Energy Efficiency Retrofits

The Energy Efficiency Retrofits Program (EERP) is offered by Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC) in collaboration with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department (ECC) and Enerva Energy Solutions Inc. The EERP aims to assist eligible Métis homeowners in improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

This initiative provides financial support for energy-efficient upgrades, which help reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease energy costs for families. Approved applicants who select MCHC’s preferred EnerGuide audit partner will receive complimentary pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations, which identify areas for improvement to enhance energy savings and comfort in their homes.

Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Indigenous Leadership Fund, this program offers financial assistance to families and contributes to broader sustainability efforts by empowering Métis Citizens with the knowledge to create more energy-efficient living environments.

Please read below to see if you are eligible and to learn how to apply.

Note: This is a pilot intake for the first 50 applications; upon successful implementation and delivery of the program, MCHC will reopen it to accept more applications.

Eligibility Criteria

• Your application must be approved before renovations can begin.
• The primary applicant must be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen (formerly known as the Métis Nation of Alberta).
• Must be 18 years or older.
• The total gross annual household income must not exceed $150,000.
• The home must be the applicant’s primary residence.
• Mortgage and property taxes must be in good standing.
• The applicant must not own any other property, including land or a home.
• If you currently or have previously received assistance from any Métis Capital Housing Corporation Home Programs or have a caveat with MCHC, please contact us to determine your eligibility.

Required Documents for Pre-Approval

• Completed and signed application.
• Two Pieces of identification:
  • Applicant: One government-issued photo ID and your Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen Card (formerly Métis Nation of Alberta Citizenship Card).
  • Co-applicant (if applicable): Either two pieces of government-issued photo ID or your Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen Card, and one government-issued photo ID.
• Copy of current Land Title Certificate.
• Notice of Tax Assessment for all household residents aged 18 and over.
• Proof of home insurance.
  • If you cannot obtain home insurance due to circumstances beyond your control, please contact our team to discuss your eligibility.
• Proof that existing mortgage and property tax are current.

Financial Assistance Available

• A maximum amount of $20,000 per application.
• If the applicant utilizes Métis Capital Housing Corporation’s preferred EnerGuide audit partner, Enerva Energy Solutions Inc., the applicant will receive a complimentary pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation.
• The homeowner is responsible for budget overruns and any other costs exceeding the forgivable loan amount.

Eligible Repairs

The Energy Efficiency Retrofits Program is designed to assist approved applicants with energy efficiency upgrades based on a pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation from the EnerGuide audit partner. Each retrofit will be tailored to meet the home’s specific needs as determined by the auditor. Potential eligible retrofits may include, but are not limited to:

• Upgrading insulation
• Installing energy-efficient windows
• Enhancing heating and cooling systems
• Adding solar panels

Note: Retrofits that include fossil fuel-burning technology, such as gas furnaces or gas hot water tanks, are not eligible for this program. For more details or specific questions, please contact us or refer to our FAQ page.

Application Process

 1. Apply to obtain Pre-Approval

• Download and complete the application form below, or pick it up from a Métis Capital Housing Office (please note that the application form is only available when the program is open).
• Gather all required documents.
• Apply via:
  • Email: eerp@metishousing.ca
  • Mail: Métis Capital Housing Corporation, 11923 121A Street, Edmonton, AB T5L 0A2
  • In-person: Drop off at the above address

2. Following Pre-Approval

Once the applicant has qualified to obtain financial support under the pre-approval phase, the applicant will complete the following steps:

• Home Evaluation:
  MCHC has partnered with Enerva Energy Solutions Inc. to support Métis homeowners in completing the required pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation and provide a report at no cost to the homeowners.
  • EERP staff and the EnerGuide audit partner will schedule the EnerGuide home evaluation for the applicant’s home at no cost.
  • If the applicant engages an EnerGuide-certified auditor of their choosing, they will be responsible for the audit cost and submit the report to MCHC to remain eligible.
• Select Retrofits and Obtain Quotes:
  • The applicant will choose retrofits as recommended by the EnerGuide home evaluation. However, retrofits that include fossil fuel-burning technology are not eligible.
  • Obtain three contractor quotes per retrofit from your preferred contractors. Contractor qualifications:
    • Must have a minimum of two million dollars of Liability Insurance.
    • Must have current Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) coverage in Alberta.
    • The homeowner is responsible for the deposit if the contractor requires it; we do not pay or reimburse deposits.

3. Approval

Once the applicant has provided all required documents following pre-approval, the EERP team will approve eligible retrofits and recommend that the work begin.

• Final Approval and Legal Documentation:
  • EERP staff will inform the applicant of approved work and prepare legal forgivable loan documents for signature.
• Construction/Installation:
  • Once approved, the applicant can begin work by coordinating with their contractor.
  • Completed work needs confirmation from the homeowner before payments are released to the contractors.
• Post Evaluation:
  • A post-retrofit evaluation is scheduled to ensure retrofits meet program standards.
  • If the applicant engages an EnerGuide auditor of their choosing, they will be expected to provide a post-retrofit EnerGuide report to MCHC to remain eligible for continued support.

Approved Applicant Conditions

• Sign Agreement: The applicant must sign a funding agreement with Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC), which allows MCHC to place a five-year caveat on the property.
• Forgiven Funding: After five years, the funding will be forgiven, and the caveat will be removed.
• Provide Insurance: Provide proof of insurance on the property.
• Consent and Release Form: Sign a consent form permitting MCHC to contact relevant third parties.
• Start Repairs: Begin repairs within six months of the approval date.
• Work Completion Confirmation: MCHC will confirm that the work is complete and the applicant is satisfied before paying the contractor.
• Direct Payment: MCHC will pay the approved funding directly to the contractor(s) upon completion of the job(s) or to the store(s) where you purchase the materials.
• Excess Costs: You must directly pay the contractor any costs that exceed the approved funding.
• Repayment Conditions: If you sell the property or move out within five years, you must repay a prorated portion of the forgivable loan. All circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Important Information:

Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who submit complete applications and valid documents.

 eerp@metishousing.ca