Energy rebates on the horizon for Albertans

The province has launched an agency that willdeliver energy efficiency programs to Alberta homes, businesses and communities starting early next year.

The Alberta Energy Efficiencyagency was created by the NDP as part of its Climate Leadership Plan. Rebate programs doled out by the agency will by funded by the carbon tax, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2017.

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"Energy efficiency is one of the absolute,no-brainerthings you can do because you will pay no carbon tax on the energy you save in the future," David Dodge, the chair of the new agency, told theCalgaryEyeopener.

Peter Love, who was involved withimplementing all the rebate programs in Ontario, also sitson the agency's board of directors.

The first threeenergy efficiency programs to be rolled out in the New Yearare as follows:

1. ThroughtheDirect Install Residential Program, Albertans canhavelow-cost energy efficiency products suchas lighting, water fixtures and heating componentsinstalled for free in their home. "This is a program that's well tested and it's been done in other jurisdictions," Dodge said.
2. The Residential Consumer Products Program will offer rebates to residential customers at retail outlets on energy efficientlighting, insulation and appliances.
3. The Business, Non-Profit and Institutional Rebate Program will offer incentives for high-efficiency products and installation of electric and gas-based products such as lighting, heating and cooling systems and hot water systems.

Calgary Eyeopener6:15Albertas new energy efficiency agency

David Dodge, the chair of the board of Energy Efficiency Alberta, joins us to discuss the provinces new energy efficiency measures.

Until now, Alberta was the only jurisdiction in Canadawithout energy efficiency programming.

"Alberta is late to this game, but know that offering energy efficiencyprograms will reduce energy costs for consumers," said Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips at an announcement on Thursday in Edmonton.

She said the fact that Albertais getting on boardlater than other jurisdictions is actually to the province'sbenefit because it can research what energy efficiencyprograms worked, and didn't work, across the country.

The province plans to invest$650-million over the next five years in energy efficiency.

With files from theCalgaryEyeopener