Renfrew County Home Services Renfrew County & Surrounding Area Guide

IESO Save on Energy — Ontario Electricity Conservation Rebates

Rebate programs from Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator for residential and commercial customers

Last updated: June 2026 — Programs change frequently. Always verify current offers at saveonenergy.ca.

What Is the IESO Save on Energy Program?

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) administers a suite of conservation and demand management programs across Ontario under the Save on Energy umbrella. These programs offer rebates, incentives, and financing to encourage Ontario electricity customers — residential, commercial, and industrial — to use electricity more efficiently.

Unlike broad federal energy grant programs, Save on Energy rebates apply specifically to electricity-related upgrades. Participation is accessed through your local electricity utility, which means eligibility, available programs, and rebate amounts can differ significantly depending on who distributes your power.

Important: The IESO funds and designs these programs, but individual local distribution companies (LDCs) — such as Hydro One and Pembroke Hydro — administer them at the customer level. Always contact your utility directly to confirm what is currently available in your area.

Who Serves the Renfrew County Area?

Renfrew County's electricity distribution is split between two main utilities:

  • Hydro One: Serves most of rural Renfrew County — including unorganized townships, much of Renfrew town, Arnprior, and surrounding townships. Hydro One is the largest LDC in Ontario and offers several Save on Energy programs.
  • Pembroke Hydro: Serves the City of Pembroke and some surrounding areas. As a smaller municipal utility, Pembroke Hydro's program offerings may differ from Hydro One's. Contact Pembroke Hydro directly at their service office for the most current rebates available in Pembroke proper.

Some smaller communities in the county may be served by other local utilities. If you are unsure of your LDC, your electricity bill will identify your distribution company.

Current Save on Energy Program Areas (June 2026)

The following categories represent program types that have historically been offered or are currently available under the Save on Energy banner. Specific rebate amounts and eligibility criteria change regularly — this is a general overview, not a definitive list of active offers.

Smart Thermostats

Rebates for qualifying Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats have been one of the most consistently available programs. These devices help reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods by automatically adjusting your home's temperature. Some programs have offered rebates in the range of $75–$100 per thermostat, depending on the model and year. Your utility may also offer free or subsidized smart thermostats directly through the program.

Insulation and Air Sealing

Electricity-specific rebates for insulation are less common than natural gas-focused programs (see the Ontario Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program for gas-heat savings). However, when electric baseboard heat or heat pumps are the primary heating source, improved insulation reduces electricity consumption significantly, and some Save on Energy streams have included insulation components. If you heat with electricity in Renfrew County, ask both the IESO program and your utility about combined rebates. Learn more about insulation services in Renfrew County.

LED Lighting

Lighting rebates — primarily for commercial and institutional customers — have been part of the Save on Energy ecosystem for years. Residential LED programs have become less common as LED bulb prices have dropped, but commercial lighting upgrades remain an active rebate category for businesses in Renfrew County.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers

Programs supporting Level 2 EV charger installation for residential customers have been available through certain LDCs. These can include rebates on the charger hardware and/or the electrical panel upgrade sometimes needed to support charging. If you are considering adding an EV charger, consult a licensed electrician in Renfrew County and ask your utility about any available incentive.

Commercial and Industrial Programs

Small businesses and farms in Renfrew County may have access to commercial-stream Save on Energy programs, including energy audits, equipment upgrades, and custom incentives for larger projects. The IESO's Process and Systems Optimization program has supported manufacturing and agricultural operations across rural Ontario.

How to Access Save on Energy Programs

  1. Visit saveonenergy.ca — The official IESO portal lists all active programs with eligibility requirements and rebate details.
  2. Contact your utility — Call or visit Hydro One or Pembroke Hydro to ask what programs are currently active for your account type and location.
  3. Check for pre-approval requirements — Many rebates require pre-approval before you purchase equipment or begin work. Purchasing first and applying after may disqualify you.
  4. Keep all receipts and documentation — Rebate applications require proof of purchase, contractor invoices, and sometimes product specification sheets.

Programs are funded on a cycle basis and can close when funding is exhausted. Checking availability before planning an upgrade can save significant frustration.

Combining Save on Energy With Other Programs

Save on Energy rebates are generally stackable with federal programs. If you are completing an energy audit and retrofit through the Ontario Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program, you may also be eligible for applicable IESO rebates on the same project. Confirm stacking rules with each program before applying.

For low-income households, the IESO has offered enhanced rebates and dedicated programs in the past. See the Low-Income Home Improvement Programs page for additional supports available in Ontario.

Official Resources

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