Open

Small Business Program

Free energy-efficient equipment upgrades for eligible Ontario small businesses

Offered by

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

Official source: saveonenergy.ca

Source change captured May 11, 2026

Funding available: $ 3,000
Deadline: Open continuously
Location: Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: Ontario small businesses; See full eligibility

Overview

The Save on Energy Small Business Program provides up to $3,000 in free lighting incentives and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment to help Ontario small businesses reduce energy consumption at no cost. Funding supports direct-install energy-efficiency upgrades identified through a free on-site assessment, such as lighting, refrigeration improvements, and smart thermostat installations.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $3,000

Financing goals

Increase performance through digital transformation
Reduce environmental footprint
Renovate or expand facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: 50 employees maximum
Audience: Canadians
Legal structures: For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 1

Latest changes

May 11, 2026

Small Business Program updated

The Small Business Program now highlights higher incentives, added refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades, and updated eligibility and application guidance.

The Small Business Program page now shows up to $5,500 in direct-install incentives, with separate amounts for lighting and for refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades. The eligibility section was also expanded to confirm Ontario business and lease requirements, landlord consent for tenants, and updated guidance for past participants. The application flow was rewritten with clearer how-it-works steps, FAQ content, and references to required assessment, agreement, and work order documents. The page also adds Peak Perks promotion, an Enbridge smart thermostat note, and updated contact wording.

Official source: saveonenergy.ca

May 11, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Ontario small businesses
Commercial and institutional facilities
Agricultural facilities
Multi-family buildings

Who is not eligible

Residential distribution customers, except recognized farm operations.

Eligible expenses

Purchase and installation of eligible lighting equipment (up to $3,000 in incentives).
Purchase and installation of eligible non-lighting equipment (up to $2,500 in incentives), including notably refrigeration upgrades and smart thermostats.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Activities funded

Free on-site energy assessment.
Installation of eligible lighting upgrades.
Installation of eligible refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades.

How to apply

Step 1: Schedule an assessment
- Apply online, by phone, or by email.
- Request a free on-site assessment.
Step 2: Review your options
- Review the upgrades identified after the assessment.
- Choose whether to proceed.
Step 3: Sign the documents
- Review and sign the participant agreement.
- Review and sign the work order.
Step 4: Get the upgrades
- Qualified delivery partners manage installation and cleanup.

Processing and Agreement

A free assessment is completed first.
A participant agreement and work order are issued before installation.
Installations are handled by qualified delivery partners.

Additional information

Upgrades are delivered through a direct-install model, with qualified Save on Energy delivery partners managing installation and related project coordination.
Prior participation in certain Save on Energy programs may allow businesses to receive additional upgrades at no cost.
Some upgrades that exceed the standard incentive caps may qualify for additional incentives (see the Eligible Measures List).
Key stated benefits include lower electricity bills, reduced maintenance and operating costs, improved employee comfort and productivity, and higher customer satisfaction.

Contacts

info@smallbusinessprogram.ca

1-833-825-7283

Official sources

Small Business Program

Program guide

Helping small businesses save on energy Helping small businesses save on energy Interested in starting a project? We can help.

Supporting document

Sbp Eligible Measures List SBP Eligible Measures List Sbp Eligible Measures List SBP Eligible Measures List SBP Eligible Measures List

Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Business Program Program

What is the Small Business Program?

How much funding can be received?

Small Business Program Funds up to $3,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Small Business Program program?

To be eligible for the Small Business Program program, you must: Ontario business 50 or fewer employees Own or lease premises

What expenses are eligible under Small Business Program?

Purchase and installation of eligible lighting equipment (up to $3,000 in incentives). Purchase and installation of eligible non-lighting equipment (up to $2,500 in incentives), including notably refrigeration upgrades and smart thermostats.