Early $150 million Christmas present for Alberta energy efficiency, climate action programs

Industry eligible for to upgrade facilities/equipment to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, improve competitiveness

Santa Claus and his helpers in the form of Kent Hehr and Shannon Phillips dropped down Alberta’s chimney last week, leaving behind funding for that will help Albertans save money and energy while supporting the province’s climate objectives.

Kent Hehr, Canadian minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

The $150 million will come from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, which is “designed to spur clean growth and cut carbon pollution while promoting innovative climate solutions,” according to a press release.

The Government of Canada says it will work with Alberta to focus on helping Albertans use less energy and save money through energy efficiency retrofits. The Leadership Fund will also support the province’s work with Indigenous communities to install renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. Money will also be invested in restoring forests affected by wildfire.

“As part of the plan, the Low Carbon Economy Fund will help to deliver clean, sustained economic growth for years to come by supporting provincial and territorial leadership in sustainability and innovation. I’m proud to see Albertans taking the lead in making our communities healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous,” said Hehr, minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

Alberta is eligible for the funding as a signatory to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

The Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will benefit Albertans by funding projects to:

• Provide cost-sharing grants for agricultural producers to buy energy-saving equipment and upgrade facilities to reduce energy waste
• Support industry in upgrading facilities and equipment to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness
• Provide support to reduce energy use for buildings that low-income Albertans call home
• Expand the scope of existing energy efficiency rebates available to Albertans
• 

  Alberta Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips.

  Reforest Alberta land affected by wildfire and other natural disturbances

• Expand existing programs for solar PV and energy efficiency retrofits in Indigenous communities.

“Investing in a diversified, low carbon economy creates jobs, economic growth, and helps Canadians from coast to coast explore ways to reduce emissions and cut costs,” said Phillips, Alberta minister of Environment and Parks.

“From supporting renewables in Indigenous communities to improving energy efficiency, Low Carbon Economy Leadership funding is just one more tool in working to make life better for Albertans and delivering on the priorities set out in our made-in-Alberta Climate Leadership Plan.”