News and updates
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Save on Energy wins 2024 ENERGY STAR® award for Energy Efficiency Program Administrator of the Year!
Save on Energy has won the 2024 ENERGY STAR® award for Energy Efficiency Program Administrator of the Year presented by Natural Resources Canada for its programs and incentives that help individuals and businesses use energy more wisely and achieve greater energy efficiency. This is the IESO’s third ENERGY STAR® award, following its Special Recognition ENERGY STAR® Canada Award in 2023 and the ENERGY STAR® Canada Recruit of the Year Award in 2016.
More information about ENERGY STAR® Canada and the 2024 awards can be found here:
ENERGY STAR® Canada Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency - Canada.ca.
Incentives for Distributed Energy Resources in Ottawa
The Save on Energy Retrofit program is now offering an incentive for the installation of large solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for businesses in Ottawa. This incentive is intended for commercial, industrial and institutional participants who are interested in behind-the-meter solar installations to displace their load and reduce their demand on the grid. More information is available here.
The Save on Energy Instant Discounts program is now available!
Eligible businesses across Ontario can now receive upfront discounts from participating distributors on a variety of energy-efficient lighting products that will help to lower their business’s energy consumption, improve their bottom line and transform their space through the new Save on Energy Instant Discounts program. Effective December 18, 2023, most lighting measures previously available as part of the Retrofit program are now being offered through the Instant Discounts program. Incentives for horticultural lighting, and lighting controls are still available in the Retrofit program through the prescriptive stream.
Retrofit program applications for lighting measures that have transitioned to the Instant Discounts program that have been pre-approved or submitted for pre-approval prior to or on December 17, 2023, will continue to be eligible to receive the Retrofit program incentive after Retrofit program requirements are met. However, to avoid duplication of incentives paid, Save on Energy requires the participant not to accept the Instant Discounts program incentive from participating distributors when purchasing lighting measures.
For more information, please visit the Instant Discounts program web page or the frequently asked questions page.
2022 Energy Efficiency Report Released
Save on Energy programs have exceeded energy savings targets at the mid-point of the IESO’s 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework. Over 2021 and 2022, programs resulted in 1,124 GWh of actual and committed net energy savings (8 per cent above target); and 173 MW of net peak demand savings (10 per cent above target).
Thanks to program participants taking part in 41,825 business and residential projects, 7,410 tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions were avoided, which is equivalent to removing 1,610 gas-powered cars from the road.
Evaluation reports tell the story of CDM effectiveness
Evaluation reports for conservation and demand management (CDM) programs that were in market during 2022 have now been published to the IESO website. Also available are Key Findings and Recommendations Reports for each program. These documents provide verified energy and demand savings as well as identify opportunities for improvement for the Save on Energy programs evaluated.
The 2021-2024 CDM Framework achieved 367.7 GWh of net verified energy savings and 48.5 MW of net verified peak demand savings during its first two years (PY2021-2022) of implementation that persist to 2026. The Interim Framework, which was launched on April 1, 2019 and concluded on December 31, 2020, continues to deliver cost-effective energy and demand savings. To date, the Interim Framework has produced savings of 1.0 TWh and 151.1 MW persisting to 2022.
Evaluation processes provide confidence that energy efficiency is a reliable resource for system planning that persists on average for more than 10 years. At less than three cents per kilowatt-hour, energy efficiency is one of Ontario’s most cost-effective and enduring energy resources.
Questions can be directed to evaluations@ieso.ca.
Retrofit regional adders extended and new areas introduced
The IESO has extended to December 31, 2024, the Retrofit regional adders that were previously introduced in some areas of the province where electricity constraints exist; this is to enable more customers to take advantage of the offer. In addition, new areas are being introduced where the adder is now available.
Offered under the Local Initiatives Program, the purpose of these adders is to encourage further uptake in the Retrofit program to assist in reducing demand for the transmission assets in these constrained areas. The target areas were selected in consultation with the IESO’s system planners and include regions that have been identified as electricity-constrained through the regional planning process.
For more information, please see the Local Initiatives Program webpage.
Retrofit Program Updates
Changes to Retrofit program – increases to non-lighting incentives this fall plus Instant Discounts program for lighting launching in December
The Save on Energy Retrofit program’s non-lighting prescriptive incentives have increased for most measures. The new incentive amounts will come into effect on October 30, 2023. These incentive increases are being introduced in response to recent measure price increases and feedback received from program participants and Save on Energy Retrofit program delivery partners. Please visit the Retrofit program website for the updated list of measures and incentives.
As communicated earlier this year, the IESO will introduce the new Save on Energy Instant Discounts program on December 18, 2023. Incentives in this program will be paid directly to distributors, enabling them to offer instant point-of-sale discounts to their customers on energy-efficient lighting. There is no paperwork to apply for the program on the part of contractors, consultants, or end users. This will eliminate wait times and application processing, resulting in a streamlined customer experience. When this program is launched, most lighting measures will no longer be available in the Retrofit program. The last day to apply for most lighting projects in the Retrofit program will be December 17, 2023.
Important dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
|
October 30, 2023 |
Most non-lighting prescriptive incentives increase. |
|
December 17, 2023 |
Retrofit program incentives for lighting ends. This is the last day to submit Retrofit program lighting applications for pre-approval.* |
|
December 18, 2023 |
Instant Discounts program launches. |
* Retrofit applications for lighting measures that have been pre-approved or submitted for pre-approval prior to or on December 17, 2023, will continue to be eligible to receive the Retrofit program incentive after program requirements are met. However, to avoid disqualification for the Retrofit program incentive, Retrofit program participants are advised to speak with their distributor and to not accept the Save on Energy Instant Discounts program incentive if it is available when purchasing lighting measures.
For more information, including a list of updated measures and incentives, and FAQs, please visit the Retrofit program website: Application documents for the Retrofit program..
Save on Energy wins 2023 Special Recognition ENERGY STAR® Canada Award
The IESO’s Save on Energy brand has won the 2023 Special Recognition ENERGY STAR® Canada Award presented by Natural Resources Canada for its programs and incentives that help individuals and businesses use energy more wisely and achieve greater energy efficiency. This follows on the IESO’s first ENERGY STAR® Canada Award for Recruit of the Year award in 2016.
More information about ENERGY STAR® Canada and the 2023 awards can be found here:
ENERGY STAR® Canada Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency - Canada.ca.
Regional Greenhouse Offering
The Retrofit program is offering an incentive for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) for greenhouses in the Southwest region of the province. This initiative is part of the Retrofit for Greenhouses stream of the program, with a focus on the Southwest region. Incentives are available for photovoltaic (PV) panels in combination with battery storage. More information is available Agriculture incentives with the Retrofit program | Save on Energy
Energy Performance Program updates
As the Energy Performance Program (EPP) continues to grow and evolve, Save on Energy will be transitioning to a new program vendor effective June 30, 2023. Participants will continue to receive the same high level of service they expect from Save on Energy. Please contact us at EnergyPerformanceProgram@ieso.ca if you have any questions about the transition.
Updated Prescriptive Measures and Assumptions List Available
The IESO’s Prescriptive Measures and Assumptions List (MAL) has been updated to reflect market research, market feedback and the verified results from evaluation, measurement and verification in 2022.
Key updates include:
- The addition of new measures related to large motors, refrigeration and lighting controls
- Updated lighting baselines and energy-efficient measure assumptions
- The removal of the incremental cost column for residential measures to minimize confusion and avoid inconsistencies with other incremental cost values included in the MAL.
The assumptions will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis as new information becomes available. Please send questions or requests relating to the MAL to evaluations@ieso.ca.
Join us for a webinar on the Retrofit program spring updates
Further to the Retrofit program changes announced on April 17, the IESO will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, May 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon to discuss the updates coming to the Retrofit program this spring.
Get more informed about the latest Retrofit program news, including the re-introduction of custom project applications, the new prescriptive measure offering and more. There will be lots of opportunity to get your questions answered.
Retrofit Program Updates
Changes to the Save on Energy Retrofit program will come into effect on May 17, 2023. These program revisions have been made based on feedback received from program participants and Save on Energy Retrofit program delivery partners.
Changes include:
- A new custom stream for the Retrofit program is being introduced with an increased incentive rate of $1,200/kW or $0.13/kWh, whichever is greater. The incentive rate will be the same for both lighting and non-lighting projects.
- The basis for the incentive calculation for networked lighting controls is changing from square feet of space controlled to kilowatt-hours saved. The new incentive rate is $0.35/kWh.
- The incentive cap limit of $1 million per application is being removed for the program. Incentives will continue to be capped at 50 percent of project costs.
- A new program stream, Retrofit for Greenhouses, is being introduced. In this stream, participants will find common measures used by this sector, as well as a new incentive for advanced lighting controls for greenhouses.
In addition, as previously contemplated, the IESO plans to introduce a new midstream lighting incentive program in Q4 2023. When this program is launched, most lighting measures, including under both custom and prescriptive streams, will be removed from the Retrofit program. So please note that incentives for custom lighting projects will only be available in the Retrofit program for a limited time.
Summary of Changes
| Change | Update | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
|
A new custom stream is being introduced |
A new, increased incentive rate of $1,200/kW or $0.13/kWh, whichever is greater, will be available. The incentive rate will be the same for both lighting and non-lighting projects. Incentives will continue to be capped at 50% of project costs. The threshold for required measurement and verification (M&V) will be an incentive of $80,000. |
Based on feedback from the market, the ability to contribute to emerging grid needs, and the desire to simplify the M&V process |
|
The incentive calculation for networked lighting controls is changing |
The incentive is changing from $0.15/sq. feet to $0.35/kWh |
To enable the program to capture the savings provided by this measure more accurately |
|
The incentive cap limit of |
Incentives will continue to be capped at 50% of project costs |
To enable large projects that can deliver significant savings to be incented through the program |
|
A measure for advanced lighting controls for greenhouses is being introduced |
This will be a new, multi-input measure, offered at $0.35/kWh |
To capture this measure’s savings opportunities |
More details on these changes are available here.
Changes to the Retrofit program in May 2023 are part of a series of planned, semi-annual updates that will be made to the program throughout the 2021-2024 period. The next program update is expected to be made in Fall 2023. A 30-day market notice period is provided for each semi-annual program update.
Retrofit regional adders being introduced
As part of the Local Initiatives Program, the IESO is introducing Retrofit regional adders in some areas of the province where electricity constraints exist.
The purpose of these adders is to encourage further uptake in the Retrofit program to assist in reducing demand for the transmission assets in these constrained areas. The target areas were selected in consultation with the IESO’s system planners and include regions that have been identified as electricity-constrained through the regional planning process.
For more information, please see the Local Initiatives Program webpage.
The IESO is preparing for Ontario's future electricity system with the release of three reports: Pathways to Decarbonization, the 2022 Annual Planning Outlook and
the 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework Mid-Term Review
Ontario is in a strong position to decarbonize its rapidly growing electricity grid, starting with a moratorium on new natural gas generation in 2027, provided new storage, nuclear, renewables and expanded conservation efforts are ready when needed. This conclusion comes from a new report by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), one of three reports that focus on the transformation of Ontario’s electricity system.
The simultaneous release of the IESO’s Pathways to Decarbonization, 2022 Annual Planning Outlook and Conservation and Demand Management Framework Mid-Term Review highlights the progress being made to prepare Ontario’s electricity system for the future, as well as the work needed to address the challenges ahead.
Preparing for our Future
The Pathways to Decarbonization report finds that Ontario can begin moving toward a decarbonized grid starting with a moratorium on new gas generation in 2027, as long as sufficient non-emitting supply is in place to meet growing electricity demand. By 2035, the system could be less reliant on the natural gas fleet, lowering emissions by 60 per cent below the IESO’s original forecasts.
The report also finds that attaining a decarbonized electricity sector by 2050, alongside aggressive electrification targets, would require a system more than double the size it is today at an estimated cost of around $400 billion. These costs could be offset by lower overall energy costs as consumers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and through energy efficiency.
The IESO has identified a number of “no-regret” actions that could be taken as the province moves towards decarbonization. These actions include: accelerating efforts to acquire non-emitting supply; expanding energy-efficiency programming; beginning planning and siting work for nuclear, storage, hydro and transmission projects that require long lead times to develop; galvanizing collaboration amongst stakeholders; and, continuing support for low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen.
The two other IESO reports released today demonstrate the work already underway to prepare Ontario’s electricity system for the future.
The 2022 Annual Planning Outlook forecasts electricity demand will increase almost two percent annually over the next two decades, driven by economic growth and electrification. The report reaffirms the IESO’s efforts to secure new supply and helps sets the stage for additional procurements that could integrate more non-emitting supply into the grid.
The 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework Mid-Term Review presents a plan for future energy and demand savings, including new programming, to help meet emerging system needs in 2025 and beyond. Energy-efficiency initiatives offer Ontarians value as a clean, reliable, flexible and cost-effective resource that ensures reliability on the grid and addresses customer needs.
Together, these three reports build on the IESO’s ongoing efforts to make the plans and investments today that will help prepare for Ontario’s electricity system of the future.
Extension of Interim Framework Retrofit Project Completion Deadline
The IESO is offering an extension to the current December 31, 2022, timeline for the completion of certain Retrofit projects to June 30, 2023. To be eligible for this extension, program participants will need to provide confirmation to their Save on Energy representative that material progress has been made in initiating and completing their project (e.g., a purchase order has been issued for equipment).
The deadline to request this extension and provide the required confirmation is December 31, 2022. This is expected to be the final extension to be made available to complete these projects.
Program participants who are approved for the extension will be required to sign an amending agreement granting them the six-month extension. The amending agreement will be sent to eligible participants by Save on Energy representatives by email, outside of the Retrofit portal.
In addition, the IESO will implement a post-project application submission deadline of September 30, 2023, for these projects. This means that once the Retrofit project is completed by June 30, 2023, program participants will have until September 30, 2023, to submit their post-project application to be eligible for an incentive.
This applies to Retrofit projects that were pre-approved by the IESO between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. It also applies to Retrofit projects that were submitted for pre-approval by December 4, 2020, and that were subsequently pre-approved in 2021.
Energy-efficiency programs play a key role in meeting reliability needs by lowering overall electricity system demand. In addition, they are an important contributor to the economy in Ontario and help program participants manage their energy costs. This extension is intended to offset the disruptions that continue to be caused by supply chain issues and other lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as provide stability for participants and those businesses involved in delivering conservation and demand management programs.
More detailed information will be provided to affected Retrofit program participants by their Save on Energy representatives. Questions can be directed to retrofit@ieso.ca.
Extension of Interim Framework Process and Systems Upgrade In-service Date Deadline
The IESO is extending the December 31, 2022, in-service date requirement for Interim Framework Save on Energy Process and System Upgrade (PSU) Program projects to June 30, 2023. This applies to PSU projects that were pre-approved by the IESO between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020.
Energy-efficiency programs play a key role in meeting reliability needs by lowering overall electricity system demand. In addition, they are an important contributor to the economy in Ontario and help program participants manage their energy costs. The IESO recognizes that COVID-19 has continued to cause disruptions in supply chains and labour shortages, resulting in delays to anticipated completion dates of certain energy-efficiency projects.
More detailed information will be provided to affected PSU program participants by their IESO Business Advisor. If you are not contacted and think you are eligible for this extension, please contact your IESO Business Advisor.
Evaluation reports tell the story of CDM effectiveness
Evaluation reports for conservation and demand management (CDM) programs that were in market during 2021 have now been published to the IESO website. Also available are Key Findings and Recommendations Reports for each program. These documents provide verified energy and demand savings as well as identify opportunities for improvement for the Save on Energy programs evaluated.
The 2021-2024 CDM Framework launched on January 1, 2021, achieved 82.3 GWh of net verified energy savings and 15.7 MW of net verified peak demand savings during its first year of implementation while the Interim Framework, which was launched on April 1, 2019 and concluded on December 31, 2020, continues to deliver cost-effective energy and demand savings. To date, the Interim Framework has produced savings of 720 GWh and 121 MW persisting to 2022.
Evaluation processes provide confidence that energy efficiency is a reliable resource for system planning that persists on average for more than 10 years. At less than three cents per kilowatt-hour, energy efficiency is one of Ontario’s most cost-effective and enduring energy resources.
Questions can be directed to evaluations@ieso.ca.
Ministerial directive to expand 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework
The IESO has received a ministerial directive in connection with the 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Framework to enable additional CDM programming through a $342 million increase to the budget, from $692 million to a total of just over $1 billion. This new funding and programming will deliver additional peak electricity demand savings of 285 megawatts (MW) and annual energy savings of 1.1 terawatt (TWh) by 2025; the four-year framework is expected to achieve a total of 725 MW of peak demand savings and 3.8 TWh of electricity savings.
The IESO projected in its 2021 Annual Planning Outlook that there would be a need for additional electricity capacity beginning in 2025, and the 2022 Annual Acquisition Report identified necessary actions to ensure system reliability, including new energy-efficiency programs. The government accepted the IESO’s recommendation to roll out new and expanded energy-efficiency programs, which are among the lowest-cost ways of meeting system needs. These programs are expected to be available to eligible electricity consumers beginning in spring 2023.
Read more about the enhanced 2021-2024 CDM Framework.
Retrofit Program Updates
Changes to the Save on Energy Retrofit program will come into effect on October 12, 2022.
Changes include:
- new prescriptive measures that were proposed through the new measure submission process will be added to the prescriptive measures list
- incentive levels for select lighting products will be adjusted to reflect their saving opportunity
- new, higher tiers for motors and variable frequency drives will be added
- the eligibility criteria for demand controlled ventilation – interior conditioned spaces and for unitary AC equipment will be adjusted.
These program revisions have been made based on feedback received from program participants and Save on Energy Retrofit program delivery partners.
Summary of Changes
| Measure | Update | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated display cabinet doors | Added as a new prescriptive measure | Based on feedback from the market and the product’s ability to reduce summer peak demand |
| Refrigeration rack efficiency discus or scroll compressor | Added as a new prescriptive measure | Based on feedback from the market and the product’s ability to reduce summer peak demand |
| Integral LED troffer | Incentives reduced | To align incentives more closely with energy and demand savings achieved |
| LED linear ambient fixture | Incentives reduced | To align incentives more closely with energy and demand savings achieved |
| Motors | Incentives available for new higher tiers (250 and 300 HP) | Based on feedback from the market |
| Variable frequency drives | Incentives available for new higher tiers (250 and 300 HP) | Based on feedback from the market |
| Demand controlled ventilation – interior conditioned spaces | Updated eligibility criteria | Based on feedback from the market to clarify the eligibility for this measure |
| Unitary air conditioning equipment | Updated eligibility criteria | Based on feedback from the market to clarify the eligibility for this measure |
More details on these changes are available here.
Changes to the Retrofit program in October 2022 are part of a series of planned, semi-annual updates that will be made to the program throughout the 2021-2024 period. The next program update is expected to be made in April 2023. A 30-day market notice period is provided for each semi-annual program update.
As a reminder, stakeholders may submit new energy-efficient measures for consideration to be included in future updates to the program.
Extension of Interim Framework Retrofit Project Completion Deadline
The IESO is extending the July 31, 2022, timeline for the completion of Interim Framework Save on Energy Retrofit Program projects to December 31, 2022. This applies to Retrofit projects that were pre-approved by the IESO between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, as well as projects that were submitted for pre-approval by December 4, 2020, and that were subsequently pre-approved in 2021.
Energy-efficiency programs play a key role in meeting reliability needs by lowering overall electricity system demand. In addition, they are an important contributor to the economy in Ontario and help program participants manage their energy costs. The IESO recognizes that COVID-19 has continued to cause disruptions in supply chains and labour shortages, resulting in delays to anticipated completion dates of certain energy-efficiency projects.
More detailed information will be provided to affected Retrofit program participants.
Join us for easy-to-follow best practices in our Retrofit webinar series!
Are you a Save on Energy Retrofit Program applicant representative, or a frequent user of the Retrofit program? Do you need to spend less time on the incentive process and more time on projects? Join us for two free webinars that will help you plan your application to avoid delays, submit your documents through the Retrofit portal pain-free, use expert tips and tricks to resolve issues like password resets, and avoid incentive delays.
The first webinar (Tuesday, June 14th, 11 a.m. ET), Submitting a Retrofit pre-project application: Tips, tools, and best practices for a smooth application and review process, will focus on the application process.
The second webinar (Thursday, June 23rd, 11 a.m. ET), Preparing your Retrofit post-project submission: Tips, tools and best practices to efficiently receive your incentive, will focus on what to do after you’ve completed your project, to collect your incentive cheque.
Click here to register for the first webinar in this series, and here for the second. Dates are subject to change; registrants will be notified in advance of any changes. (If the registration links do not seem to work, please use another browser or device).
These webinars will incorporate the latest in portal and program updates.
Stay on after each webinar for a Q&A session.
Retrofit Program Updates
The following changes to the Save on Energy Retrofit program come into effect April 8, 2022:
-
new prescriptive measures proposed through the new measure submission process, as well as new measures that enable greater flexibility by allowing program participants to provide more information on their use
-
some prescriptive measures that were already available but for which participants will now be able to provide more information on their use.
Program revisions are based on feedback from program participants and Save on Energy Retrofit program delivery partners. The new and revised measures will not only provide program participants with greater flexibility, but will also improve the accuracy of savings and incentives allocated to the measures.
Summary of Changes
| Measure | Update | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
|
8’ LED ambient retrofit kits |
Added as a new prescriptive measure |
Based on feedback from the market and the product’s ability to reduce summer peak demand |
|
Circulator pumps with electronically commutated motors (ECMs) |
Added as a new prescriptive measure |
Based on feedback from the market and the product’s ability to reduce summer peak demand |
|
Networked lighting controls |
Added as a new prescriptive measure |
Based on feedback from the market and the product’s ability to reduce summer peak demand |
|
Variable speed domestic cold water booster systems |
Added as a new prescriptive measure with more required fields |
To expand market opportunity and add flexibility for participants |
|
Injection molding machines |
Added as a new prescriptive measure with more required fields |
To expand market opportunity and add flexibility for participants |
|
HVAC and industrial chillers |
Changing to prescriptive measures with more required fields |
To more accurately capture savings and add flexibility for participants |
More details on these changes are available here.
Changes to the Retrofit program in April 2022 are part of a series of planned, semi-annual updates that will be made to the program throughout the 2021-2024 period. The next program update is expected to be made in September 2022. A 30-day market notice period is provided for each semi-annual program update.
Program participants may also have noticed some recent changes in the Retrofit portal that include colour and wording changes and some new information bubbles, which are designed to make the portal more user-friendly.
As a reminder, stakeholders may submit new energy-efficient measures for consideration to be included in future updates to the program.
Ministerial Directive on further extension of certain timelines under the Conservation First Framework
The IESO has received a Ministerial directive dated December 9, 2021, to enable local distribution companies (LDCs) to further extend timelines for the completion of projects under certain eligible programs under the Conservation First Framework (CFF) to August 31, 2022. The directive also provides for the completion deadline to be further extended to December 31, 2022, if certain conditions are met.
These extensions are intended to offset the ongoing disruptions to project timelines caused by COVID-19 and to provide stability for program participants and those businesses involved in the delivery of conservation and demand management programs under the CFF. This is expected to be the last extension of project completion deadlines under the CFF; no further extensions are anticipated to be provided.
Participants in these CFF programs would have submitted applications and entered into participant agreements with their LDC before May 2019. Please direct your questions to your LDC if your project is eligible for a further extension of the completion deadline.
Evaluation reports tell the story of CDM effectiveness
Evaluation reports for conservation and demand management (CDM) programs that were in market during 2020 have now been published to the IESO website. Also available are Key Findings and Recommendations Reports for each program. These documents provide verified energy and demand savings as well as opportunities for improvement for the Save on Energy programs evaluated.
An overall finding from the evaluations is that the programs delivered during the Interim Framework, which ran from April 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, continue to deliver cost-effective energy and demand savings. To date, the Interim Framework has produced savings of 302 GWh and 55 MW persisting to 2022.
Evaluation processes provide confidence that energy efficiency is a reliable resource for system planning that persists on average for more than 10 years. At less than two cents per kilowatt-hour, energy efficiency is also a cost-effective energy resource for Ontario. Lessons learned from the evaluation of the Interim Framework have and will continue to help inform the design and implementation of 2021-2024 CDM Framework programs
Questions can be directed to evaluations@ieso.ca.
Extension of Interim Framework Retrofit Project Completion Deadline
The IESO is extending the original December 31, 2021, timeline for the completion of Interim Framework Save on Energy Retrofit Program projects to July 31, 2022. This applies to Retrofit projects that were pre-approved by the IESO between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, as well as projects that were submitted for pre-approval by December 4, 2020, and that were subsequently pre-approved in 2021.
Energy-efficiency programs are an important contributor to the economy in Ontario, and they help program participants manage their energy costs and lower overall electricity system demand. The IESO recognizes that COVID-19 has continued to cause disruptions in supply chains and labour shortages, and it has caused some facilities to be shut down temporarily, resulting in delays to anticipated completion dates of certain energy-efficiency projects.
More detailed information will be provided to affected Retrofit program participants.
Retrofit program updates
The following changes to the Retrofit program come into effect September 20, 2021.
Changes include new measures proposed through the new measure submission process, as well as updates to incentive levels, tiers and eligibility requirements on certain measures based on feedback from program participants and changing market prices for eligible measures.
Summary of changes
| Measure | Update | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
|
Creep heat controllers (new measure) |
Added as a prescriptive measure at $200 per unit incentive amount | Based on feedback from the market and the product’s ability to reduce summer peak demand |
|
T8 LED Tubes and U-bend replacement lamps (new eligibility) |
Changes to eligibility: added CSA C22.2 certification requirement. UL Type B tubes will only be accepted if certified and listed under UL 1598c or CSA C22.2 standard and known as "double ended" | To account for products that are specific to the Canadian market |
|
LED medium and high-bay fixtures (new tiers) |
Introduction of new tiers: five tiers (up from two) with incentives ranging from $50 to $150 per unit | To expand market opportunity and more accurately capture savings |
|
Demand control ventilation systems in enclosed parking garages (new tiers) |
New tier added to cover total exhaust fan capacity of >2.0 to ≤5 HP | To expand market opportunity and more accurately capture savings |
|
Integral LED troffers and LED linear ambient fixtures (new incentive) |
The following measures will see a $10 reduction in incentive amount:
|
To better align the proportion of measure costs covered by incentives with other lighting measure incentives |
More details on these changes are available here
Changes to the Retrofit program in September 2021 are part of a series of planned, semi-annual updates that will be made to the program throughout the 2021-2024 period. The next program update is expected to be made in Q1 2022. A 30-day market notice period is provided for each semi-annual program update.
As a reminder, stakeholders may submit new energy-efficient measures for consideration to be included in future updates to the program.
New prescriptive measure submissions
Do you want the IESO to consider a new measure for future inclusion in the Save on Energy Retrofit program? A form is available here to submit a new measure for consideration to be added to the program.
If you previously submitted a measure for consideration to be included in the Retrofit program, please see this page for information on key dates, how the submissions are evaluated and the results of the review of the submissions.
Save on Energy is turning 10!
Save on Energy is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021! Delivered by the IESO, Save on Energy programs have proudly provided energy-efficiency opportunities and resources to more than 250,000 homes and businesses in all sectors across Ontario to help them better manage their electricity use, saving nearly 16 TWh of electricity since 2011. This is equivalent to powering 1.7 million homes for one year.
Learn more about Save on Energy’s energy-efficiency achievements over the past decade.
Deadline to submit new measures for consideration for winter 2022 Retrofit program update
Retrofit program incentives and measures will be updated throughout the course of the four-year framework, based on marketplace feedback and changing market conditions. A new measure submission form is available to accommodate such suggestions from the marketplace.
Forms with new measures for consideration that are submitted by July 30, 2021, will be considered for inclusion in a program update planned for winter 2022. Forms submitted after that date will be considered for future program updates.
Ministerial directive on further extension of certain timelines under the Conservation First Framework
The IESO has received a Ministerial directive that enables the IESO and LDCs to further extend timelines for the completion of certain projects under the Conservation First Framework (CFF) to December 31, 2021. These extensions are intended to offset the disruptions that continue to be caused by COVID-19 and provide stability for participants and those businesses involved in delivering conservation and demand management programs.
Minor updates to the Retrofit program in April 2021
Some changes will be made to the Retrofit program effective April 8, 2021; these changes include clarifications and minor updates based on feedback received from Retrofit program participants and changing market costs for eligible measures.
Incentives for three lighting categories are being updated to better align with the actual cost for these energy-efficient lights. These categories are:
- LED high bay fixtures ($10 to $20 reduction dependent on fixture size)
- T8 LED Tube/U-Bend replacement lamps ($1 to $2 reduction dependent on lamp size)
- T5 LED Tube replacement lamps ($1 to $2 reduction dependent on lamp output)
More detail is available here >
In addition, larger chillers and variable frequency drives will be eligible for program incentives. Tank sizes for compressed air measures eligible for incentives are also being adjusted to more closely match standard ranges sold in the market. More details on these program revisions will be posted by March 22, 2021, at the link above.
Other changes in this update include:
- The Program Requirements and the Participant Agreement are being updated to correct some inconsistencies and to clarify the meaning of some items.
- Worksheets, now optional, are being updated to remove references to proof of payment. In addition, the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) requirements for the program are being updated to require proof of payment for projects with an incentive higher than $20,000 and for smaller projects chosen as random samples.
- The eligibility requirements for new construction projects are being clarified: energy-efficient equipment is eligible for incentives for a new facility or an addition to an existing facility provided the facility meets the program requirements and is connected to the electricity grid when the application is pre-approved.
The revised Participant Agreement and Program Requirements, including the eligibility requirements, will be available on April 8 on the Save on Energy website and on the Retrofit portal.
The changes being made to the Retrofit program in April are the first in a series of planned semi-annual updates that will be made to the program throughout the 2021-2024 CDM Framework. The next update is expected to be made in late summer 2021. Changes to the Retrofit program will be accompanied by a 30-day market notice period. As a reminder, a form is available for stakeholders to submit new energy-efficient measures for consideration to be included in future updates to the program.
Deadline to submit new measure form for summer 2021 program update
A new Retrofit program launched on Jan. 4, 2021, with prescriptive-only measures. Incentives and measures will be updated throughout the course of the four-year framework, based on marketplace feedback. A new process is available on the Save on Energy website to accommodate such suggestions.
Forms with suggestions for new measures that are submitted by Feb. 28, 2021, will be considered for inclusion in a program update planned for summer 2021. Forms submitted after that date will be considered for a future program update.
Energy Efficiency Services Request for Vendor of Record Open for Submissions
The IESO has issued a new Energy Efficiency Services Request for Vendor of Record (RVOR) to support the delivery of the 2021-2024 CDM Framework. The RVOR can be found on MERX. Please note that you must be registered with Merx to be able to download all the relevant documents relating to this procurement. The categories of work covered under this RVOR may include, but are not limited to, engineering services, evaluation services, market research services, and program and policy design services.
The final RFP timelines are set out in the table below.
| Item | Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Issue Date of RVOR |
Tuesday January 19, 2021 |
|
Proponents' Deadline for Questions |
3:00:00 pm on Monday February 1, 2021 |
|
Posting of Responses to Questions |
Friday February 12, 2021 |
|
Deadline for Issuing Adenda |
Friday February 12, 2021 |
|
Proposal Submission Deadline |
3:00:00 pm on Monday March 1, 2021 |
Any questions must be submitted by following the instructions in the RVOR document.
Webinar: Learn about the new Retrofit program
Whether you are making energy-efficient upgrades to your business or selling energy-efficient solutions to customers, you will want to know about the financial incentives available through the new Save on Energy Retrofit program. We invite you to join this session to learn about the new program and how your business can benefit from participating.
Topics covered during the webinar will include:
- What’s changed in the Retrofit program
- Retrofit Portal tips and tools
- Measure updates
- A review of the most common questions received by the Save on Energy team so far in 2021
A Q&A session will follow the presentation so that we can answer your questions.
Webinar: “The new Save on Energy Retrofit program”
Friday, January 29, 2021
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
password: Retro
This webinar is no longer available.
New Save on Energy programs available now
Information on new programs available over the next four years is now available. Interested participants are encouraged to Contact a Save on Energy representative with questions and for information on the available opportunities for their businesses. Learn more by visiting the program information web page.
2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework Program Plan
The Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Framework Program Plan is an overview of the CDM programs to be delivered by the IESO, under the Save on Energy brand, from January 2021 to December 2024. The plan sets out forecast budgets and, where applicable, savings targets and estimated cost-effectiveness for the portfolio of CDM programs.
A breakdown of the 2021-2024 CDM Framework budget and targets is available here.
New Save on Energy Programs Launching January 2021
Information on new programs launching the week of January 4, 2021, is now available. Details include a complete list of measures and incentives available for programs and provide a summary of what customers can expect over the course of the four-year framework.
Contact a Save on Energy representative for questions. Learn more on the program details page.
New Save on Energy Programs Launching January 2021
Information on new programs launching the week of January 4, 2021, is now available. Details include a complete list of measures and incentives available for programs and provide a summary of what customers can expect over the course of the four-year framework.
Visit the program details page for more information.
Retrofit Application Deadline
Retrofit applications are required to be submitted by December 4, 2020, to provide sufficient time for reviews before the December 31, 2020, pre-approval deadline.
Submitting an application by December 4, 2020, does not guarantee pre-approval of your project. Applications are being reviewed in the order in which they are submitted. Should your application not receive pre-approval and your project is eligible, you may apply for incentives under the new Retrofit program launching in January 2021. Please visit SaveOnEnergy.ca for more information.
Tips to help you meet the deadline:
- Test and check your Retrofit Portal password as soon as possible and prior to submitting an application as account resets can take up to four business days.
- Respond to any questions from your Technical Reviewer as quickly as possible.
- Access Retrofit Resources for checklists, videos and guides for further tips on a smooth application process.
Contact a Save on Energy representative for additional information and questions.
New Retrofit application submission deadline, and latest details on the 2021 - 2024 CDM Framework
Save on Energy Retrofit applications under the current Interim Framework (IF) must be submitted by December 4, 2020.
Previously announced IF deadlines remain unchanged: To be eligible for a project incentive through the Retrofit program, applications must receive pre-approval by December 31, 2020, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2021. Submitting an application by the deadline does not guarantee pre-approval by December 31, 2020.
The new 2021 - 2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework will be active the week of January 4, 2021. Learn more about specific program details, such as the removal of the custom track under Retrofit, and when to expect measure and incentive-related updates.
Please contact Retrofit Support with any questions, and make sure to check out these helpful Retrofit resources to help you have a smooth application experience.
2021-2024 CDM Framework Program Update
Electricity consumers now have access to information on program availability under the 2021-2024 CDM Framework, launching the week of January 4, 2021. New programs under the 2021-2024 CDM framework will continue to target those who need them most and include opportunities for commercial, industrial, institutional, on-reserve First Nations and income-eligible consumers.
Visit the program overview page for more information.
Ministerial directive to implement 2021-2024 CDM Framework
The IESO has received a Ministerial directive to implement a 2021-2024 Conservation and Demand Management Framework launching the week of January 4, 2021. The province recognizes the benefits of CDM programs to the electricity system and electricity consumers, as well as the contribution they provide to Ontario's economy and competitiveness.
Read more about the 2021–2024 CDM Framework.
Reminder of Retrofit program timelines
To be eligible for a project incentive through the Retrofit program, applications must receive pre-approval by December 31, 2020, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2021. While the IESO recently announced that certain timelines for Conservation First Framework projects have been extended, the current deadlines for pre-approvals and project completion dates in the Interim Framework (which began in March 2019) remain unchanged.
Achieving pre-approval includes the IESO’s technical review process, which typically takes two to eight weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project and completeness of the project application. The IESO recommends that applications be submitted by the end of October to ensure there is sufficient time to obtain pre-approval.
Applicants are encouraged to use fast-track processes where available for certain projects in the prescriptive track with incentives less than $6,000, as pre-approval can occur in one or two days. Contact your Save on Energy representative to see if your project is eligible for the fast-track process.
Please contact Retrofit support with any questions and check out these helpful resources.
Webinar Series: Meet measurement and verification (M&V) requirements for the Retrofit program
Retrofit Applicant Representatives and Participants – Are you unsure about how to meet measurement and verification (M&V) requirements in order to meet the December 31, 2020 pre-approval deadline? Join us for in-depth information about the M&V process in our webinar series. Sample M&V plans and reports will be provided and reviewed in detail.
Part 1:
Understanding the basics and using M&V plans as part of the Retrofit pre-approval
September 29, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Part 2:
M&V reporting for your Retrofit post-project approval
October 7, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
This webinar series is no longer available.
Prescriptive lighting and prescriptive exterior lighting worksheets updated
Revised prescriptive lighting and prescriptive exterior lighting worksheets for the Retrofit program have been uploaded to the website, effective August 31, 2020.
The changes include:
- language clarifying one-to-one replacements for prescriptive lighting,
- base case requirements for LED high bay, and
- dimming sensor eligibility under occupancy sensors.
For the exterior worksheet, clarifying language for one-to-one replacements and an additional area for existing baseline input have also been added. There are no changes to incentives or measure assumptions. Please review these latest worksheets when applying for these measures.
Update to horticultural worksheet
The Retrofit program’s horticultural lighting worksheet has been updated effective August 14, 2020. The new version should be used from this date forward.
Changes have been made to the worksheet to present peak demand savings; previously, the worksheet only displayed energy savings. The worksheet has also been updated to calculate incentives based on the greater of $800/kW or $0.1/kWh. The previous worksheet only calculated the energy incentive. Incentives are still capped at 50 percent of eligible project costs.
Additional functionality now available in the Retrofit portal
Updates have been made to the Retrofit portal that will now enable applicants to perform the following functions that previously could not be completed without the help of the Retrofit support line:1
- Add an applicant representative at any point after creating a new application
- Update the applicant for my applications
- Update the applicant representative for my applications
- Accept an applicant update initiated by an applicant representative for my applications.
In addition to new functionality for applicants, applicant representatives can now perform the following functions themselves without requiring support:
- Update the applicant for my applications
- Update the applicant representative for my applications.
Guides for Applicants and Applicant Reps have been created to walk you through how to access and complete these functions. They are available on the Retrofit Resources and Support web page.
If you have any difficulties completing the actions above, please contact your Save on Energy representative or the Retrofit support line for assistance.
Ministerial directive on extension of certain timelines under the Conservation First Framework
The IESO has received a Ministerial directive to extend timelines for completion of certain projects and related deadlines under the predecessor conservation framework, Conservation First Framework (CFF) to June 30, 2021. These extensions are intended to offset the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and provide stability for participants and those businesses involved in delivering Conservation and Demand Management programs.
New materials available to ensure a smooth Retrofit program journey
New materials have been posted on the Save on Energy website to make it easier to ensure you have covered everything you need to do for your Retrofit program application.
Referring to the new pre-approval checklist and post-approval checklist will help ensure you have gathered all the information and taken all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth review of your application.
The new invoice guide and template can help you prepare your incentive invoice once your post-project submission has been approved (or for an advance incentive, if applicable). These resources tell your everything you need to know about creating and submitting an invoice for your incentive to the Retrofit program. Applicants are free to use their existing invoice template as long as it contains the required information.
COVID-19 impacts on the Conservation First Framework
To help customers impacted by the COVID-19 health emergency, the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines has issued a letter regarding the government’s intent to potentially enable the IESO to extend program timelines for projects under the Conservation First Framework (CFF). The extension will not be available until formal notification from government is received, in the form of a Ministerial Directive. For information regarding an extension to your project, please contact your local utility or IESO representative.
Webinar Series: Setting your Retrofit application up for success
Interested in learning how to submit Retrofit applications that set you up for success, provide what you need for a smooth review, and make collecting your incentive easy? Join us for easy-to-follow best practices in our webinar series!
This webinar series is no longer available.Response to COVID-19
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the IESO has requested that its program delivery vendors refrain from any in-person interactions with new or existing customers of the 2019-2020 Interim Framework Save on Energy programs until further notice. This includes site visits to customer facilities, participation in trade or customer events or other in-person meetings.
This IESO is implementing these temporary precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 to safeguard the health of its employees, customers and vendors, and to continue to fulfill its responsibility to ensure the reliable operation of the Ontario electricity grid.
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold, the IESO is paying close attention to statements by the World Health Organization and government entities here in Canada.
The IESO will continue to provide updates and a list of FAQs can be found here.
Retrofit program support
Save on Energy account representatives are now available to help move applications from pre-approval to project completion and all steps in-between. Representatives can help answer questions about the program and provide advice on your upcoming energy-efficiency projects. For more information on how to get in touch with a Save on Energy representative in your area, please call the Retrofit program Support line at
1-844-303-5542.
Greenhouse LED Grow Light Regional Incentive
Do you have greenhouse customers in the Windsor-Essex or Chatham-Kent area? For a limited time, greenhouses in these areas are eligible to receive an enhanced LED grow light incentive through the Retrofit program. This incentive is specifically designed to help manage increasing energy demand in these areas and help local greenhouses better manage their electricity costs.
This regional incentive is no longer available.Heating and Cooling program deadline
If you participated as a contractor in Save on Energy’s Heating and Cooling program, you may have received an email with information on customers who haven’t yet claimed their program incentive. If you are aware of any customers with outstanding incentives, please consider reaching out to them to help them through the final stages of the process. Customers have until March 1, 2020, to complete the application process. After this date, the IESO will no longer be able to process incentive payments as this program is no longer available.
For any questions you may have, please contact hvacpayments@summerhill.com or call 1-877-688-3062.
Heating and Cooling program deadline
If you participated as a contractor in Save on Energy’s Heating and Cooling program, you may have received an email with information on customers who haven’t yet claimed their program incentive. If you are aware of any customers with outstanding incentives, please consider reaching out to them to help them through the final stages of the process. Customers have until March 1, 2020, to complete the application process. After this date, the IESO will no longer be able to process incentive payments as this program is no longer available.
For any questions you may have, please contact hvacpayments@summerhill.com or call 1-877-688-3062.
Heating and Cooling program deadline
If you participated as a contractor in Save on Energy’s Heating and Cooling program, you may have received an email with information on customers who haven’t yet claimed their program incentive. If you are aware of any customers with outstanding incentives, please consider reaching out to them to help them through the final stages of the process. Customers have until March 1, 2020, to complete the application process. After this date, the IESO will no longer be able to process incentive payments as this program is no longer available.
For any questions you may have, please contact hvacpayments@summerhill.com or call 1-877-688-3062.
Sign up for the latest updates on Save on Energy programs, events and ways to save on energy.
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