Forecasts show peak demand growing by about 40 megawatts by 2030, mainly from new electrically heated homes. The new Dependable Grid Program tackles this issue head on with rebates focused on reducing electricity demand for homes already heated with electricity and new homes under construction.
Yukoners can now apply for a range of rebates to reduce demand on the electrical grid at critical moments, such as during prolonged cold snaps, while reducing energy costs. The program aims to help Yukoners reduce their peak energy consumption and diversify their home heating systems which will take pressure off the already strained and isolated electrical grid.
Electrically heated homes, including new homes, can access rebates to significantly reduce or even fully displace electricity use on cold days by installing less expensive energy sources. A secondary wood stove, pellet stove, oil monitor or propane fireplace is eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates. Dual fuel heating systems, such as those with a heat pump plus a non-electric backup heat source to cut peak demand and improve energy affordability, are eligible for up to $15,000 in rebates.
There will also be rebates to further incentivize extremely efficient new homes, promote non-electric water heating and shift the use of block heaters to off peak hours.
Yukoners seeking the most efficient and cost-effective heating solution may opt for a dual fuel heating system instead of their current electric baseboards or electric furnace. This offers savings of up to $1,900 per year for a typical household.
The Dependable Grid Program also helps prepare homes for potential winter power outages by encouraging the safe use of backup power systems, such as mobile generators. Secondary heating systems installed through the program are paired with backup power transfer switches and eligible for up to $2,000 in rebates so they can run during an outage.
The program is designed to protect the grid, save money for Yukoners and make Yukon families more resilient. Its launch is part of the government's commitment to develop a Winter Reliable Energy Plan and focus on energy affordability. This plan will guide further investments, programs and policies to keep the lights on and make power more affordable for Yukoners.
We are taking direct action to support the Yukon electricity grid and Yukoners’ wallets. The Dependable Grid Program will help to address immediate grid stability concerns while improving energy affordability and making Yukon homes more resilient to potential power outages.
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To apply for rebates, visit https://yukon.ca/en/good-energy-rebates
The Dependable Grid Program rebates include the following.
- Dual fuel heating systems:
- Heat pump plus non-electric backup heat source for new homes and electrically heated homes to cut peak demand and improve energy affordability
- 50 per cent up to $15,000 (existing homes) or flat $15,000 rebate (new homes)
- Secondary non-electric heating systems:
- Add non-electric backup heat to electrically heated homes and new homes, reducing peak electricity use and improving home resilience
- 50 per cent up to $5,000 (existing homes) or flat $3,000 (new homes)
- Primary non-electric heating systems:
- Switch from electric to fossil fuel heating to lower peak demand
- 50 per cent up to $15,000 (existing homes) or flat $15,000 (new homes)
- Extremely efficient new homes:
- Enhanced incentives for high-performance new homes that reduce heating loads and peak demand
- $12,500 for Tier 5 new homes and $2,000 for Tier 4 new homes
- Non-electric hot water heating:
- Shift from electric to fossil fuel water heating to reduce electrical loads
- 50 per cent up to $1,250 (existing homes) or flat $1,250 (new homes)
- Transfer switches:
- Enable safe use of backup power systems during outages
- 25 per cent up to $2,000 (existing homes) or flat $2,000 (new homes)
- Smart vehicles outlets:
- Shift vehicle block-heater use at workplaces to off-peak hours
- $100 per outlet
- Dependable Grid Rewards for electric vehicle charging:
- Incentivize off-peak electric charging with a sign-up bonus and annual incentives
- Dependable Grid Rewards for Peak Smart Home:
- Incentivize participation in Yukon Energy’s Peak Smart Home program with a sign-up bonus and annual incentives
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Patti Flather
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3123
[email protected]