Winter is coming, and all Game of Thrones jokes aside, with it comes renewed concern for those increasing energy bills. With a lot of rates on the rise across Alberta as we head into those cold and stormy months, concern about skyrocketing heating bills is also on the rise. There is a solution, though. With the Carbon Levy came renewed investment by the Alberta Government in energy savings, and that means there are a number of government energy savings programs out there that are designed to help you get a head start on energy savings before the winter months bring in the heavier-hitting energy bills.
Here is a breakdown of the government energy savings programs by region so you can get an idea of what you are eligible for.
Edmonton
Edmontonians have access to the Building Energy Benchmarking Program, which is designed to provide building and homeowners with information about their dwellings that they can use to improve their energy efficiency (and decrease the carbon footprint). Included in the services provided by this government energy savings program are: access to “technical support, customized building benchmarking reports, tenant education workshops, and access to financial incentives ($1,500/building) to help offset the cost of an energy audit.”
Lethbridge
The SunRidge BuiltGreenTM Homeowner Rebate is a government energy savings program offering Lethbridge home buyers in the SunRidge development financial incentives that will promote green practices and overall maximize the energy efficiency of their homes.
Medicine Hat
HAT Smart Program is a government energy savings program and environmental initiative that offers financial incentives to Medicine Hat Electric and Natural Gas Utility customers through the Environmental Conservation Charge. The program provides education, awareness, and rebates to help consumers improve the efficiency of various aspects of their homes through a variety of program specializations, including: Air Sealing Incentive Program, ENERGY STAR® Clothes Dryer Incentive Program, EnerGuide® Ratings for New Homes Incentive Program, Scratch and Win Rebate, and Solar Electric Panels Rebate.
Banff
Banff has a number of government energy savings programs available, including both the Home Energy Use Reduction rebates and incentives and the Water Use Reduction rebates and incentives. Both enable homeowners and residents to apply for rebates and incentives to help cover the cost of adding green and energy-efficient features to their homes, including:
- high-efficiency (ENERGY STAR certified) full-sized refrigerators – $200 post-purchase rebate
- window and door (ENERGY STAR certified) replacement rebate – $50 post-purchase
- certified Solar Hot Water System Rebate – $650 post-purchase rebate
- high-efficiency (ENERGY STAR certified) dishwasher – $100 post-purchase rebate
- programmable thermostats – $50 post-purchase rebate
- high-efficiency (ENERGY STAR certified) furnace – $500 post-purchase rebate
- energy audit rebate – $100 post-purchase rebate
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient’ certified front loading clothes washers – $100 post-purchase rebate
- Dual-flush Toilet Replacement – $100 post-purchase rebate
- High-efficiency (4.8L or less) toilet replacement – $100 post-purchase rebate
- ‘ENERGY STAR Most Efficient’ certified front-loading clothes washers – $100 post-purchase rebate
- High-efficiency (ENERGY STAR certified) dishwasher replacement – $100 post-purchase rebate
- Rain Barrels – $25 post-purchase rebate.
Alberta-wide
The Residential No-Charge Energy Savings Program is a government energy savings program that is available residents across rural and urban Alberta, whether they live in houses, apartments, or condos. The program offers direct, no-charge installation of energy-efficient product upgrades following a walk-through assessment of the home. Upgrade opportunities include:
- Replacing existing incandescent nightlights, lightbulbs and exit signs with ENERGY STAR® LED products
- Replacing inefficient shower heads with high-efficiency shower heads
- Installing faucet aerators if no aerator is present
- Replacing a traditional power bar with an advanced power bar
- Replacing a non-programmable thermostat with a smart (self-adjusting) thermostat.
