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Source verified May 27, 2026
Retrofit Program
Energy-saving equipment upgrades for businesses
Latest source updateLast Update: June 29, 2026Latest change: The Retrofit Program now shows a June 30, 2026 program change notice, an explicit guided application flow, updated support contact details, and refreshed worksheets and examples.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 29, 2026
Latest change: The Retrofit Program now shows a June 30, 2026 program change notice, an explicit guided application flow, updated support contact details, and refreshed worksheets and examples.
Retrofit Program update for June 30, 2026
The Retrofit Program page now shows that program changes will take effect on June 30, 2026, and it also presents a clearer application path from getting started through portal sign-in, project approval, installation, post-project submission, and payment. The landing page now states funding of up to 50% of eligible project costs and refreshes the eligible upgrade examples, while the FAQs add a new Spring 2026 Retrofit program update link. Support details are also more prominent, including retrofit@ieso.ca and 1-844-303-5542, and the application documents page shows updated worksheet versions such as Solar PV DER Worksheet Version 3.0 effective May 29, 2026.
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
December 31, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Save on Energy Retrofit Program helps Ontario businesses reduce electricity use and operating costs through energy-saving equipment upgrades. It supports Prescriptive and Custom stream projects such as HVAC, lighting controls, data centre equipment, manufacturing equipment, and solar PV installations.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Energy-saving equipment upgrades
- Behind-the-meter solar installations to displace load and reduce demand on the grid
- Solar PV systems mounted on new or existing building rooftop(s)
Documents Needed
- Program Requirements
- Participant Agreement
- Participant Confirmation Form: Equipment Disposal and Decommissioning
- Solar PV DER Worksheet
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- commercial, industrial and institutional participants
- Building owners or lessees of commercial spaces
- Lessees must have owner’s consent or authorization to participate
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs for energy-efficiency retrofit equipment and technologies (up to 50% of eligible costs).
- Eligible project costs for behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic installations (including microgeneration and small–medium generation projects), up to 50% of eligible costs.
- Eligible project costs for installing an Energy Management Information System (EMIS) in an industrial facility, up to 50% of eligible costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Wall-mount configurations for the Prescriptive Solar DER offering
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Project's ability to generate sustainable, measurable, and verifiable electricity reductions (consumption and/or peak demand).
How to apply
- Get your project started by contacting us, or go to the Retrofit portal to log in or sign up.
- Go to the Retrofit portal to log in or sign up.
Processing and Agreement
- The SOE Representative/Vendor reviews and approves the Retrofit application.
- The Applicant implements the solar PV project and receives the incentive.
- To qualify for a Retrofit incentive, you must complete the steps above no later than 24 months after your Retrofit application is pre-approved.
- LDCs have grid connection authority to approve solar PV connection to the grid.
Additional information
- The Retrofit Program is delivered through the Save on Energy initiative by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
- Incentives are offered through two streams: Prescriptive and Custom.
- For non-lighting measures, the Custom stream lists incentive rates of $1,800/kW of peak demand savings or $0.20/kWh of energy savings.
- A bonus offer is available that doubles incentives for most non-lighting projects in electricity-constrained areas (capped at 50%).
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Retrofit Program Program
What is the Retrofit Program?
The Save on Energy Retrofit Program helps Ontario businesses reduce electricity use and operating costs through energy-saving equipment upgrades. It supports Prescriptive and Custom stream projects such as HVAC, lighting controls, data centre equipment, manufacturing equipment, and solar PV installations.
How much funding can be received?
Retrofit Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Retrofit Program program?
To be eligible for the Retrofit Program program, you must:
Owners or lessees (with owner consent) of eligible buildings (commercial, industrial, municipal/MUSH, multi-residential, agricultural).
Projects must deliver sustainable, measurable and verifiable reductions in peak electricity demand and electricity consumption.
Projects must apply under the Prescriptive or Custom stream for eligible technologies/measures.
What expenses are eligible under Retrofit Program?
Energy-saving equipment upgrades
Behind-the-meter solar installations to displace load and reduce demand on the grid
Solar PV systems mounted on new or existing building rooftop(s)
Who can I contact for more information about the Retrofit Program?
You can contact Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) by email at retrofit@ieso.ca or by phone at 1-844-303-5542.
Where is the Retrofit Program available?
The Retrofit Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Retrofit Program?
Retrofit Program is funded by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Pillar Nonprofit Network, Save on Energy (SOE)