Free energy upgrades coming to Alberta homes, environment minister says

Free LED lights,new appliance rebatesand business incentives are among the programs coming to Alberta in 2017 to help homes and businesses save energy and money, said Environment Minister Shannon Phillips at a news conference in southeast Calgary Monday afternoon.

The programs are based on the recommendations ofa seven-person advisory panelchaired by energy conservation expert David Wheeler.

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Based on the input the panel heard from the public, stakeholders and experts, it has come up with fourprograms to be launched in March and early April.

Phillips said these energy efficiency programs are among "the lowest cost ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions" and will create roughly 50 jobs for every $1 million invested.

Phillips also said"there's lots of low-hanging fruit in Alberta," simply because Alberta is "the last jurisdiction in North America to deliver energy efficiency programs."

New home and business incentives

The first initiative coming to Alberta, a Direct Installprogram, will install low-cost, energy efficiency products such as LED lights, smart power bars, low-flowshower headsand aerators in homes for free.

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Single-family homes and multi-family dwellings at all income levels will be eligible for the program.

A second program will offer cash incentives to entice individuals to purchase and install energy efficient appliances and electronics through online, mail-in and point-of-sale rebates.

The third program is targeted towards businesses and non-profits to reduce their emissions and energy use by offering incentives on products and installation of energy-saving lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and water heating.

The panel also recommended a fourth program, which would lower the cost of installing solar panels on homes and businesses.

The Small Solar Photovoltaic(PV) program would buildon programs already available for farms, municipalities, and Indigenous communities by extending the ability to participate in solar PV cells to the rest of the province.

Energy Efficiency Alberta, a new Crown agency launched last fall, will be in charge of designing and delivering the initiatives, as theNDP'sClimate Leadership Plan is rolled out.

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