Updated May 2026 · Verified against Efficiency Manitoba (Crown corporation) guidelines
▲ Growing ✓ First-Timer Friendly Reimbursement Est. 2019
Grant Provincial Active

Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Deep Energy Retrofit Program

Efficiency Manitoba (Crown corporation)
Maximum Funding
Up to $12,000
Ongoing; GSHP bonus incentive expires March 31, 2027
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Moderate
Payment
Reimbursement
Trend
Growing
First-Timers
Friendly ✓
Co-Funding
Varies
Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Deep Energy Retrofit Program provides Up to $12,000 for energy modelling; $2.25–$6.00/sq ft performance incentive (scaled to % energy reduction achieved); GSHP bonus doubles the incentive until March 31, 2027. Performance-based incentive program for Manitoba commercial, multi-unit residential, industrial, and agricultural buildings to fund deep energy retrofits that reduce energy use by 20% or more. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. (As of May 2026, verified against Efficiency Manitoba (Crown corporation) program guidelines)

Eligibility & Details

What this program funds and who can apply

Free

Program Description

Performance-based incentive program for Manitoba commercial, multi-unit residential, industrial, and agricultural buildings to fund deep energy retrofits that reduce energy use by 20% or more. Covers up to $12,000 for energy modelling plus a per-square-foot performance incentive scaled to the depth of energy savings achieved, reaching $6.00/sq ft at 50% energy reduction.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Commercial, multi-unit residential, industrial, or agricultural buildings located in Manitoba
  • Building must have moderate to high energy consumption
  • Project must demonstrate potential to reduce energy use by 20% or more
  • Project must include at least two significant energy-saving measures from different core categories
  • No single measure may account for more than 75% of anticipated total energy savings
  • On-site work cannot begin before application approval
  • Building must be primarily heated by electricity or natural gas (not in the process of transitioning between the two)
Provinces
Manitoba
Industries
Clean Technology Real Estate Manufacturing Industrial Agriculture Construction
Business Stage
Growth Expansion Mature

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Moderate
Competition
Low
Est. Hours
20h
First-Timer
Friendly

Funding Details

Amount
Up to $12,000 for energy modelling; $2.25–$6.00/sq ft performance incentive (scaled to % energy reduction achieved); GSHP bonus doubles the incentive until March 31, 2027
Type
Grant
Level
Provincial
Deadline
Ongoing; GSHP bonus incentive expires March 31, 2027

Program Scorecard

Competition, effort, and approval at a glance

Hybrid
Competition
Low
Effort
~20 hours
Approval
Good
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
Approval Rate
--%
Premium See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time.
Know your real odds before investing 40+ hours
Approval likelihood, realistic amounts, competition level, and what winners look like
Consultants charge $500–$2,000 per program. This Playbook is $19.
Unlock this Playbook — $19 One-time · Yours forever · Instant access
or subscribe for $29/mo · 30-day money-back
What's in this Playbook

Everything you need to win Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Deep Ener... — $19

Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.

Consultants charge $2,000–$5,000 per program. This Playbook is $19. Yours forever.
Unlock this Playbook — $19 or subscribe for $29/mo · 30-day money-back →

Applying for Efficiency Manitoba? Our Grant Proposal Template ($19) mirrors the section structure Canadian reviewers actually score on. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →

How to Win

Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like

Premium
Insider Tip

The incentive rate jumps significantly at higher savings thresholds — a project achieving 40% savings earns $4. 50/sq ft vs $2.25/sq ft at 20%. Investing in energy modelling to identify measures that push savings above 35% can more than double the total incentive. Ground-source heat pump installations in multi-unit residential buildings earn a 100% bonus on all performance incentives until March 31, 2027 — this is a significant time-limited opportunity. Do not begin any construction before receiving written approval from Efficiency Manitoba.

Premium See what trips up most applicants for this program — and how to avoid it.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

  • Energy reduction target below 20% — must achieve at least 20% to qualify
  • Only one type of energy-saving measure proposed (minimum two categories required)
  • A single measure accounts for more than 75% of anticipated savings
+3 more pitfalls
Premium See the most common reasons applications get rejected — before you submit yours.

Success Profile

A Manitoba commercial building owner (retail, office, multi-unit residential, or industrial facility) with 10,000+ sq ft and high energy costs seeking to make a comprehensive retrofit — HVAC replacement, building envelope upgrades, lighting overhaul, and/or GSHP installation — that will achieve at least a 20% reduction in total energy use. Ideal candidates have aging mechanical systems due for replacement within the next 3-5 years.

Premium See what successful applicants for this program actually look like.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed against the 20% minimum energy reduction threshold using energy modelling conducted by a registered energy modeller. Projects must include measures from at least two different energy-saving categories, with no single measure exceeding 75% of total savings. Efficiency Manitoba reviews Phase 1 modelling deliverables to confirm eligibility before work proceeds. Post-project verification confirms actual savings achieved and determines final incentive tier.

Premium See exactly what reviewers score on — so you know where to focus.
Don’t waste 20 hours on a preventable rejection
6 reasons applications get rejected, what winners look like, and exactly what reviewers score on
Paid grant writers quote $2,000–$5,000 per program. Start with the $19 Playbook first.
Unlock this Playbook — $19 One-time · Yours forever · Instant access
or subscribe for $29/mo · 30-day money-back

Application Playbook

Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses

Premium 5 steps 5 docs

Application Steps

1 Submit application before any work begins Email a completed application form to [email protected]. No construction or installation may begin until written approval is received.
2 Engage a registered energy modeller (Phase 1) Upon application approval, hire a registered energy modeller to complete Phase 1 deliverables: whole-building energy model, retrofit scenarios, projected savings by measure, and cost-benefit analysis.
3 Submit Phase 1 deliverables for review Efficiency Manitoba reviews energy modelling outputs to confirm the project meets the 20% reduction threshold and multi-measure requirements. Incentive pre-approval issued.
4 Complete retrofit construction Proceed with approved renovation work using qualified contractors. Track actual energy consumption data throughout the process.
5 Submit Phase 2 verification and claim incentive After completion, submit post-retrofit energy modelling verification and documentation of installed measures. Efficiency Manitoba calculates final incentive based on actual achieved savings and issues payment.

Required Documents 5

✓ Completed application form (submitted to [email protected])
✓ Energy modelling deliverables from a registered energy modeller (Phase 1)
✓ Building utility bills and energy consumption data
✓ Proposed retrofit scope and contractor quotes
✓ Post-retrofit verification reports (Phase 2, at project completion)

Eligible Expenses 9

  • HVAC systems replacement and upgrades (heat pumps, chillers, air handling units)
  • Building envelope improvements (insulation, windows, air sealing)
  • Commercial lighting system upgrades and controls
  • Building automation systems and energy management controls
  • Ground-source heat pump systems (GSHP) and related infrastructure
  • Variable frequency drives on motors
  • Compressed air system upgrades
  • Commercial refrigeration system efficiency improvements
  • Energy modelling costs (up to $12,000)

Ineligible Expenses 5

  • New construction projects (retrofit of existing buildings only)
  • Measures that do not contribute to the minimum 20% energy reduction target
  • Work commenced before receiving written approval from Efficiency Manitoba
  • Buildings transitioning primary heating fuel source during the program period
  • Standard maintenance and repair not resulting in measurable energy savings

Intake Periods

Continuous year-round intake. No application windows. Apply before beginning any project work.

Deadline Notes

Program has no fixed end date. Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) doubled-incentive bonus applies to multi-unit residential projects enrolled by March 31, 2027. Apply as early as possible — work cannot begin before application approval.

Ineligible Organizations

  • Residential (single-family home) owners — residential programs available separately
  • Buildings under new construction (existing buildings only)
  • Buildings outside Manitoba
Premium Get the step-by-step application guide — documents, timeline, and what to prepare.

Funding Stack Strategy

Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential

Premium 3 partners

Compatible Programs

Canada Greener Buildings Fund (NRCan) Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Implementation Fund Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Energy Rebates (standard)
Combined Funding Potential See your total funding potential

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

Low clawback risk for standard retrofit grants. If installed systems are removed or significantly degraded within approximately 5 years of installation, Efficiency Manitoba may reclaim a portion of incentives paid. Normal equipment maintenance and replacement at end-of-life are not triggers.

Premium See which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get.
See your total funding potential across 3 programs
Stacking amounts, clawback details, government stacking limits, and tax implications
One avoided clawback typically outweighs the $19 Playbook cost by 50–100×.
Unlock this Playbook — $19 One-time · Yours forever · Instant access
or subscribe for $29/mo · 30-day money-back

How Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Deep Ener... Compares

Side-by-side with similar programs

Free
Program Amount Difficulty Payment Deadline
Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Deep... Up to $12,000 Moderate Reimbursement Ongoing; GSHP bonus...
Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... Up to $50 million Hard Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Ongoing — continuous...
CanExport SMEs Up to $50,000 Moderate Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Next deadline: May 29,...
Ocean Supercluster Up to $5 million Hard Reimbursement Call-specific — no open...
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit Up to 8% tax credit Moderate Tax Credit Offset Ongoing

Related Programs

Other programs you might be eligible for

Free
Tax Credit

Alberta Innovation Employment Grant

8% base rate on R&D at or below 2-year rolling average; 20%... · Provincial
 Tax Credit

Quebec R&D Tax Credit (CRIC — Research, Innovation and Commercialization)

20-30% tax credit (CRIC) · Provincial
 Program

Export Development Canada (EDC) Financing

Varies · Federal

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about Efficiency Manitoba — Commercial Deep Ener...

Free
What does 'deep retrofit' mean and why does it matter?
A deep retrofit reduces building energy use by 20% or more through multiple coordinated improvements (HVAC, envelope, lighting, controls). Programs require at least two measure categories because shallow single-measure retrofits don't qualify.
How is the per-square-foot incentive calculated?
The rate scales with energy savings: $2.25/sq ft at 20% reduction, rising to $6.00/sq ft at 50% reduction. Investing in energy modelling to identify measures that push savings above 35-40% can more than double your incentive.
Can I start the retrofit before applying?
No. Work cannot begin before receiving written approval. Submitting an application after work has started will disqualify the project. Apply first, get written approval, then begin.
Is there a bonus for heat pumps?
Yes: ground-source heat pump installations in multi-unit residential buildings earn a 100% bonus on all performance incentives for projects enrolled by March 31, 2027.
Does a small retail store qualify?
Yes, commercial buildings of any size can apply. Efficiency Manitoba will determine the incentive based on building area and achieved savings percentage. Energy modelling costs (up to $12,000) are covered regardless of project size.

Browse More Funding

Manitoba Grants Clean Technology Grants Manufacturing Grants Agriculture Grants Explore All Programs Take the Quiz