More green to go green

The Liberal- Regional News 

Chris Traber, Staff Writer

After being introduced earlier this week, public opinion about the proposed Green Energy Act is likely split. 

On one hand, York Region taxpayers, already feeling the fiscal noose, won't appreciate the province's long reach into their pockets and wallets.

Environmentalists and realtors laud the move though.

If passed, anyone looking to sell their house or condominium in Ontario will have to absorb a $300 energy audit, through a contractor's energy assessment, before handing over the keys.

You don't need to take action. It's simply a measure to let potential buyers know the energy efficiency of your home - much like the detailed vehicle history available to prospective auto buyers.

The legislation was unveiled by Energy Minister George Smitherman in order to boost incentives for electricity conservation and encourage renewable sources of energy.

Aurora's Windfall Ecology Centre executive director Brent Kopperson is calling it a giant step forward.

"Really, this is part of what it is going to take to create a culture of conservation in Ontario," he said. "It's a great thing."

The act lays the foundation for new energy conservation measures and a new renewable energy procurement policy that will make Ontario a leader in green energy and green jobs, he said.

Conservative Thornhill MPP Peter Shurman begs to differ.

"The $300 is the tip of a very large iceberg," he said. "It's a hidden tax on homeowners. It points to a (Dalton) McGuinty government that hasn't introduced something good without something harming."

The timing and intent is suspect, Mr. Shurman said.

"The government is taking the last best investment in the majority of people's lives and adding a hidden tax," he said. "Now, in a recession, they're going to smack you with this as well."

"I'm not arguing against green energy, but the McGuinty government is playing for optics at a time when we can least afford it. What they've effectively done is put themselves in the real estate business."

Mr. Shurman suggested the assessment will become a bargaining chip for homebuyers, using the energy analysis and its cost to negotiate price with sellers.

"We've received a lot of calls and ???e-mails already," the MPP said. "There will be significant public debate."

But the audit should be be viewed as an investment, not an expense, local real estate professionals said.

"It's fantastic," Harvey Kalles Real Estate broker Maxine Povering said

"Everyone should be conscious of energy deficiencies regardless whether it's a new or older home. It's important. If your home has gone through an energy audit, it'll be more attractive to a buyer."

The audit fee can be defrayed by government incentives, the Thornhill resident, specializing in Vaughan and Richmond Hill properties, said.

Knowing a home on the market is up to snuff or is at least itemized with what needs to be done, offers valuable peace of mind, she said.

"People are resistant to laying down money, but they have to understand saving energy has to be a conscious commitment on everybody's part."

Newmarket's Century 21 Heritage Group broker Larry Mandlsohn says the law will assist buyers and sellers.

"It's a good program," he said. "I don't think sellers will think it's a major expense. If you're energy efficient, you can get more money for your home or at least you have the knowledge on how to improve your property."

Once a assessment is completed, the property receives a rating and a detailed analysis of what the homeowner would need to do, Mr. Kopperson said.

Between available provincial and federal energy incentives, a homeowner, acting on the energy retrofit, can recover up to $10,000 of the costs.

Thousands of local homeowners have already used government energy rebates, Mr. Kopperson said.

The act will also update the provincial building code to require new buildings be more efficient and require higher efficiency standards for appliances.

If passed, Mr. Smitherman has said the audit requirement would be phased in.