The city of Saskatoon has announced that it will be accepting new applications for its home energy loan program starting on May 1. This program offers low-interest loans to single-family homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations that are repayable through their property taxes. The city stated that all individuals on the waitlist from 2023 have been processed and there is room for 30 to 50 new applicants. The loans range from $1,000 to $60,000, and the program has already resulted in a reduction of 260 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year from upgrades completed in the first batch of loans.
Amber Weckworth, manager of climate strategy and data for the City of Saskatoon, highlighted the benefits of the program, including reducing barriers for energy upgrades, lowering emissions, supporting local employment and businesses, and reducing utility costs. She mentioned that 105 homes have already been upgraded as a result of the program. Eligible upgrades for the loans include replacing windows, doors, heating and cooling equipment, adding insulation, replacing toilets and faucets with low-flow options, and installing solar panels. The loans are tied to the property rather than the individual, and no additional credit checks are required if property taxes are in good standing.
The City of Saskatoon’s home energy loan program has been successful in helping homeowners make energy efficiency upgrades and install renewable energy options. By offering low-interest loans that are repayable through property taxes, the program has been able to facilitate over 100 home upgrades and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 260 tonnes per year. The program is set to accept new applications starting on May 1, with room for 30 to 50 new applicants. Eligible upgrades include a variety of improvements such as window replacements, insulation additions, and solar panel installations, among others.
Amber Weckworth, the manager of climate strategy and data for the City of Saskatoon, emphasized the broader community benefits of the program, including supporting local businesses, reducing barriers to energy upgrades, and lowering utility costs. By tying the loans to the property rather than the individual, the program ensures that property owners can access funding for energy efficiency improvements without the need for additional credit checks. This approach aims to make sustainable upgrades more accessible to homeowners and contribute to the city’s overall emissions reduction goals.
The success of the home energy loan program in Saskatoon highlights the importance of municipal initiatives in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability at the local level. By providing financial support for homeowners to make environmentally-friendly upgrades, the program not only benefits individual households but also contributes to the city’s overall goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local businesses. With the upcoming acceptance of new applications, more homeowners in Saskatoon will have the opportunity to take advantage of this program and make their homes more energy-efficient, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community.
Overall, the City of Saskatoon’s home energy loan program has demonstrated its impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting local businesses, and making energy upgrades more accessible to homeowners. The upcoming acceptance of new applications indicates a continued commitment to promoting sustainability and creating a more environmentally conscious community. By offering low-interest loans that are repayable through property taxes, the program provides a practical and effective way for homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements and contribute to the city’s overall environmental goals. With the program’s success and expansion, Saskatoon residents have the opportunity to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes and contribute to a more sustainable future.
