Applications open for $55 million in sustainable project funding

via Emissions Reduction Alberta

ERA’s new $55 million Energy Savings for Business Program now accepting applications

EDMONTON, AB – Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Energy Savings for Business Program is now accepting applications for projects that create skilled jobs, boost investment, and cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in small- and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities. The program, with up to $55 million in funding available, will decrease operating costs for Alberta businesses while diversifying the economy and helping to meet long-term sustainability goals. The program is anticipated to stimulate over $196 million in new investment.

The Energy Savings for Business Program offers incentives to eligible Alberta businesses and non-profits to choose commercially available high-efficiency products and onsite energy generation technologies. Up to $250,000 is available for each project with a maximum total of $500,000 per parent company to cover a portion of the cost of adopting new products and services. This is a focused economic stimulus program; funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully committed. Contractors are urged to register for eligibility now; pre-approval is required for all projects.

A high volume of projects (up to 4,000) is expected, resulting in broad and significant cumulative impact. The projects are anticipated to deliver lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 1.1 million tonnes of CO₂, create about 1,400 (direct and indirect) jobs and drive $300 million in economic activity—providing a positive five times benefit to Alberta’s GDP.

“The Energy Savings for Business Program supports a critical component of the economy—small- and medium-sized businesses. The program will give Alberta companies and contractors fast access to cost-effective incentives. It will accelerate the adoption of technologies that significantly reduce GHGs and help position Alberta as a leader in sustainable resource and energy use.”

Steve MacDonald, CEO, ERA

“Funding through the Energy Savings for Business Program will play a critical role in supporting economic recovery in Alberta. This investment makes it possible for businesses like ours to quickly hire staff for positions that have long-term career potential. Implementing commercial-ready technologies will also lead to operational efficiencies and cost reductions that free up much needed capital and address longer-term environmental sustainability priorities.”

Tayber Yastremski, principal, Sustainable Projects Group

“Businesses and non-profit organizations are actively looking for cost-effective ways to use less energy to perform the same task. ERA’s Energy Savings for Business Program is what Alberta needs right now. The program will develop a sustained, market-driven, and robust emissions reduction solution for small- and medium-sized businesses across the province.”

Afure Onekpe, director, MICONE Consulting Inc

“The Energy Savings for Business Program will get skilled technicians and tradespeople working quickly, this is important now more than ever. The program will boost productivity and reduce operating costs and emissions. It’s a critical step in support of economic growth and diversification in the province.”

Kyle Fawcett, co-founder and managing director, Sunaltapower

“Businesses need to be more competitive. The Energy Savings for Business Program does this by giving owners an incentive to improve their energy usage profile, improve productivity, permanently reduce energy consumption, and create jobs at a time when Albertans desperately want to get back to work. Having highly-efficient operations and buildings not only helps businesses succeed, it also reduces greenhouse gas intensity. This benefits society as a whole.”

Tracy Grills, President and CEO, Eco Lighting Solutions

“We are excited to be participating in ERA’s Energy Savings for Business Program. We see a huge opportunity in the reduced operating costs and lower emissions that will result from it and help Alberta businesses achieve a lower carbon footprint. This program is also key to kickstarting the local economy as it will get our tradespeople back to work, that’s good for Alberta.”

Dan Belliveau, commercial manager, Startec Service

“This investment will enable small and medium-sized businesses of all types connect with skilled technicians and tradespeople to help lower energy costs, reduce GHG emissions, and find productivity gains in their day-to-day operations. It is a great initiative that will support economic diversification in Alberta.”

Rebecca Fiissel Schaefer, board chair, Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance

Energy Savings for Business supports local skilled trades, contractors, and suppliers such as HVAC businesses, insulation companies, lighting systems installers, and electricians. All participating contractors must register to become eligible to participate in the program. Eligible contractors will be required to complete applications for pre-approval and submit all required documents. Before the program launched, there was already 270 contractors from across the province that registered to participate.

The program is designed to support the more than 160,000 small- and medium-scale enterprises in Alberta. A wide range of cost-effective energy efficient products and onsite energy generation technologies are eligible: compressed air, process heating, refrigeration, food service, HVAC, motors and drives, water heating, solar PV, combined heat and power (CHP), lighting systems, building envelope and windows, and more.

The program is open to all industries and business types across Alberta except for Large Emitters as defined under the TIER Regulation, new construction, federal and provincially owned buildings, and the institutional sector (municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals). Projects must occur at facilities located within Alberta.

The Government of Alberta is funding ERA’s Energy Savings for Business program through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund. TIER funds of up to $30 million will be leveraged with public and private investment, including up to $25 million in funding from the federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF).

For more information contact:
Kevin Duncan
Cell: 403.431.2859
kduncan@eralberta.ca