Canada, FCM and Saint John partner to launch 15M program to help homeowners go solar

In a bid to help Canadians slash energy costs and fight climate change, the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing $15 million into a new residential retrofit program for homeowners in Saint John, NB.

The joint funding — a $5-million grant and a $10-million loan from FCM’s Green Municipal Fund — will enable homeowners to access financing for upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, rooftop solar, and electric vehicle chargers.

The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with Saint John Energy, which will manage the program. Homeowners can conveniently repay loans through their monthly utility bills — an approach aimed at making the upgrades more accessible.

Energy Costs and Emissions

Energy bills are a growing concern for many Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, the average household spent over $2,000 on home energy in 2024 — an increase of nearly 9% from the year prior, driven by higher electricity and heating fuel prices.

The new program helps residents cut those costs while reducing household greenhouse gas emissions. The targeted upgrades — including heat pumps that offer both heating and cooling — can lower energy use by 25–40%, according to Natural Resources Canada data.

The effort also aligns with the federal government’s national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Residential buildings currently account for about 17% of Canada’s total emissions, largely due to heating.

Local Success Story

Saint John Energy, an independent utility with roots going back to 1922, already operates popular rental programs for heat pumps and hot water heaters. This retrofit expansion builds on that experience.

“This investment helps Saint John families lower their energy bills while making energy efficiency more affordable,” said Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO of Saint John Energy.

Importantly, the program is designed to serve as a model for other municipalities across Canada. “By documenting lessons learned and sharing tools with partners, Saint John Energy will support other communities looking to implement similar programs,” FCM President Rebecca Bligh noted.

Part of a Larger Trend

More than 40 similar retrofit initiatives are now active nationwide through FCM’s Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) stream. Since 2000, GMF programs have cut Canada’s emissions by nearly 3 million tonnes — roughly equivalent to taking 650,000 cars off the road for a year.

Ottawa’s latest investment signals continued federal commitment to grassroots climate solutions — helping cities and homeowners lead Canada’s energy transition from the ground up.

Insight

As home energy prices rise, targeted programs like this one — rooted in local delivery and practical financing — offer a scalable path to savings and sustainability. If successful, Saint John’s model could soon ripple across Canada’s housing sector, accelerating the country’s net-zero push while making homes more comfortable and affordable.