Calgary's Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP): A Homeowner's Guide to Energy-Efficient Upgrades in 2026

Thinking about upgrading your Calgary home with new windows, solar panels or a more efficient furnace? The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) offers homeowners a way to finance eligible energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades and repay the cost over time through their property tax bill.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, looking to improve your home’s comfort or preparing to buy or sell a property in Calgary, understanding CEIP can help you make more informed real estate decisions.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the program works, which upgrades may qualify, what homeowners should know about repayment, and why CEIP matters when buying or selling a home.

What Is Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program?

The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) provides financing for eligible residential energy-efficiency and renewable-energy improvements. The program supports homeowners who want to reduce energy consumption, improve home comfort and make their properties more energy efficient without paying the entire project cost upfront.

According to the program information presented by the City of Calgary in October 2026, eligible residential projects may receive financing of up to $50,000, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs, with repayment terms of up to 20 years depending on the upgrades.

One important distinction: CEIP is financing, not a grant or rebate. The amount borrowed must be repaid, and the interest rate and repayment terms should be reviewed before entering into an agreement.

Key CEIP Details at a Glance

• Financing: Up to $50,000 for eligible residential projects.

• Coverage: Potentially up to 100% of eligible project costs.

• Repayment period: Up to 20 years, depending on the upgrades.

• Payment method: Repayments are made through the property's tax bill.

• Interest rate: Fixed when the agreement is signed; the rate offered at that time should be confirmed directly with the program.

• Early repayment: The program information indicates that the balance can be paid off early without additional fees.

The residential program is administered by Alberta Municipalities. Eligibility, available financing and current program terms should be confirmed before starting any work.

When Does CEIP Reopen in Calgary?

Homeowners interested in participating should be aware of the following anticipated relaunch dates listed in the City of Calgary's October 21, 2026, presentation:

• November 17, 2026: Commercial CEIP relaunch.

• January 26, 2027: Residential CEIP relaunch.

If you are planning a renovation, it may be worth researching eligible improvements, obtaining preliminary quotes and reviewing the application requirements in advance.

Visit the City of Calgary's CEIP resources to check current program details and sign up for email updates: https://www.calgary.ca/

Always confirm the residential program's opening date and application process directly with the CEIP team at ceip@calgary.ca.

Which Home Improvements May Qualify for CEIP Financing?

If you're considering a home renovation in Calgary, CEIP may help finance certain upgrades designed to improve energy efficiency or introduce renewable energy.

Eligible improvements identified in the program materials include the following categories.

1. Energy-Efficient Windows, Doors and Insulation

Older windows, drafty doors and insufficient insulation can contribute to heat loss during Calgary's cold winters.

Upgrades such as energy-efficient windows, exterior doors, attic insulation and air sealing may help improve indoor comfort and reduce energy use.

For homeowners planning to stay in their property for years to come, these improvements may also make everyday living more comfortable.

2. Solar Panels and Renewable Energy

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the popular upgrades identified in Calgary's CEIP results.

Installing solar panels may help a homeowner generate electricity from renewable energy, while eligible battery storage may provide additional energy-management options.

The potential financial benefit depends on factors such as installation costs, electricity consumption, roof orientation, system performance and the applicable utility arrangements.

3. High-Efficiency Furnaces and Heating Systems

Heating is an important consideration in Calgary's climate.

Replacing an older furnace with an eligible high-efficiency model, or investigating an air-source heat pump, may help improve energy performance.

The right solution depends on your home's existing heating system, insulation, electrical capacity and overall renovation goals.

4. Water Heating Upgrades

Eligible water-heating improvements may include tankless water heaters and drain-water heat-recovery systems.

Depending on the home and equipment selected, these upgrades may help reduce the energy required to heat water.

5. Other Eligible Energy Improvements

The program materials also identify heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, solar thermal systems, certain custom upgrades and energy-efficient lighting.

Not every product or installation automatically qualifies. Homeowners should review the current eligible-upgrade list and application requirements before committing to a contractor or beginning construction.

How Does the CEIP Application Process Work?

Planning ahead is important because homeowners must complete the required application and approval steps.

The process described in the program materials generally involves five stages:

Step 1: Pre-qualify

Submit the program's pre-qualification form and confirm that your property meets the applicable eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Plan your project

Complete the required EnerGuide Home Evaluation, identify eligible upgrades and select a qualified contractor from the program directory. Obtaining at least three quotes is recommended.

Submit the project application and required supporting documents.

Step 3: Receive approval and sign the agreements

Once the project is approved, complete the required Clean Energy Improvement Agreement and Project Agreement.

Step 4: Complete the upgrades

Have the approved work completed by your contractor. Submit the Upgrade Completion Form and complete the required post-project EnerGuide Home Evaluation.

Step 5: Begin repayment

Once the program's completion requirements are satisfied, the program pays the contractor and the approved project cost is repaid through the property's tax bill according to the agreement.

Important: Confirm the current application process, approval requirements and timing directly with CEIP. Do not assume that work started before approval will qualify for financing.

Does CEIP Actually Make a Difference?

The City of Calgary's October 2026 presentation reported the following residential CEIP results since 2023:

• More than 1,425 pre-qualification submissions.

• More than 800 projects approved.

• More than 500 projects fully completed.

• Over $19 million committed to approved projects.

• An average of two upgrades per project.

• Approximately 16,150 gigajoules in annual energy savings.

• Approximately 1,290 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in annual emissions reductions.

The results illustrate the level of interest in energy-efficient home improvements and the potential environmental benefits of upgrading residential properties.

For individual homeowners, however, the financial results will vary. Financing costs, energy savings, maintenance expenses and the expected time in the property should all be considered before deciding whether an upgrade makes sense.

Buying a Home in Calgary With a CEIP Loan: What You Need to Know

This is particularly important if you're purchasing a home in Calgary.

A property with a CEIP agreement may have a repayment obligation that transfers to the new owner.

According to the CEIP agreement provisions referenced in the City's presentation, the CEIP tax remains associated with the property's tax roll when the home is sold, and the repayment obligation transfers to the new owner.

That means a home with solar panels, new windows or other recent energy upgrades may also come with an ongoing financial commitment.

Before making an offer, buyers should take the time to understand the property's full financial picture.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

• Is there an existing CEIP agreement attached to the property?

• What is the outstanding balance?

• What are the interest rate, repayment schedule and remaining term?

• How much is currently being collected through the property tax bill?

• What obligations will transfer to the buyer at closing?

• Does the purchase contract clearly address the CEIP agreement?

Contact the CEIP team to confirm whether a loan is attached to the property and obtain the applicable details. Your real estate professional and legal adviser can help you understand the information and how it relates to your purchase.

Don't assume that the seller has paid off the financing simply because the improvements have already been installed.

Selling a Calgary Home With a CEIP Agreement

If you're selling a home with an existing CEIP agreement, it's important to understand your disclosure obligations.

The agreement provisions referenced in the City's presentation state that sellers must disclose the CEIP Agreement to prospective purchasers and mortgagees and include the agreement with the contract, along with the applicable Assignment, Novation and Release Form (Schedule E).

The presentation also indicates that an owner may sell, transfer or mortgage the property without prior City approval, with an option to pay the outstanding balance in full before the sale.

Because individual circumstances and agreement terms can differ, sellers should confirm their obligations with the CEIP team and their legal adviser before listing or negotiating a sale.

Will CEIP Increase Your Home's Resale Value?

Energy-efficient windows, updated heating systems and solar panels can be appealing features for some buyers. They may contribute to comfort, energy performance and the overall appeal of a property.

However, there is no guarantee that energy-efficient upgrades will increase a home's market value by the amount invested.

The impact on resale value depends on the property, neighbourhood, quality of the installation, buyer demand, operating costs and any remaining financing obligations.

When preparing to sell, consider how to document the improvements, explain their benefits and provide clear information about any outstanding CEIP balance.

Is CEIP Worth Considering for Your Calgary Home?

CEIP may be worth exploring if you want to improve your home's energy performance but prefer to spread eligible project costs over time.

Before applying, consider:

• Your long-term plans: How long do you expect to own the property?

• The total cost: What will the upgrades cost, including installation and any expenses not covered by the program?

• The financing terms: What is the total amount repayable over the chosen term?

• Potential energy savings: What savings are realistic for your particular home?

• Future resale: How could the agreement affect a future buyer and your selling strategy?

• Alternative options: Would paying upfront or using another financing arrangement better suit your circumstances?

The best decision is one that considers both the improvements themselves and their impact on your household budget and future real estate plans.

Final Thoughts: Making Smarter Real Estate Decisions in Calgary

Calgary's Clean Energy Improvement Program gives eligible homeowners another option to explore when planning energy-efficient renovations and renewable-energy upgrades.

Whether you're considering solar panels, new windows, a furnace replacement or insulation, understanding the financing terms is just as important as choosing the right improvements.

And if you're buying or selling a property with a CEIP agreement, understanding how the repayment obligation works can help you avoid unexpected costs and make a more informed decision.

At Bijou Real Estate, we believe that buying or selling a home involves more than the property itself. It's about understanding the details, asking the right questions and making decisions that support your long-term goals.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Calgary?

Whether you're purchasing your first home, moving up, downsizing or preparing to sell, we're here to help you navigate the Calgary real estate market with clear guidance and a personal approach.

Contact Raj and Sukh Dhaliwal at Bijou Real Estate to discuss your next move.

Raj Dhaliwal
403-667-4343 | raj@bijourealestate.ca

Sukh Dhaliwal
403-966-2233 | sukh@bijourealestate.ca

Visit https://bijourealestate.ca/ to learn more about buying and selling real estate in Calgary and the surrounding areas.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial or energy-efficiency advice. Program terms, interest rates, eligibility requirements and dates may change. Confirm all current details with the City of Calgary CEIP team at ceip@calgary.ca and consult qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances.