UP TO $55 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ALBERTA BUSINESSES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE EMISSIONS
New projects to drive economic activity, create jobs, and enable business growth
ERA’s new Energy Savings for Business Program—a funding opportunity to support small- and medium-scale industrial and commercial businesses—is awarding up to $55 million for cost-saving and emissions reducing projects. The program will help Alberta businesses reduce emissions, decrease operating costs, grow their operations and become more competitive, while creating skilled jobs and boosting economic recovery.
The projects are anticipated to account for 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.
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WORKING TOGETHER FOR A LOWER CARBON FUTURE
ERA is a key partner in addressing Alberta’s emissions reduction priorities. We receive grants from government to deliver on our mandate. This funding is sourced from the carbon price paid by Large Final Emitters (LFEs) in Alberta through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, together leveraged with Federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership funds.
ERA CEO Steve MacDonald made the announcement with Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta, and Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks, on November 2, 2020 in Edmonton.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The focus of the Energy Savings for Business Program is to increase the adoption of targeted commercially available energy-efficient technologies for small- and medium-scale businesses. 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).
Up to $250,000 is available per project to a maximum of $500,000 per company. Typical technologies include targeted commercially available energy-efficient upgrades such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies, building automation, hot water systems, indoor/outdoor commercial and industrial lighting systems and controls, and onsite electricity generation.
Businesses from across Alberta will be eligible to access funding to cover a portion of their project costs for cost-saving and emissions reducing projects when the program launches in January 2021. These projects, using local skilled trades and suppliers, will re-invigorate the economy, helping businesses become more competitive, hire more staff, and grow their operations. Click here to read a series of energy efficiency impact stories.
FOCUS AREAS
Who can use it?
Alberta has over 160,000 small- and medium-scale enterprises. Found in every community in the province, they include diverse business types, including (but not limited to):
- Manufacturing operations
- Food processing
- Agricultural sector
- Warehouse / wholesale trade
- Retail and food services
- Building management companies
- Accommodation sector
- Energy (oil and gas
- Forestry/paper
- Waste management.
What types of projects will be eligible?
Examples of the types of projects that qualify for investment include (but are not limited to):
- HVAC projects can include the installation of efficient boilers, hot water tanks, furnaces, pipe insulation
- Upgrades to fan and pump motors, including the installation of variable frequency drive units
- Installation of electronic building automation systems to control temperature, airflow, and even lighting across the facility
- Lighting projects can include replacement of outdated lighting systems, addition of automation, etc.
- Installation of alternate on-site power sources such as solar photovoltaic and combined heat and power systems
- May also include measures specific to industry/facility needs (e.g., restaurant, manufacturing)
- Insulation/building envelope/air sealing.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The program will open to pre-approvals in January 2021. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete program details, including terms and conditions and a list of eligible technologies, will be available at that time.
The program is planned to accept new project applications for 6 to 12 months. Projects must occur at facilities located within Alberta. Approved projects must also meet the project timelines eligibility criteria, to be outlined in the program’s terms and conditions.
ELIGIBLE CONTRACTORS
Projects will rely on local skilled trades, contractors and suppliers including HVAC businesses, insulation companies, lighting installers and electricians, creating jobs and opportunities for business growth. To participate, contractors will, at minimum, be required to register with Emissions Reductions Alberta and agree to a code of conduct and terms and conditions.
“The Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition members are united in their support of energy efficiency and achieving emission reductions through industrial and building retrofit projects. As a coalition representing all the primary trade associations, the ATCC membership has the expertise required to ensure the emission reductions achieved through ERA’s Energy Savings for Business program are fiscally responsible, realistic and quantifiable, maximizing benefits for all Albertans.”
Terry Milot, Chairman, Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition.“The Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta, a member of the Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition, supports energy efficiency initiatives. ERA’s Energy Savings for Business program will achieve emission reductions through fiscally responsible retrofit projects that rely on locally-skilled trades, contractors, and suppliers, a benefit to all Albertans.”
Tim Brundage, President, Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
Please note that the program is still under development, and specific program details will be included in the program measures list and terms and conditions published at launch.
To be first to receive updates on the Energy Savings for Business Program, please fill out the Expression of Interest form below.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM
Be first to receive updates on the Energy Savings for Business Program
Thank you for your interest in the Energy Savings for Business Program. Please note that completing an Expression of Interest does not guarantee participation in the Energy Savings for Business Program.
ABOUT LOW CARBON ECONOMY LEADERSHIP FUND
The Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund provides $1.4 billion to provinces and territories to reduce carbon pollution and help Canada meet its 2030 climate target. The funding recognizes the key role provinces and territories play in addressing climate change, and it supports their efforts to reduce emissions, encourage innovation, save money, and create jobs and healthier communities.
