Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant (OHPA)

What is the Program?

The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant (OHPA) is part of Canada’s broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from residential buildings. This program specifically targets low-to-median-income households, providing financial assistance to switch from oil heating systems to more energy-efficient electric heat pumps.

How Does it Work?

The OHPA grant works by offering financial support to cover the costs associated with the installation of heat pumps. Here are the key components:

• Financial Assistance: Up to $5,000 for installing an electric heat pump.
• Additional Support: Up to $10,000 for related costs, such as replacing oil tanks, upgrading electrical panels, and safely disposing of old oil heating equipment.
• Stacking Benefits: The grant can be combined with other provincial and territorial programs, maximizing the financial benefits for homeowners.

How Can People Access the Program?

Eligible Canadians can access the OHPA grant through a straightforward application process:

1. Eligibility Check: Verify eligibility based on household income and current heating system.
2. Application Submission: Apply online through the federal government’s official website.
3. Coordination with Delivery Partners: Work with designated delivery partners who will manage the installation process and ensure compliance with all program requirements.
4. Receive Grant Funding: Once approved, households will receive financial support for their heat pump installation and any associated costs.

What is the Government Aiming to Achieve?

The primary objectives of the OHPA grant are:

• Reduce Heating Costs: By switching to electric heat pumps, households can save between $1,500 and $4,500 annually on their heating bills.
• Improve Home Comfort: Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling, enhancing overall home comfort.
• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transitioning from oil to electric heat pumps significantly lowers carbon emissions, contributing to national climate goals.

How is Success Measured?

The success of the OHPA grant is measured through several key indicators:

• Annual Savings on Energy Bills: Monitoring the reduction in heating costs for households that have switched to heat pumps.
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Measuring the decrease in emissions from homes that transition from oil heating to electric heat pumps.
• Number of Installations: Tracking the number of successful heat pump installations across the country.
• Program Uptake: Evaluating the participation rate and overall reach of the program among eligible households.

By focusing on these metrics, the government ensures that the OHPA grant delivers substantial economic and environmental benefits to Canadians.

On July 16, 2024, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled Canada’s first Green Buildings Strategy.

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