Save on Energy: Ontario's home energy programs explained (2026)
Rebates, a smart thermostat reward and free upgrades for income-eligible homes: what Save on Energy offers, who qualifies and how to apply.
Quick answer
Save on Energy is the energy efficiency brand of the IESO, which runs Ontario's electricity grid. For homes it offers three programs: Home Renovation Savings rebates (run with Enbridge Gas), Peak Perks, which pays $75 to enrol a smart thermostat and $20 a year after, and the Energy Affordability Program, which gives free energy-saving upgrades to income-eligible households.
If you've seen the Save on Energy name on a rebate form or your hydro bill, this is what it is and what it can do for your home. Save on Energy programs are open to residential electricity customers across Ontario, whether you own or rent, with a few exceptions noted below.
Independent guide. Not affiliated with any program. Canadian Energy Standard is a private, independent company. We are not a government agency, utility or program provider, and we are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Energy Board, the IESO, Save on Energy, Home Renovation Savings, Enbridge Gas, Hydro Ottawa or any other utility, agency or program provider. We can't apply for these programs for you or decide who qualifies. Apply only through the official channels named on this page. Details are as published by those sources on October 18, 2026.
What is Save on Energy?
Save on Energy is the brand the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) uses for its energy efficiency programs. The IESO manages Ontario's electricity grid, and these programs help cut demand on it, especially on the hottest summer afternoons. For homeowners and renters, Save on Energy lists three main programs.
| Program | What you get | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Home Renovation Savings | Rebates on heat pumps, insulation, windows, solar, thermostats and appliances | Homeowners (appliances and thermostats: any eligible customer) |
| Peak Perks | $75 to enrol, then $20 a year | Homes with central air and an eligible smart thermostat |
| Energy Affordability Program | Free upgrades or a free energy-saving kit | Income-eligible owners and renters |
Cornwall Electric customers are on the Hydro-Québec grid, so they generally can't use these programs.
Home Renovation Savings rebates
Save on Energy runs Home Renovation Savings with Enbridge Gas. It's the program behind most home upgrade rebates in Ontario: up to $12,000 for a heat pump, up to $10,000 for solar with battery storage, up to $1,250 for attic insulation, $125 for an eligible smart thermostat and $25 to $200 for ENERGY STAR appliances. Larger insulation and window rebates are available if you start with a home energy assessment.
Read the full breakdown in our Home Renovation Savings guide.
Peak Perks: paid to let your thermostat help the grid
- $75 on a virtual prepaid Mastercard when you enrol, and $20 for each year you stay enrolled. Incentives are capped at three devices per address.
- Who can join: Ontario residential electricity customers with central air conditioning, or a heat pump that's part of central air, controlled by an eligible Wi-Fi smart thermostat.
- What happens: On the hottest summer weekday afternoons, your thermostat may be raised by up to 2 °C for up to three hours. You can opt out of any event.
More detail: is Peak Perks worth joining?
Energy Affordability Program: free upgrades
The Energy Affordability Program gives free energy-saving upgrades to income-eligible households, whether you own or rent. There are two levels:
- Comprehensive Support. A free home visit from an energy-efficiency expert. Depending on your home, you may get LED bulbs, a smart power bar, an efficient fridge, freezer, dehumidifier or window air conditioner, and, for homes heated with electricity or oil, extra insulation, draft proofing, a smart thermostat or a cold-climate heat pump at no cost.
- Energy Saving Kits. A free kit mailed to you with LED bulbs, weather-stripping, a showerhead, faucet aerators and more. The income limits for kits are higher.
Income limits for Comprehensive Support
| People in your home | Before-tax income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $48,220 |
| 2 | $68,193 |
| 3 | $83,518 |
| 4 | $96,439 |
| 5 | $107,823 |
| 6 | $118,113 |
| 7 or more | $127,576 |
You can also qualify if, in the past 12 months, you received help from a listed program such as OESP, LEAP, Ontario Works, ODSP or the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Apply online or call 1-844-770-3148. In Ottawa and eastern Ontario (postal codes starting with K), the program is delivered by EnviroCentre.
How to spot a Save on Energy scam
- Save on Energy doesn't sell door to door, and its delivery agents never show up unannounced.
- Be wary of anyone who says you're "pre-approved" or asks for your hydro account number at the door.
- Apply only through saveonenergy.ca or homerenovationsavings.ca.
For the bigger picture, see Ontario energy rebate and bill support programs.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Save on Energy?
Save on Energy is the energy efficiency brand of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which manages Ontario's electricity grid.
Is Save on Energy a government program?
It is run by the IESO, a provincial agency, and its Home Renovation Savings program is delivered with Enbridge Gas and supported by the Government of Ontario.
Can renters use Save on Energy programs?
Yes, for some. Renters who hold the electricity account can apply to the Energy Affordability Program and Peak Perks. Home Renovation Savings rebates for heat pumps and assessment-path upgrades require the homeowner to apply.
How much does Peak Perks pay?
$75 when you enrol an eligible smart thermostat and $20 for each year you stay enrolled, as listed by Save on Energy in October 2026.
What is the Save on Energy phone number for the Energy Affordability Program?
1-844-770-3148, as listed on the Save on Energy website.
Is Canadian Energy Standard part of Save on Energy, the IESO or Home Renovation Savings?
No. Canadian Energy Standard is a private, independent company. It is not a government agency, utility or program provider, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of Save on Energy, the IESO or Home Renovation Savings. To apply, use saveonenergy.ca.
Sources
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