We are pleased to report we have a  certified Registered Energy Advisor (REA)  to do home energy audits for REAL.  John Appleby, a resident of Merrickville, is now accepting bookings for residents within the K7A postal code. The audits are a required component of the Greener Homes Program.

The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant was announced in May 2021.  Qualifying homeowners are eligible for grants of up to $5000 to perform home energy efficiency retrofits to their homes. These grants come with an additional $600 to assist with the cost of two EnerGuide home energy evaluations.  One audit is required before the renovations are started, and the second takes place after the retrofits are made to establish that energy savings have been made and give your home a new EnerGuide energy efficiency rating.  Renovations made before the initial assessment will not qualify.  Your REA will help you assess your options for renovations, and help you get the most value for your money. Once the required documentation of the expenses are submitted, the homeowner will receive payment within 90 days. 

There are many businesses out there that do home energy evaluations.  As a local, environmental non-profit, REAL has no hidden agenda in performing the assessments.  We want you to achieve energy savings that will not only save you money, but reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting us all.  

Homeowners should begin by registering for the program with Natural Resources Canada using the online portal.  Note you will need to provide a property tax bill number that must match the name on the application.  There will be an opportunity to select a service organization based on your postal code.  If you are in K7A you will be able to select the Rideau Environmental Action League.  A referral will be sent off to John who will contact you about booking a time for your audit.  The pre audit costs $450, and the post audit costs $250.  Six hundred dollars will be reimbursed for those qualifying for the program.  

Please consult the NRCan website and REAL’s website for basic information before contacting John Appleby with more specific questions.  He can be reached at  (613) 784-9320 [email protected].   Note that NRCan provides a phone option for people without computer access to the portal.