Heat Pump Assistance Program

We've launched the Heat Pump Assistance Program (HPAP) to understand the effects of electrification on low-rise residential homes (one to three storeys high) in Toronto. This pilot study — offered for a limited time — was developed in collaboration with our service provider, CLEAResult Canada and other research partners.

About the program

Participants will receive a complimentary cold-climate air source heat pump (ccASHP) for their low-rise residential home in Toronto in exchange for active monitoring of their energy usage data for the length of the study, which is currently expected to last for one year once the installation is completed. Heat pump installations are expected to take place throughout 2025 and 2026, depending on group assignments.

All program equipment will be installed free of charge. Eligible equipment includes:

• A ccASHP or hybrid heating system (ccASHP with natural gas backup)
• Additional electrical equipment required to install the heat pump, where necessary and approved
• Indoor air quality monitor

All equipment installed will be yours to keep, with the exception of the indoor air quality monitor.

The goals of the HPAP are to:

• Support residential electrification
• Contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Help create a more affordable energy transition

Qualifying for the program

In order to participate in the HPAP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your total household income is equal to or below the maximum annual household income outlined in the HPAP qualification criteria by household income and size section below, or you've received one or more of the social assistance benefits outlined in the HPAP qualification criteria by eligible benefit programs section below within the last twelve (12) months
• You’re the owner of, or primary resident living in, a single-family dwelling (detached or semi-detached) located in Toronto with a postal code beginning with ‘M’ (except M0R and M7R)
• You’ve lived at the address for at least 12 months, and don't plan on moving within 12 months of when the equipment is installed
• You’re a Toronto Hydro customer who's listed as a primary or secondary account holder on your Toronto Hydro bills
• Your home is equipped with a functioning natural gas forced-air furnace
• Your current home heating system uses natural gas with central air ducts (equipment suitability to be confirmed at pre-inspection)
• Your home has a stable, secure and reliable Wi-Fi internet connection
• You don’t have major renovations or demolitions scheduled to take place within the next year

Behind on your electricity bill? There are support programs designed to help. Visit our Financial Assistance web page for details.

Step-by-step process

1. Review program eligibility details with CLEAResult Canada to see if you qualify.

Complete the HPAP screening web form or call CLEAResult Canada at 647-792-2680 to guide you through the eligibility criteria and assess whether you qualify.

2. Apply for the program.

Through the screening process, CLEAResult Canada will determine whether you're eligible for the program. If you qualify, fill out a Participant Application (PDF, 140 KB) and email it to heatpumpassistance@torontohydro.com. You'll be asked to provide proof of income — for example, a benefit statement or your latest tax assessment. Please note that we're committed to keeping your personal information confidential and secure, as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

3. Your home undergoes an energy assessment.

A certified Residential Energy Auditor (REA) will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of your home. This includes evaluating your heating system, checking insulation levels, performing a blower door test and reviewing your income or benefit status, along with other eligibility criteria. The information collected helps us better understand your home’s energy profile and determine your qualification for the program.

4. Sign a Participant Agreement.

If your application is accepted, you’ll be asked to submit a signed Participant Agreement (PDF, 82 KB).

Note: If you’re a tenant, please ensure your landlord completes the “Landlord Consent” portion of the form.

5. Your home undergoes a pre-inspection.

After receiving a completed Participant Agreement, we’ll arrange for a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) specialist to visit your home to complete a pre-inspection and confirm equipment eligibility. During this visit, we’ll collect information relating to your existing heating and cooling equipment, the age of your home, your natural gas consumption data, air quality measurements and your thermostat. This information helps us determine which equipment is most appropriate for your home.

With your permission, we may also refer you to other no-cost energy affordability programs that you may benefit from.

6. The heat pump equipment gets installed in your home.

If accepted into the program, we’ll arrange a time to install the heat pump equipment and enable Green Button's Connect My Data® feature to start sharing your energy usage data with us. Participating homes will be randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups as part of the study. Depending on your group assignment, a contractor will install either a fully electric ccASHP system or a hybrid heating system (ccASHP with natural gas backup).

We'll reach out to half of the participating homes to schedule the installations shortly after acceptance into the program. The remaining installations will take place approximately one year after the pre-inspection and acceptance into the program takes place.

7. We'll begin monitoring.

Once the equipment is installed, we'll collect and share your energy usage data with our research collaborators.

Once the study concludes, we'll arrange a time to collect the air quality monitoring system — along with the flash drive and SD cards — and have you complete a final survey about your experience. The heat pump equipment remain yours to keep — free of charge!