Lacombe County is advancing its commitment to energy efficiency and long-term cost savings with recent solar expansions at its Tees and Rainy Creek satellite shop locations.
The projects were supported by the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Electricity Generation Program, administered by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC).
Originally constructed in 2016 with 10.2-kilowatt solar arrays, both facilities received major upgrades in 2025. The Rainy Creek Shop, located near Sylvan Lake, now includes a 24.4-kilowatt expansion, while the Tees Shop added 27.8 kilowatts.
With these enhancements, both facilities now generate enough solar energy to fully offset their annual electricity consumption. Empower Energy completed the installations.
“Adding solar to these facilities is about more than energy savings — it’s about building smarter for the future,” said Barb Shepherd, Reeve of Lacombe County. “By investing in clean, local energy, we’re making our infrastructure more resilient and reducing long-term costs for our residents.”
Trina Innes, executive director of MCCAC, praised the county’s early leadership.
“We applaud Lacombe County for their foresight in 2016,” she said. “And are proud to provide this investment in their future.”
Programs like the Municipal Electricity Generation Program allow municipalities to take meaningful action to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and demonstrate climate leadership.
The solar expansions are part of Lacombe County’s broader strategy to support environmental stewardship and build resilient infrastructure for residents and businesses.
With information from Lacombe County.
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