Program development - what does it entail?

Development of the Home Energy Retrofit Program has involved much research and community consultation with key stakeholder. To date, this consultation process has included:

• A public survey of Kingston residents on their current energy use, interest in reducing their energy and emissions as well as barriers to making these improvements;
• Ongoing discussions with natural gas and utility providers serving the Kingston area regarding their experience in past energy conservation programs and interest in partnering on implementing the Kingston Home Energy Retrofit Program;
• Consultations with non-profit organizations and training institutions for their potential involvement in program implementation;
• Engagement of trades contractors and home energy advisors who conduct business in the Kingston area for their practical perspective on conducting thousands of energy audits and retrofits over the next few years; and,
• Research on similar programs in other communities to identify lessons learned including discussions with personnel involved in the implementation.

Research was undertaken on local energy consumption, past home energy audits that have been completed in Kingston and the specific types of homes where the reduction in emissions, energy use and utility costs could be achieved. Review the full draft program study.

The final program details will be presented to City Council later in late summer before launching in fall 2021, subject to a successful funding application for federal financing and grants.