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Save on Energy Retrofit Program: What It Still Covers for Lighting in 2026
What does the Save on Energy Retrofit program still cover?
The Save on Energy Retrofit program still supports eligible networked lighting controls, certain specialty lighting measures and qualifying custom projects. Standard fixture and lamp replacements now generally use Instant Discounts, Ontario’s midstream route through participating distributors. Eligible standard occupancy sensors and integrated controls also belong in Instant Discounts.
What changed and when
If your team previously submitted Retrofit applications for warehouse high bays or office lighting replacements, check the current route before preparing another application.
The official Retrofit update page states:
“Most lighting measures previously available as part of the Retrofit program are now offered through the Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program.”
Its current measure list reflects changes effective June 30, 2026. That date identifies the latest published Retrofit changes; it should not be presented as the date every standard lighting product moved to Instant Discounts.
For standard lighting controls, the transition date is explicit. The Instant Discounts FAQ identifies January 1, 2025 as the start date for standard controls, while excluding networked lighting controls.
Save on Energy says Retrofit receives updates each spring and fall. Recheck the measures and requirements before applying, particularly when a quote carries over from an earlier project cycle. For the broader incentive overview, see our Ontario lighting rebates guide.
What the Retrofit program still covers
Networked lighting controls
Networked lighting controls remain a listed prescriptive measure under Retrofit. A controls project does not automatically become custom because its incentive depends on electricity savings.
For a distributor or ESCO, the first task is to identify what the proposed system actually includes. Record the existing controls, proposed equipment, controlled areas and intended operating schedules. This gives the application team a clearer basis for discussing eligibility and savings.
Our Ontario lighting controls guide explains the controls options in more detail. Confirm the proposed system against the current program requirements before including an incentive in the customer’s budget.
Qualifying custom projects
The Save on Energy Retrofit program also has a Custom stream for complex or unique retrofits whose savings depend on actual facility conditions. Incentives are calculated using verified electricity or peak-demand reductions, subject to program eligibility and cost limits.
For a potential custom lighting project, prepare the baseline before discussing an incentive amount. Useful starting information includes existing fixture wattages, quantities, operating hours and how the lights are currently controlled.
Do not assume that a standard fixture replacement qualifies for Custom simply because it is part of a large project. Ask the program representative to confirm the proposed scope and calculation method.
For both Retrofit streams, the published process places pre-project approval before installation. Post-project information and approval follow before incentive payment.
The current prescriptive list also retains specific horticultural lighting and refrigerated display-case measures. Those exceptions require a measure-specific check; they do not change the usual route for standard office and warehouse replacements.
What goes through Instant Discounts: fixtures, tubes, high bays and standard controls, at a participating distributor
For standard replacements, start with the Save on Energy Instant Discounts lighting list.
Eligible categories include:
LED tubes and U-bends.
High bay and low bay fixtures.
LED troffers, linear fixtures and specified retrofit kits.
Recessed downlights and reflector lamps.
Standard occupancy sensors and integrated controls.
The participating distributor applies the discount at purchase. The buyer provides the installation address and business name, without submitting a separate Retrofit application. Actual discounts and eligible product availability can vary by distributor.
Eligibility still needs checking. The program requirements require eligible products and installation within 90 days of purchase. The program serves existing buildings where less-efficient lighting previously existed, rather than new construction.
Example
An ESCO replacing warehouse fixtures should first check the selected high bays with a participating distributor. If the proposal also includes networked controls, assess that controls scope separately under Retrofit before committing to the installation schedule.
Which program for common project types
Use the proposed equipment and controls scope to choose the route. A project’s size alone does not determine whether it belongs in Retrofit.
Project type | Program | How the incentive is paid | Pre-approval needed? |
Eligible warehouse high bay or low bay replacements | Instant Discounts | Discount at purchase through a participating distributor | No separate customer pre-approval |
Eligible LED tubes, office troffers, linear fixtures or specified retrofit kits | Instant Discounts | Discount at purchase through a participating distributor | No separate customer pre-approval |
Eligible standard occupancy sensors or integrated controls | Instant Discounts | Discount at purchase through a participating distributor | No separate customer pre-approval |
Eligible networked lighting controls | Retrofit, Prescriptive stream | Payment after installation, post-project review and incentive approval | Yes |
Qualifying complex or unique lighting project | Retrofit, Custom stream, subject to eligibility review | Payment after installation, post-project review and incentive approval | Yes |
Sources: Instant Discounts products and purchasing process, Retrofit measures and Retrofit application steps. Product and customer eligibility still apply.
Before a Retrofit application: pre-approval and what to document
The Save on Energy Retrofit program places pre-project approval before installation. Build that approval step into the schedule rather than treating the application as paperwork to complete after the work.
Prepare a baseline the application team can use
Before existing equipment is removed, collect:
Fixture inventory: Quantities, locations, fixture types, lamp and ballast details, and existing input wattages where verified.
Operating hours: Schedules by area, including shifts, cleaning periods and seasonal differences.
Existing controls: Sensors, timers, manual switching, daylight controls and how they operate.
Linked photos: Images tied to room names or inventory references, including readable equipment labels where accessible.
Proposed scope: Replacement equipment, controls, affected areas and supporting specifications.
Unverified items: Missing labels, inaccessible fixtures and operating assumptions that still need confirmation.
This is a preparation checklist, not a substitute for the application’s specific requirements. Ask the program representative which calculations and supporting documents the proposed measure needs.
For distributors and ESCOs that need the site information collected, Luma Energy’s lighting audit service provides a location-referenced fixture inventory, existing specifications, controls, linked photos and a list of unverified items across Southwestern Ontario.
Can one project use both programs?
A project containing different measures needs a scope-specific check. The Instant Discounts program requirements prohibit receiving other IESO or Ontario government incentives for the same eligible measures purchased through Instant Discounts. They do not provide blanket approval for combining programs on every lighting project.
Example
A warehouse proposal includes eligible high bay replacements and a separate networked controls system. Check the fixtures with the participating distributor, then ask the Retrofit representative whether the controls scope qualifies alongside that purchase.
Keep fixture discounts, controls costs and savings calculations separately identifiable. Have the program representative confirm how the discounted equipment affects the Retrofit baseline, eligible costs and claimed savings before presenting both incentives as available.
FAQ
Is lighting still eligible under the Save on Energy Retrofit program?
Yes, but eligibility depends on the measure. Networked lighting controls and specific specialty lighting measures remain listed, while qualifying complex projects may be considered through Custom. Standard fixture and lamp replacements generally use Instant Discounts. Check the current measure list before preparing an application or promising an incentive.
Do networked lighting controls qualify for Instant Discounts?
No. Save on Energy distinguishes standard occupancy sensors and integrated controls from networked lighting controls. Eligible standard controls are offered through Instant Discounts, while networked lighting controls remain under Retrofit. Confirm how the proposed system is classified before assigning its incentive route in the quote.
Do I need pre-approval for Save on Energy Instant Discounts?
There is no separate customer pre-approval application comparable to Retrofit. The participating distributor checks eligibility and applies the discount at purchase. You still need eligible products, an eligible installation site and the required customer information. Confirm the discount with the distributor before including it in a customer proposal.
Planning a networked controls or custom lighting project in Ontario? Luma Energy surveys sites across Southwestern Ontario and delivers the baseline fixture inventory, controls and linked photos you need before you apply.
