Energy adviser group decries ‘abrupt’ closure of Greener Homes Loan, warns of layoffs

A heat pump unit is seen outside a new single family house billed as an estate cottage, in Delta, B.C., on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A group representing the energy adviser profession says it’s deeply concerned about the sudden closure of applications for the federal Canada Greener Homes Loan program.

Homeowners had been able to borrow up to $40,000 interest-free for certain renovations that would make their properties more energy efficient, such as upgraded windows and insulation.

The Canada Housing and Mortgage Corp. said in a notice on its website Wednesday that the last day homeowners can submit an application for a loan is Oct. 1.

“The Canada Greener Homes Loan has been successful in offering homeowners interest-free repayable loans for energy-efficient home upgrades throughout Canada. As a result, the program’s funding will soon be fully allocated,” CMHC spokesman Leonard Catling said in an emailed statement Thursday.

To date, more than 120,000 loans have been committed totalling $2.9 billion, he said.

The Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors wrote to the federal ministers of housing and natural resources urging Ottawa to continue investing in the program long term.

“The abrupt closure of the loan leaves families stranded and prevents them from moving forward with planned upgrades. Many homeowners have already booked audits into the fall and early winter with the intent of applying for the loan and begun discussions with contractors,” association executive director Cindy Gareau wrote.

In order for a federal loan to be approved, homeowners must have energy audits completed before and after renovations are done to measure efficiency improvements. Applications for the greener homes loan have been a big part of energy advisers’ workloads in recent years.

In an interview, Gareau said advisers are scrambling with two weeks’ notice that the program is winding down.

“Energy advisers and their service organizations have to call their clients back and say, ‘Sorry -- we’re happy to do the audit, but you’re not going to be able to apply for the loan.’ There are many who are trying to push audits in two weeks for the Oct. 1 deadline, if they can," she said.

“I think they’ll be getting a lot of phone calls from people saying, “Quick -- I need my audit tomorrow.’ And you can only do maybe three audits in a day ... It’s not going to be pretty.”

A grant program for home efficiency retrofits ended last year, and 600 energy adviser jobs have been lost out of a total of more than 1,900 due to reduced demand for audits, Gareau’s group said.

She warned of further “layoffs and instability” for the sector with the loss of the loan program, which would affect more than just energy advisers.

“Manufacturers, contractors, installers, and skilled trades across the retrofit ecosystem will face similar setbacks,” Gareau wrote.

“Much of the progress made in recent years to strengthen Canada’s home retrofit industry will be lost -- forcing future governments to rebuild capacity from scratch, as has happened with past stop-and-start programs.

“Without sustainable career pathways, Canada risks losing the experienced professionals and skilled tradespeople required to meet its housing and climate objectives.”

Catling said many other efficiency programs offered by provinces, territories and municipalities may require audits by energy advisers going forward.

Natural Resources Canada does not administer the Greener Homes Loan, but it does back other efficiency initiatives.

Last week, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the launch of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, which aims to help low- to medium-income households reduce their energy bills and emissions. It is to be developed in partnership with the provinces and territories.

The first agreement has been reached with Manitoba, with funding of nearly $30 million.

Gareau said the affordability program is a “positive step,” but is “limited in scope and eligibility.”

Since taking office this spring, Prime Minister Mark Carney has also eliminated the consumer carbon price and delayed the electric vehicle sales mandate by at least a year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press