The provincial government is helping municipalities become more energy efficient.
While many municipalities in Alberta are trying to find ways to be more energy efficient, the cost of upgrades and improvements often act as a roadblock.
Because of that, the Alberta government announced on Tuesday (Sept. 24) that they are now offering a new Municipal Electricity Generation Program.
This $3 million program will help municipalities lower how much it costs to power and heat their recreation centres, town halls, libraries, and other community buildings.
Under this program, communities are able to apply for rebates to lower their operational costs, reduce emissions, and improve the electricity systems for the community.
“Alberta municipalities are often looking for new opportunities to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for residents and businesses," explained Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz in a media release. "This investment made through the industry-funded TIER program will help communities invest in practical upgrades that will also help save taxpayers money.”
As of September 24, the program is accepting applications from municipalities, and municipalities can apply for upwards of $500,000 towards microgeneration systems that can reduce electricity costs.
A microgeneration system is a local, small-scale electricity production system that uses renewable or alternative energy sources, and includes systems like wind turbines, solar PV systems, and ground source heat pumps.
The funding from this program will be earmarked for equipment costs, materials, labour, installation, and project management costs, and will be up to a maximum of 30 per cent of the pre-GST cost of the project.
Applications will be accepted until March 2026, or until the money has been fully allocated to the municipalities.
This new program is on top of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre programs, which have created 1,327 jobs and enabled 1,020 clean energy projects.
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