takeCHARGE Business Efficiency Program
Cut energy bills and modernize your Newfoundland business with up to $100,000 in rebates plus a peak demand bonus. This is a pay-first reimbursement grant, so you must get approval before spending and wait for verification to get paid. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Participants can earn **$0.10 per kWh saved AND a bonus incentive of $500 per kW peak demand reduced** , making it easier to improve efficiency while boosting the bottom line.”
Before you spend a dollar
You must sign the Project Development Agreement BEFORE starting any upgrades; do not buy equipment or hire contractors until you have written approval.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a commercial customer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro on the main grid.
- You have a concrete plan to upgrade heating, cooling, refrigeration, or lighting systems.
- You can wait for formal approval and project close-out verification before receiving funds.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located in an isolated system (you need the separate Isolated System Business Efficiency Program).
- You have already completed the work or feasibility study without prior approval (no reimbursement for past work).
- You cannot guarantee the equipment will stay in service and deliver savings for at least five years.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $100,000 in rebates based on $0.10 per kWh of first-year savings, plus a $500 bonus for every kW of peak demand reduced.
What may be supported
- Heating and cooling system upgrades.
- Refrigeration improvements.
- Lighting retrofits.
- Tailored energy-saving projects identified in the assessment.
- Energy audits (pre-approved).
- Feasibility studies (pre-approved).
What's excluded or restricted
- Projects where energy savings are less than 85% of the estimate provided in the project proposal (results in incentive reductions).
- Feasibility studies completed prior to applying to the program (no reimbursement for earlier work, though TakeCharge may deem them sufficient at their discretion).
- Projects that do not stay in service and deliver energy savings for a minimum of five years.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must request an assessment, submit a proposal, wait for approval, execute the project, and then complete close-out measurement and verification to prove savings.
- 01Contact TakeCharge to request an energy assessment.
- 02Complete and return the project proposal form provided by your TakeCharge contact.
- 03Sign and return the Project Development Agreement if approved.
- 04Implement the energy-saving project.
- 05Complete project close-out, measurement, and verification to quantify savings.
- 06Receive final incentives after verification.
Who to ask: https://takechargenl.ca/contact-us/
Documents commonly required
- Completed project proposal form from TakeCharge.
- Signed Project Development Agreement.
- Pre-approval application for audits or feasibility studies (if applicable).
- Measurement and verification data for final close-out.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN coordinates heating and cooling upgrades with qualified trades to lower your utility bills, with the rebate offsetting the cost.
- BBN coordinates specialists for lighting and refrigeration retrofits, scoped to the program's guidelines so the incentive claim stays on track.
- BBN guides you through the energy audit and feasibility study process, helping you manage the paperwork and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is pay-first-then-reimburse; you fund the project upfront and get paid after verification.
- If your actual energy savings are less than 85% of your proposal estimate, your incentive will be reduced.
- The grant is likely taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- Selection is not automatic; you must pass an assessment and sign a binding agreement.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the technical viability of your project and the accuracy of your savings estimates; projects that fail to meet the 85% savings threshold face reduced payouts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get money for an energy audit or feasibility study?
Yes, but you must apply for pre-approval before incurring costs. Audits cover 50% up to $3,000, and feasibility studies cover 75% up to $5,000 (you must keep a 25% stake).
When do I get paid?
After the project is complete and the energy savings have been measured and verified. This is a reimbursement model, not an upfront grant.
What if my savings are lower than expected?
If actual savings are less than 85% of your proposal estimate, your incentive payment will be reduced accordingly.
Is this available for businesses in isolated systems?
No, this program is for main grid customers. Isolated system customers should apply for the Isolated System Business Efficiency Program.
What you can combine it with
You can combine this with the Product Rebates program for off-the-shelf items, but check with TakeCharge to ensure no double-dipping on the same costs.
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Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.