Canada announced a C$2 billion, eight-year program intended to support one million home-energy retrofits. The largest component is a heat-pump rebate designed to reach as many as 820,000 households.

Eligible households below median income could receive up to C$10,000 toward an approved cold-climate heat pump, while other eligible households could receive C$2,000. The federal government says the application system will not require pre- or post-installation energy audits.

Separate measures target 280,000 apartments and other multi-unit homes: mortgage-loan insurance is expected to support as many as 250,000 units, while the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s building initiative is intended to reach another 30,000.

The government estimates the combined measures could reduce emissions by more than 25 megatonnes and lower annual bills for some households. Those are program projections; realized savings will vary with buildings, climate, equipment and energy prices.