Modelling to Trigger CGHG Rebates

We are noticing that a lot of EAs are not following the correct procedures when they are modelling recommended upgrades in the D-file and completed upgrades in the E-file. When upgrades are not modelled correctly, NRCan’s database will not process a grant for the homeowner. It is critical that all EAs correct any models where the intended rebates are not being triggered.

As a first step, be sure to review the instructions in the Canada Greener Homes Grant Program Manual for Energy Advisors v2.1. This manual explains what needs to be done to trigger each grant. The guidance in this document is detailed and complete, but if you need clarification, let Sean, Kristi or David know.

Checklist for Triggering Grants

For each upgrade that you model, you want to do the following:

  1. Check that you have added the necessary mandatory comments to the RUR. This is mandatory, and grants will not be allocated to homeowners if the RUR does not include these comments.
  2. Check that you have modelled the upgrade case as per the instructions in the CGHG Manual for EAs v2.1
  3. For post-retrofits, check that the completed upgrades are modelled as per ERS procedures and are eligible for grants (minimum performance values, on eligible models list, and documented properly).

Common mistakes

  • Windows:
    • In the base case of the D-file, do not check the ENERGY STAR  box if the homeowner is wanting to upgrade windows. If the base case has ENERGY STAR windows, then rebates will not be triggered when the energy star box is selected in the D-file upgrade case and the E-file.
    • In the upgrade case of the D-file, you must check the ENERGY STAR box and also select the recommended U-factor. For rebates to be triggered, you must select either the ” U-Value > 1.05 and <= 1.22″ or “U-Value <=1.05” boxes. The first box will not trigger rebates.
    • If the window’s U-value is assessed as less than 1.22 U-value, then it is not eligible.
    • In the E-file, the ENERGY STAR box must be selected.
    • Also, note that  pictures of ENERGY STAR labels are mandatory for each window if homeowners want to get rebates.
  • Insulation:
    • Ceilings. There are different rebate amounts depending on the amount of insulation that was assessed in the D-file. There are different RUR comments depending on the type of ceiling and the amount of insulation assessed at the D-file. You must include the correct RUR comments in your file.
  • Heat Pump:
    • For ductless heat pumps, rebates will not be triggered if only 1 head is installed. NRCan requires that at least two heads be installed, and a minimum of one head is installed per floor in the house. A two storey house with a basement requires three heads in order to get the rebate.
    • 100% of the home must be heated by the heat pump in order for the homeowner to receive rebates. If the heat pump doesn’t heat the basement, then the home is not eligible for the grant. Do not forget to indicate that the basement is heated in the temperature screen.
    • There are specific instructions for modelling heat pumps in the upgrade case of the D-file and in the E-file for rebates to be triggered. Refer to the CGHG manual for EAs, specifically Appendix A.
    • Always select the ENERGY STAR box in the upgrade case when recommending a heat pump
    • if there is a possibility that the client installs a ccashp, you must check the “cold climate heat pump box”
    • The minimum values for the D-file upgrade case for grants to trigger are 8.7 HSPF (Region V) and 16 SEER.
    • Set Capacity of heat pump in upgrade case to “calculated”
    • The heat pump must be on the eligible products list!
  • Evaluation Rebate:
    • The homeowner will not get the evaluation rebate if they have not done any other rebate-eligible upgrade.
    • The “Greener Homes” box must be checked and the total evaluation cost including tax must be entered into this field for both the D-file and the E-file.

Requesting Corrections

To avoid headaches with homeowners not being able to receive rebates, we will email EAs whenever they submit a CGHG file that receives a $0 rebate. We will ask you to confirm whether a $0 amount is correct. If it is not correct, then you will need to correct the D-file and/or E-file so that the rebate amount is reflected accurately.