Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP) - FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions about ERIP

What is ERIP?

ERIP is a program designed to encourage Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional and Agricultural businesses to retrofit their facilities with electricity efficient technology. The program is designed to drive the replacement of older, inefficient technology with newer electricity efficient technology. These common older technologies, lighting, fans, motors, have been replaced by newer more efficient options. The program offers business two ways to participate, through our prescriptive component with pre-defined technologies or via our custom component.

Why is Horizon Utilities Corporation providing an incentive to their customers?

This program has been developed in cooperation with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). The OPA's mission is to ensure long-term reliable and sustainable supply of electricity for the Province. A major focus for the OPA is providing programs and initiatives that promote and encourage better conservation and demand management of electricity for all sectors across the province.

ERIP will be a catalyst to move forward commercial, industrial & institutional (CI&I) and agricultural projects that have been stalled for various reasons. Utility incentives bring new attention to projects and often assist in getting the commitment to proceed from customers.

Who qualifies for ERIP?

Program applicants must be General Service (business) customers of Horizon Utilities Corporation. If you are unsure if you are a General Service customer, please contact us. Applicants may be owners or tenants of business premises supplied by a Horizon Utilities Corporation. Please note that if you are a tenant, you must obtain permission from the property owner for installation of the measures for which an incentive is claimed.

What projects qualify for ERIP?

ERIP incentives will be available for projects that result in measurable reductions in electrical peak demand. These projects may be completed using energy efficient technologies prescribed by the program or may be based on innovative custom initiatives.

What are Prescriptive Technologies?

The prescriptive list is a list of well known technologies that are available in the market place with established electrical savings. ERIP offers incentives for technologies on a per unit basis. An incentive is available for technologies such as:

  • Lighting
    • Fluorescent lighting systems (T8, T5, CFLs)
    • Metal halide lighting systems
    • LED EXIT signs
    • Occupancy sensors
  • Motors
    • Three phase premium efficiency motors 1-200 hp
  • Cooling equipment
    • Unitary A/C units up to 25 tons that are energy star qualified or CEE compliant
  • Agriculture
    • 24" ventilation fans
    • Livestock waterers
    • Swine creep heat and controls

This list may change over time, so please check back.

Why are these particular technologies included in the prescriptive list?

The prescriptive list is based on well known technologies that are available in the market place with established electrical savings.

The project that I wish to undertake uses a simple straightforward technology. Can it be included under the prescriptive program?

The prescriptive program is limited at this time to a fixed number of technologies. The OPA will not be changing the qualifying technologies at this time but will review and update the qualifying list periodically to keep up with changing technologies.

What if I want to do a custom project?

All measures in a retrofit project that are not included on the list of Prescriptive Technologies may be considered as a Custom Project. All technology, equipment and systems are evaluated on the basis of their electrical demand reduction. The incentive offered of $150/kW is based specifically on the level of improvement.

How do I participate in ERIP?

Applicants can use the self-serve method by printing or downloading the application and appropriate documents the Worksheets and Forms page of this website.

Can I hire my own consultant to validate my proposal?

We encourage customers to consult with or obtain assistance from industry professionals to ensure that their design, proposals and installations best meet their needs. Horizon Utilities Corporation will engage a consultant of its choice to review any applications or evaluate any completed projects as appropriate.

What if I don't realize any savings after investing all this money?

The qualifying technologies are tried and true with known performance parameters. There are many variables that could affect their performance and we suggest that you discuss these with your designers and installers.

Can I also apply for funding through other organizations?

Yes, we encourage customers to take advantage of all funding available. Please also note that all funding will be considered in determining the amount of your utility's incentive.

Complementary funding can be sought from the following agencies and programs

  • CIPEC
  • ecoEnergy Retrofit Incentive for Buildings
  • Energy Retrofit Assistance (ERA) for Commercial and Institutional Buildings
    • ERA (P) for Retrofit Planning
    • ERA (3) and ERA (4) for Retrofit Projects
  • Energy Star Qualified Products
  • Industrial Buildings Incentive Program (IBIP)
  • Enbridge Gas programs
  • Union Gas programs

What if I miss the December 31st deadline?

All applications must be received by the deadline. There may, however, be an opportunity in the future for another round of applications, subject to OPA approval.

What is the Ontario Power Authority?

The Ontario Power Authority is an organization set up by the Ontario provincial government to plan the Ontario Power System, develop generation, develop the electricity sector and encourage electricity conservation.

Are there other programs to save electricity that are available to homeowners now?

The Ontario Power Authority offers a number of residential and commercial programs. You can find out more by visiting www.everykilowattcounts.com.