Energy

Resources for Residents

Find out how much heat your home is losing

Your home may be losing heat without you even realizing it! MyHEAT, in partnership with Enbridge Gas, has conducted aerial infrared heat loss mapping in Vaughan to help homeowners identify energy-saving opportunities. Enter your address online to receive a free home heat loss report, including a heat map, rating and energy efficiency tools. This initiative supports sustainability efforts by providing homeowners with valuable information to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Learn more at enbridgegas.com/heat-map.

Financial incentives for home energy retrofits

Through Save on Energy's and Enbridge Gas' Home Renovation Savings program, residents can receive financial rebates for a number of energy retrofit measures including:

• Heat pumps
• Solar panels and battery energy storage
• Smart thermostats
• Air sealing
• Insulation
• New windows and doors
• Heat pump water heaters

Residents who need additional financial assistance are encouraged to check out the Enbridge Gas' Home Winterproofing Program and Save on Energy Affordability Program which provide free energy upgrades for homes in need.

Tap into interest-free loans

Through Natural Resource Canada, the Canada Greener Homes Loan offers interest-free financing to help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable. Eligible homeowners can receive loans of up to $40,000 with interest-free repayment terms of up to 10 years to finance eligible retrofits.

Tips for energy conservation at home

• Use energy efficient appliances: Consider switching to energy-efficient appliances such as LED bulbs, Energy Star-rated refrigerators and washing machines. The upfront investment may be higher, but the savings on your utility bills will add up over time.
• Unplug devices when not in use: Turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms or use a programmable timer power bar to reduce energy consumption at home. Did you know around 10 per cent of your utility bill is from inactive devices? By unplugging them, you reduce unnecessary energy waste and save yourself money!
• Optimize heating and cooling at home: When working from home, take control of your heating and cooling systems. Set thermostats to a comfortable, but energy-efficient temperature and wear appropriate clothing for the season. Additionally, consider using fans to circulate air or investing in smart thermostats that adjust automatically based on your routine.
• Maximize natural lighting: Take advantage of daylight when working from home. Open your blinds or curtains to let sunlight in, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Consider placing your desk near a window to maximize this benefit.
• Practice smart energy usage with appliances: If you use large appliances like washing machines or dishwashers while working from home, do so in off-peak hours. Many utility companies offer lower rates during off-peak times, so running appliances at night or during the early morning can save you money. Additionally, using items like wool dryer balls or opting to batch-cook
  one-pot meals can help reduce appliance run time.

Vaughan Energy Management Plan

An Energy Management Plan (EMP) typically includes:

• Conservation goals and objectives
• Proposed conservation measures
• Cost and savings estimates
• A description of any renewable energy generation facilities, including the amount of energy generated annually

In July 2014, the City of Vaughan submitted and made publicly available its first EMP. The 2014 EMP provided a comprehensive overview of City operations relevant to energy management (e.g., municipal facilities, streetlighting, etc.) and discussed retrofits and conservation measures that could be implemented to reduce energy consumption. The 2014 EMP also described a target to reduce energy consumption by 10% on a per person served basis in equivalent kilowatt hours per square foot (ekWh/ft2). A revised EMP was published in 2019.

The Corporate Energy Management Plan 2025-2029 (2025 EMP) updates the 2019 EMP in accordance with O. Reg. 507/18. The 2025 EMP will be finalized in Fall 2025. This update provides:

• An update of the energy consumption target
• A GHG emissions reduction target
• An implementation plan to reach the new targets (i.e., identified energy conservation programs and measures)

The EMP strives to achieve several objectives aligned with O. Reg. 507/18 and Green Directions Vaughan (Vaughan's Community Sustainability Master Plan). These objectives include to:

• continue to create a sustainability culture that embraces energy efficiency;
• promote sustainable resource use through energy conservation, energy efficiency, and support renewable energy initiatives;
• reduce energy operating and maintenance costs through implementation of best practices and advanced technologies; and
• continue to enhance the comfort and safety of users of city facilities.

View the City of Vaughan's updated EMP, 2019-2024.
 

Vaughan Municipal Energy Plan

A Municipal Energy Plan (MEP) is a comprehensive long-term plan designed to improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Municipal Energy Plans work to foster a community culture of energy conservation while helping to plan ahead for future development, land use planning, growth planning, and energy generation and transmission infrastructure. MEPs help to outline options for local clean and renewable energy generation, and work to support economic development by more effectively addressing local energy needs now and for the future.

View the City of Vaughan's Municipal Energy Plan

Initiatives arising from the Municipal Energy Plan will work to reduce overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Vaughan while positively impacting the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the community. Interested in finding out more? Want to get involved? Contact environment@vaughan.ca.