The Renewable Energy Initiative

An important objective of the Social Housing Renovation and Retrofit Program (SHRRP) is to increase the energy efficiency of affordable housing.

On February 26, 2010, the federal and provincial governments announced the provision of $70 million for energy efficiency upgrades of existing social and new affordable housing projects. Click below to read:

• ONPHA's reaction
• the original announcement
• the information package 
• Questions and Answers on the Renewable Energy Initiative
• Background information on REI from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Recent Updates:

• Project Approval Update
• Vendor List Information
• Innoserv Solar has confirmed as an official Vendor of Record for the REI. Click here to learn more.
  

---

  Awaiting Announcement of Approved Projects

The application period for projects under the Renewable Energy Initiative has closed. Service Managers had until June 30th, 2010 to submit projects on behalf of housing providers. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is expected to make an announcement within the next two or three weeks of those projects that have received conditional approval. In considering the projects and granting conditional approval of projects, the Ministry will ensure that all types of renewable energy are supported through a variety of projects in all areas of the province.

Service Managers will be advised of those projects with conditional approval and any additional work that is necessary for the project to get underway.  This could include putting proper procurement processes into place, finalizing the budget and selecting the vendor from the vendors' list.

Construction must start within 90 days of final approval and all project approvals will have been received by March 31, 2011.

---

Vendor List Information

On May 10, 2010 the Ontario Power Authority released to Service Managers (and school boards) the online vendor list of qualifying providers and suppliers of five renewable energy technologies (solar air, solar water, geothermal, solar photovoltaic and small wind).

Service Managers have been provided with a password that will allow them to logon to view the vendor list. Housing providers who are interested in submitting a project for consideration under the REI Program should contact their Service Manager for access to the vendor list. The Ministry will likely be accepting submissions up to June 30, 2010 so providers should contact their Service Managers as soon as possible. All funds must be committed by March 31, 2011.

Download the Vendor List Announcement and the FAQ.

---

Background Information

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has information on the Renewable Energy Initiative under SHRRP and AHP New Rental Housing Extension 2009. Click here for program and application details.