SaskEnergy launched the Homes Beyond Code Program on Friday, a rebate that aims to incentivize potential homeowners to buy or build homes that exceed the minimum energy efficiency standards.

David Buckingham, MLA for Saskatoon Westview, says rebates of up to $9000 for home buyers and $800 for home builders who construct new homes at energy efficient Tiers 3, 4 or 5.

“The Homes Beyond Code Program is designed to help Saskatchewan homebuyers purchase energy efficient homes, save money on their energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve comfort and durability of their homes.”

James Gates, SaskTel Director of Customer Solutions, explain that there are several actions that can be taken to upgrade a home from Tier 1 or 2 to Tier 3, 4 or 5. These include adding insulation in certain areas, improving air tightness, installing a tankless water heater, and upgrading other appliances.

SaskEnergy hopes for 150 to 200 homes to take advantage of this rebate in the first year.

“Like the first year of any program, we’ll learn a lot in that first year, so it’s entirely possible that we will surpass that number,” Gates added.