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The Government of Alberta recently introduced Bill 22: Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020 that, if passed would move Alberta from two provincially funded emissions-reduction agencies to one – Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).

Overview

Accessing affordable financing is one of the biggest barriers property owners face when deciding to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.

The Clean Energy Improvement Program is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)-style program that helps people make energy efficient upgrades to their properties without having to put money down. The cost of the upgrade is recovered through the owner’s property taxes.

Property owners who choose to make improvements would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, stimulate local economies and save money on their energy bills.

How the program works

The program is voluntary for municipalities and property owners.

  • Municipalities that wish to participate need to pass a bylaw and will work with Energy Efficiency Alberta to develop and deliver the program to residents.
  • Energy Efficiency Alberta will administer the program on behalf of the municipality.
  • Property owners pay for any clean energy upgrades through their property taxes.
    • The amount can be paid off at any time.
    • Any outstanding repayments remain with the property. If the property is sold, the new owners take on the repayments.

Eligible projects

Eligible projects focus on energy efficiency or on-site renewable energy such as solar power, upgraded insulation and high-efficiency heating.

Clean energy improvements are available to residential and commercial properties and farm land. A complete list of upgrades will be posted on Energy Efficiency Alberta’s website.

Legislation

An Act to Enable Clean Energy Improvements was passed on June 6, 2018. Soon after, the government began consultations with stakeholder groups that resulted in the development of a guiding regulation.

The regulation enabled under the act provides additional details and guidance for municipalities, including:

  • designation of the program administrator (Energy Efficiency Alberta)
  • consumer protections
  • disclosure requirements
  • minimum and maximum allowable improvement values

The act and regulation came into force January 1, 2019.

News

Saving money while building a green economy (April 12, 2018)

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