payment for eligible costs (confirm specific document requirements on the official page).
What to know before you count on it
- You pay 100% of the cost first and wait for reimbursement after post-project approval.
- The program is budget-limited and first-come, first-served; if the funding pool is exhausted, you may have to wait for the next round.
- The reimbursed amount is generally considered taxable income; confirm with your accountant.
- If you are a lessee, you must have written consent from the building owner to participate.
What are your odds?
Approval is not guaranteed if the budget is committed; apply early and ensure your project meets the specific eligible equipment list to avoid rejection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay for the equipment before I get the money?
Yes. This is a reimbursement program. You pay the full cost upfront, complete the installation, and then receive the incentive payment after post-project approval.
Can I apply if I rent my commercial space?
Yes, if you are a lessee, but you must have the building owner's consent or authorization to participate in the program.
Is the reimbursement taxable?
Generally, grant reimbursements are considered taxable income. You should ask your accountant how this affects your tax filing.
What happens if I start the project before getting approval?
Costs incurred before receiving pre-project approval are typically not eligible for reimbursement. You must wait for approval before spending.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check if this incentive can be combined with federal or other provincial energy grants; confirm on the official page.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.