Albertans offered incentives on winter energy efficiency products

Ipsos Reid poll on Alberta Energy Efficiency Program

Government claims programs supported creation of 1,300 private sector jobs

Starting Sept 28, Energy Efficiency Alberta is offering in-store savings on outdoor timers for block heaters, holiday lights and programmable thermostats, as well as many other energy-efficient products, according to an Alberta government press release.

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“Fall and winter are the most energy-intensive seasons of the year. We’re making life more affordable for Albertans by offering more opportunities to lower utility bills with a few simple changes around the home,” said Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office.

The fall campaign runs for four weeks until Oct. 29 at over 600 participating retailers.

More than 80 additional stores are participating in this campaign, giving Albertans dozens of new places to find energy-efficient products, says the release.

The spring campaign led to major increases in sales of energy-efficient items. Low-flow showerhead sales spiked 40,000 per cent, while LED light sales increased 8,000 to 14,500 per cent.

Some of the rebates include:

• Instant Rebates: In-store products like LED lights, smart power strips and heavy duty timers.
• Home Improvement Rebates: Up to $3,500 on products such as windows, insulation and tankless hot water heaters installed by a certified contractor.
• Online Rebates: Rebates of up to $100 on eligible clothes washers, refrigerators and smart thermostats.

In total, Albertans purchased 4.3 million products that will continue to pay dividends on lower utility bills for years to come. Products sold are expected to save more than 420,000 gigajoules of energy, equal to heating 3,523 homes.

“We’re excited to be participating again and expect the same success with the fall promotion. We saw a 1,000 per cent hike in sales for LED bulbs, big savings since up to 10 per cent of a home’s energy consumption is related to lighting and LED bulbs consume 75 per cent less energy,” said Mike Shreve, store manager, RONA.

The government claims these programs have supported the creation of 1,300 private sector jobs in the province’s burgeoning energy efficiency sector.