NDP promises $1B in retrofit programs

Ontario's New Democrats are promising nearly $1 billion over four years in retrofit programs to reduce electricity use and save money.

Leader Andrea Horwath said that if elected, her party would provide a $5,000 rebate on home improvements ranging from installing high-efficiency furnaces to approved windows and doors.

Horwath said the plan will allow people to conserve energy in an affordable way after the Liberal government cancelled a home energy savings program last year.

Homeowners can save as much as $700 a year on a $2,000 heating bill by making the changes.

The promise is part of the party's energy platform, and will be paid for with savings generated by putting nuclear projects at Darlington on hold.

Over four years, the plan would include $500 million for home energy savings rebates, $40 million in low-interest loans, close to $300 million in grants and $150 million in an Energy Star program.