Case Study
Changing the Rules
A man had a number of renovations done to his home in April 2008, including the installation of foam insulation in his basement. To help pay for the upgrades, he was counting on assistance from the Home Energy Audit and Retrofit Rebate Program, a joint program between the Ontario and federal governments to encourage more energy-efficient homes.
When the final audit of the renovations was done in July 2008, Ontario officials told him the foam insulation was no longer eligible for a grant, as of June 19. As a result, he was short $1,000, which he owed to the installer – who was threatening to turn the bill over to a collection agency.
Ombudsman staff contacted the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which acknowledged it was unfair to deny the man the grant. They asked their federal counterparts to examine his file, and they determined that since his initial assessment for the renovations was done before June 19, he should have been eligible for the grant. As a result, he received both the federal and provincial rebates and the bill collectors were called off.