What products are rebates available for?

The EEIP will provide rebates for the most energy efficient items in the following categories.

*      Based on qualifying products purchased in the NWT.  Qualifying products purchased outside the NWT, but within Canada, are eligible for 50% of the rebate.
**     Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of the efficiency of heating appliances over a season or year.
***   With a brushless DC motor.

Why is the Government of the Northwest Territories providing refunds for these products?
In order to respond to citizens concerns over the high costs of energy, and to reduce overall energy use and greenhouse gases in Northwest Territories (NWT) as outlined in the NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy and the NWT Energy Plan. This program will provide an incentive for residents to replace energy intensive products with the most energy efficient products available.

Who is eligible for rebates?
Any permanent resident of the NWT is eligible. Non-profit organizations and businesses are eligible. Federal and territorial government departments are not eligible.

What are the changes to the rebates this year and when do they come into effect?
As of September 1, 2009, qualifying products purchased outside the NWT, but within Canada, are eligible for 50% of the rebate. A renewed focus on helping residents cope with high heating costs has led to an increase in rebates for furnaces, hot water heaters and new rebates for 90% gas boilers and low flush toilets.

If the new rebates come into effect September 1, 2009, what do I do if I bought an eligible product before September 1, 2009?
If you bought a product prior to September 1, 2009, it is eligible under the previous version of the EEIP. For example, if you bought an instantaneous hot water heater on June 15, 2009, it is eligible for a $250 rebate, not the new $350 rebate available as of September 1, 2009.

Why have vehicles been removed?
EEIP rebates for vehicles were introduced to match the federal ecoAUTO program. However, this program was phased out by the federal government on December 31, 2008. The phase out of vehicles has allowed EEIP to reposition our rebates to our primary goal of helping people cope with the increased cost of their heating supply.

Is there a maximum amount or number of rebates I can apply for?
Each household is eligible for two items under each category of the program. For example, you can get one furnace, one instantaneous hot water heater and two outboard motors. There is no maximum dollar amount of refund.  Non-profits and businesses are eligible for up to five items under each category.

I bought a fridge online, is this eligible for the EEIP rebate?
Possibly. If your fridge was bought online from a vendor with a permanent store in the NWT, it is eligible for a full rebate (eg. Sears). Qualifying products purchased online from other Canadian vendors are eligible for 50% of the rebate amount (eg. The Brick).

Where do I apply for a rebate?
This is a vendor-based program, so your local vendor, the Arctic Energy Alliance, or online at www.aea.nt.ca, or www.enr.gov.nt.ca will have information and application forms available. To apply, simply buy a new product which fits under the eligibility criteria, fill out the application form completely and mail, fax or deliver it to the Arctic Energy Alliance with a copy of the sales receipt.

How long will it take to process my cheque?
The Arctic Energy Alliance will do everything they can to process your cheque within six weeks of the date the form was received. Please provide them with clearly written, complete forms, with all the items requested within the “How the Rebate Works” section of the form, to ensure you get your money promptly.

What is the CARB three-star and ENERGY STAR® label I’m supposed to provide a copy of?
CARB three-star is the California Air Resources Board label for outboard motors which certifies that the motor is non-polluting to a high standard. ENERGY STAR® is a registered trademark which certifies the product is above a high standard for energy efficiency. Each of these standards has a label which is typically provided by the manufacturer upon purchase of the product. To ensure prompt processing of your rebate please include a copy of this label.

What happens if I buy a washing machine and end up having to return it?
The refund must be returned, unless the washing machine is replaced with another machine, which fits under the same category. Vendors are required to provide to the Arctic Energy Alliance the details of any person who returns an item, which was eligible for the rebate.

I want to buy a woodstove from outside the NWT. Am I eligible for the EEIP rebate?
Yes. The EEIP rebate is available for products purchased anywhere in Canada. However, qualifying products purchased in the NWT are eligible for the full rebate. Qualifying products purchased outside the NWT, but within Canada, are eligible for 50% of the rebate. One of the goals of the EEIP rebate program is to encourage northern businesses to carry energy efficient products.

How does the EcoRetrofit for homes rebates work?
EcoRetrofit for homes is a federal program which is administered by Arctic Energy Alliance. Homeowners can get an evaluation on their home, which provides recommendations for renovations. Upon completion of renovations a follow-up audit will outline your eligibility for a federal grant (based on work completed). EEIP will match this grant on renovations that include insulation upgrades, doors, windows or skylights. Many other portions of the ecoRetrofit program are matched by EEIP rebates (ie: furnaces), but an audit is not required to apply.

How do I know if I am in a hydro, diesel or natural gas community?
All communities have diesel backup generators, but the main qualifier is where the majority of the power comes from. Below is a list of communities and the source of the majority of their electricity.

Why do diesel and natural gas communities get larger rebates?
One of the major intentions of this program is to help the NWT reduce greenhouse gases. Hydroelectricity, which powers eight of our communities, is considered greenhouse gas neutral. Therefore, there is a greater benefit to reducing our consumption of fossil fuels than reducing electricity use in hydro communities.

I have heard about solar panels. Do they apply under EEIP?
The EEIP is only for products which boost energy efficiency, not for products which produce electricity. The Alternative Energy Technologies Program is available for those wishing to pursue alternative energies in the NWT.

Why do I have to sign a declaration that my fridge will be taken to the landfill for disposal?
The intention of this program is to increase energy efficiency in the NWT by replacing older, inefficient products with new, energy efficient products. By not removing your old fridge from use it is still using energy inefficiently and releasing greenhouse gases. Therefore, to get this rebate, it is necessary to remove your old fridge from use by taking it to the landfill for proper disposal.

If you have any other questions please fill out our Contact Form or
Call 867-920-3333 or toll free 1-877-755-5855.