In the last few months, there has been some confusion about the fate of Energy Efficiency Alberta’s (EEA) programming. Some clarity has arisen and it’s not good news for the association. The new Conservative Alberta government has put an end to Energy Efficiency Alberta rebate and incentive programs effective Oct. 24 and no longer accepting new applications.
Existing commitments will be honoured, and approved applications will continue to be processed for payment. Applications that were not approved by Oct. 24 will not move forward and there will be no waitlist.
Programs closed Oct. 24 include custom energy solutions, custom energy solutions – methane emissions reduction, business energy savings, online rebates, home improvement rebates, home energy plan, and affordable housing energy solutions
EEA programs such as the green loan guarantee program, the efficiency professionals’ network, strategic energy management, and on-site energy manager will continue. Training opportunities are still available.
EEA has generated $850 million in economic growth, $692 million in energy savings and emissions reduction, avoided 5.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and returned $3.20 to Albertans for every $1 invested in energy efficiency, since the start of the program in April of 2017.
The 2018-19 EAA annual report highlights Alberta’s industrial and commercial sectors as the new main focus for the group. “Alberta’s a bright spot for energy efficiency in Canada. The strong uptake on the commercial and industrial program side shows that businesses are looking for low-cost ways to stay competitive and improve their bottom line. Energy efficiency is the cheapest source of electricity,” reported Corey Diamond, executive director of Efficiency Canada.
In 2018, EEA commissioned a technical study titled “Alberta’s Energy Efficiency Potential 2019-2038” to access the potential for energy efficiency as an energy resource in Alberta’s utility and carbon market. “The study revealed that a sustained investment in cost-effective energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy will deliver, at a minimum, $1 billion per year in gross energy savings, 900 MW of peak electricity demand savings through to 2038 and beyond, and a 4.4 metric tonne reduction in CO2e annually, saving Albertans $125 for every tonne reduced,” said Monica Curtis, CEO of EEA.
Energy Efficiency operates under the Energy Efficiency Alberta Act.
