Closed
Source verified August 4, 2026
Retrofit Program: Custom Stream
Energy-efficiency incentives for complex retrofits
Latest source updateLast Update: August 2, 2026Latest change: The Retrofit Program: Prescriptive Stream page now shows revised worksheet references, a newer Solar PV DER worksheet version and effective date, and added FAQ and portal guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 2, 2026
Latest change: The Retrofit Program: Prescriptive Stream page now shows revised worksheet references, a newer Solar PV DER worksheet version and effective date, and added FAQ and portal guidance.
Retrofit Prescriptive Stream guidance updated
The Retrofit Program: Prescriptive Stream support page now points applicants to a newer Solar PV DER Worksheet, revised from Version 3.0 effective May 29, 2026 to Version 3.2 effective June 30, 2026. It also updates worksheet naming references, including HVAC Pumps changing to Pumps and Network Lighting Controls moving to a new version and effective date. The page view also adds a new FAQ section, a subscription sign-up block, a portal legal disclaimer, and a document archive link, which changes how applicants are directed to supporting materials and portal guidance.
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Owners and operators of industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-family residential buildings.
See full eligibility
Overview
Retrofit Program: Custom Stream supports businesses undertaking complex energy-efficient retrofits that may not fit in the Prescriptive Stream. Incentives are the lesser of $1,800/kW of peak demand savings or $0.20/kWh of energy savings, up to 50% of eligible project costs and 55% of estimated eligible costs approved by the IESO.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Larger, more complex energy-efficient retrofits that may not fit in the Prescriptive Stream.
Documents Needed
- Program Requirements
- Participant Agreement
- Participant Confirmation Form: Equipment Disposal and Decommissioning
- Custom Project Worksheet
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Owners and operators of industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-family residential buildings.
- Persons with the rights and authority to have the Measures installed.
Who is not eligible
- Customers may not participate in both the Retrofit program and the Instant Discounts program for the same project.
- Lighting being installed in new buildings is not eligible for the incentive.
- Retrofit program participants must not accept the Save on Energy Instant Discounts program incentive from participating distributors when purchasing lighting measures.
Eligible expenses
- Material, labour and disposal costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Do not include costs not directly associated with the project
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- Contact your local distribution company (LDC) to discuss the connection process and the allowable maximum capacity of the solar PV system.
- Sign up for a Retrofit Portal account, if you do not already have an account.
- Complete the worksheet and submit a Retrofit application for review through the Save on Energy Retrofit portal.
- Receive approval to connect from your LDC and install your project.
- Receive approval from Save on Energy for your post-project Retrofit application and Retrofit incentive invoice.
Processing and Agreement
- From time to time throughout the Application review process and/or the term of the Participant Agreement, the IESO or its service providers may undertake quality assurance/quality control activities, including collecting photographic evidence, conducting a physical or virtual inspection of the Facility, collecting evidence of Eligible Costs and any payments, or requesting other information to verify project details.
- If an Application receives a Pre-Approval, the Participant must submit a Post-Project Submission by the later of 12 months following receipt of a Pre-Approval, the estimated project completion date specified in the Application, or any other deadline communicated in writing.
- Following approval of the Post-Project Submission and submission of an invoice, any Participant Incentive payable will be paid as a lump sum within 90 days of the Participant receiving the Participant Incentive Invoice Approval.
Additional information
- Most lighting measures previously available as part of the Retrofit program are now offered through the Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program.
- Incentives for the Industrial EMIS are funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) as part of its Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program.
- Applications containing measures that will have their incentives reduced on June 30, 2026, and that are submitted before June 30, 2026, will be honoured based on the incentives at the time of application submission.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Retrofit Program - Agriculture IncentivesEnergy-saving equipment upgrades for businesses
- Retrofit Program — Prescriptive StreamEnergy-saving upgrade incentives
- Save on Energy Retrofit Program – Greenhouse Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Incentives (Southwest Region)Incentives for greenhouse energy storage projects
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) incentivesRooftop solar incentives
Frequently Asked Questions about the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream Program
What is the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream?
Retrofit Program: Custom Stream supports businesses undertaking complex energy-efficient retrofits that may not fit in the Prescriptive Stream. Incentives are the lesser of $1,800/kW of peak demand savings or $0.20/kWh of energy savings, up to 50% of eligible project costs and 55% of estimated eligible costs approved by the IESO.
How much funding can be received?
Retrofit Program: Custom Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream program?
To be eligible for the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream program, you must:
Projects must achieve sustainable, measurable reductions in electricity use.
The Custom Stream is for energy-efficient retrofits that are more complex or may not fit in the Prescriptive Stream.
What expenses are eligible under Retrofit Program: Custom Stream?
Larger, more complex energy-efficient retrofits that may not fit in the Prescriptive Stream.
Who can I contact for more information about the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream?
You can contact Save on Energy (SOE) by email at retrofit@ieso.ca or by phone at 1-844-303-5542.
Where is the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream available?
The Retrofit Program: Custom Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Retrofit Program: Custom Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Retrofit Program: Custom Stream is a Grant and Funding