The PowerHouse pilot program is now closed. The information on this site is for historical reference only.

• What is PowerHouse?
• Which renewable energy technologies are supported by this loan program?
• Who is eligible to apply for a PowerHouse loan?
• How do I apply for a PowerHouse zero-interest loan?
• How do I apply for a PowerHouse rebate?
• Is there an end date for PowerHouse loan program?
• Why are utility companies supporting renewable technologies?
• How can I learn more about these technologies?
• Does the PowerHouse loan cancel out any other rebates or incentives for which I have applied?
• Am I eligible if I install a renewable energy system on my cottage or farm?
• Why do I have to use an installer on the eligible list?
• Does PowerHouse vouch for the work of eligible installers?
• My preferred installer is not on the eligible list. Can I still use that company and qualify for a loan?
• How do I get my company listed on the PowerHouse Website?
• What are Buying Clubs?
• What are the benefits of a Buying Club?
• How do I learn more about Buying Clubs in my community?
• What is the Ontario Power Authority’s Standard Offer Program?
• What is Net Metering?
• Are there any charges for utility metering?
• I recently installed a renewable energy system. Am I eligible for the program?

What is PowerHouse?
PowerHouse is a new loan and rebate pilot program brought to you by Enersource Hydro Mississauga, Hydro One Networks and Hydro One Brampton Networks, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Energy. Zero-interest loans* or rebates are available for residential installations of Solar Thermal, Photovoltaic, Geothermal and Wind Turbine systems. PowerHouse also has an educational component to it. We are helping to educate customers about renewable energy in the home.

*On approved credit

Which renewable energy technologies are supported by this loan program?
Solar thermal (solar water heating), solar photovoltaic, geothermal and small wind turbines.

Who is eligible to apply for a PowerHouse loan?
PowerHouse is available to residential customers of Enersource Hydro Mississauga, Hydro One Networks and Hydro One Brampton living in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, or parts of York Region (King Township, East Gwillimbury, Georgina or Whitchurch-Stouffville).

How do I apply for a PowerHouse zero-interest* loan?

1. Contact one or more eligible installers.
2. Ensure site assessment is completed (if required).
3. Select a technology to be installed.
4. Get price quotes and timing estimates.
5. Select an eligible installer.
6. Ensure all required permits and approvals are obtained.
7. Complete the Customer Application Form.
8. Receive your acceptance from utility.
9. Bank is notified of the eligible customer by the utility.
10. Customer receives Bank Loan Application Form from installer and completes it.
11. Installer provides loan application to bank.
12. Customer receives loan decision from bank through installer.
13. Customer purchases and installs system (no later than February 15, 2009).
14. Notification of work completion submitted to bank (no later than February 22, 2009).

Note: Steps 1 - 8 are the same for a loan or a rebate.

*On approved credit

How do I apply for a PowerHouse rebate?

1. Contact one or more eligible installers.
2. Ensure site assessment is completed (if required).
3. Select a technology to be installed.
4. Get price quotes and timing estimates.
5. Select an eligible installer.
6. Ensure all required permits and approvals are obtained.
7. Complete the Customer Application Form.
8. Receive your acceptance from utility.
9. Customer purchases and installs system (no later than February 15, 2009).
10. Customer gets contractor to sign a Completion of Work Form and submits to utility (no later than February 22, 2009).
11. Customer receives a rebate in accordance with the rebate schedule.

Note: Steps 1 - 8 are the same for a loan or a rebate.

Is there an end date for the PowerHouse loan program?
Yes. Whether you choose to install wind turbines, solar panels or geothermal systems, the installation must be complete by February 15, 2009.

Why are utility companies supporting renewable technologies?
Renewable energy is a key component of the Ontario government's plan to build a cleaner sustainable energy future for Ontario. Utility companies, have an ongoing direct relationship with electricity customers in the communities in which they serve and are actively engaged in promoting energy conservation and supporting the government’s plan. The Ontario Ministry of Energy has set a target for the province to produce ten per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

How can I learn more about these technologies?
PowerHouse is offering free workshops in June and September 2008. Our Links & Resources page offers a wide assortment of Websites and online publications you can access to learn about solar, geothermal and wind systems. If a buying club has been set up in your community for the technology you are interested in, you can learn from your neighbours.

Does the PowerHouse loan cancel out any other rebates or incentives for which I have applied?
No. The PowerHouse loan is complimentary with other rebates and incentives. Incentive and rebate programs change occasionally, always check with other agencies offering rebates and incentives about their rules.

Am I eligible if I install a renewable energy system on my cottage or farm?
The system must be installed on your residence. Cottages do not qualify for this program. If you live on your farm and are a residential customer (i.e., not general service), you may be eligible.

Why do I have to use an installer on the eligible list?
Installers are deemed eligible by TD Canada Trust, not the utility companies. They have proven that they have been financially viable for a reasonable period of time.

Does PowerHouse vouch for the work of eligible installers?
No. It is up to the individual to do his or her own research before choosing an installer. Please see the Getting Started page for some tips on choosing an installer.

My preferred installer is not on the eligible list. Can I still use that company and qualify for a loan?
Ask your installer to visit our Website and complete and submit the Dealer Sign-Up Form. The process is simple and quick. If the company is deemed eligible by TD Canada Trust, you may proceed to work with this installer.

How do I get my company listed on the PowerHouse Website?
Utility customers wanting to participate in PowerHouse must use an installer that has been deemed eligible for the program. Eligibility is granted by TD Canada Trust. All installation companies deemed eligible will be listed on the PowerHouse Website, if they request it. To be deemed eligible for PowerHouse, contact one of the utility partners for an application form.

What are Buying Clubs?
Buying Clubs are formed when a community decides to work together to install renewable technologies on their homes. A club can be of any size. The members of the club come together to research the available products and to agree to purchase the same product from the same distributor and use the same installer. PowerHouse is helping to facilitate the development of buying clubs for solar, geothermal and wind installations.

What are the benefits of a Buying Club?
Buying Clubs are a great way for a community to share knowledge. And by purchasing the same equipment together, you may be able to leverage a better price on the products that you are having installed.

How do I learn more about Buying Clubs in my community?
A community group called Our Power is helping to set up buying clubs whenever a community expresses interest. Our Links & Resources page offers a direct link to the Our Power Buying Club site.

What is the Ontario Power Authority’s Standard Offer Program?
The Standard Offer Program makes it easier for the operators of small renewable energy generating facilities to participate in meeting Ontario’s electricity supply needs by supplying power through their local electricity distribution company and being paid a fair and stable price for the power they provide.

Solar PV projects will be paid 42.0 cents per kWh but will not be eligible for inflation adjustment or the peak-hour premium for the full term of the Standard Offer Program Contract. Initially, wind turbines directly connected to the local distribution company will be paid a base rate of 11.0 cents per kWh for electricity actually delivered. That is, payment will not be based on the installed capacity of the facility, but on the amount of electricity actually delivered to the local distribution company as determined by the generator’s metering. Please note that in addition to a “net meter,” as described in these FAQs, a second “gross meter” is required for those wishing to participate in the Standard Offer Program.

If you are considering submitting an application for the Standard Offer Program with the OPA, you must meet specific requirements before your application will be considered. Please visit out Links & Resources page to download the Ontario Power Authority’s An Introductory Guide to the Standard Offer Program.

What is Net Metering?
Ontario’s net metering regulation allows you to send electricity generated from renewable sources to the electrical grid for a credit toward your energy costs.

Your utility will subtract the value of electricity you supply to the grid from the value of what you take from the grid. What you’ll see on your bill is the “net” difference between those two amounts. Net metering means you no longer need to purchase expensive batteries or a backup generator – or factor those costs into the price of installing a renewable energy generation system. If you supply power that is worth more than what you take from the grid over the billing period, you’ll receive a credit that can help lower future energy bills. The more electricity you produce, the greater your savings.

Are there any charges for utility metering?
Qualifying PowerHouse program participants wishing to apply for net metering are eligible to receive this meter free of charge.  Those wishing to apply for the Standard Offer Program will require a second “gross meter” measuring generated output.  This gross meter cost, as determined from your participating utility, is eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the total zero-interest loan* or lump sum rebate calculation.

*On approved credit

I recently installed a renewable energy system. Am I eligible for the program?
Renewable energy systems installed after June 20, 2007 and before February 15, 2009 are eligible for the program.