Energy Efficiency Alberta hires Monica Curtis as CEO

Energy Efficiency Alberta
Monica Curtis, left. Shannon Phillips, David Dodge. Photo: Alberta Government.

Monica Curtis has been involved in energy efficiency programs since 1991, starting with EPCOR

The new Energy Efficiency Alberta agency has its first CEO. Monica Curtis will be based in Calgary and help the new agency deliver energy efficiency and small-scale energy system programs to Albertans.

Energy Efficiency Alberta“We are very pleased that Monica Curtis has agreed to become the new CEO and first employee of Energy Efficiency Alberta. She is the perfect candidate to help us build one of the best energy-efficiency programs in Canada,” David Dodge, Chair, Energy Efficiency Alberta.

She brings more than 20 years of experience promoting, designing, delivering and evaluating energy efficiency, efficiency financing, and renewable energy programs and services.

Curtis has championed programs in Wisconsin and Saskatchewan, ranging from energy advocate services and manufactured homes programs to on-bill recovery for energy-efficiency financing and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. She has also led numerous energy-saving pilot programs to test new technologies and program designs.

“I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to return home to Alberta to lead these important initiatives to reduce costs, lower our carbon footprint and foster development of an energy-efficiency services industry,” said Curtis, in a press release.

Revenue from the carbon levy will provide the funds for rebates and incentives for families and communities to invest in energy-saving household products, solar panels and retrofits of homes and buildings.

Energy Efficiency Alberta will leverage the city’s energy expertise and help make efficiency an important part of the diversification of the energy economy. The agency will provide approximately 30 jobs for Albertans.

“We’re pleased to welcome Monica Curtis back to the province to support Energy Efficiency Alberta in fostering the development of energy-efficiency services. As CEO, she will play a vital role as Alberta continues to build a diversified, low-carbon economy that makes life better for everyday Albertans,” said Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office.

Curtis will lead the design and implementation of energy efficiency, energy conservation and small-scale renewable energy programs and services that will increase comfort and productivity and reduce energy costs, benefiting Alberta residents and businesses.

For example, by taking advantage of the Residential No-Charge Energy Savings Program alone, the average Alberta family will save $112 per year on its power bills.

 

“Alberta’s homebuilders are increasingly focused on providing customers with energy-efficient homes as homeowners look for ways to keep their operating costs low. Having a dedicated energy efficiency agency located in Calgary will help promote the benefits of energy efficiency across the province and make homeowners more aware of the straightforward ways they can save money on an ongoing basis,” said Ryan Scott, President and CEO, Avalon Master Builder.

Curtis has designed, delivered, marketed, and measured energy efficiency programs since 1991. Her career in energy efficiency began with Edmonton Power (currently EPCOR) and SaskPower.

Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President Strategic Development and Energy Finance Solutions with WECC, a mission-based non-profit based in Madison, Wis. WECC delivers energy efficiency and efficiency finance programs and residential building science training for electric and natural gas utilities and state and local governments across the United States.

She has also led numerous energy-saving pilot programs to test new technologies and program designs, including utility demand response through smart thermostats, program marketing based on geo-targeting and retail MarketLift?.

Curtis holds a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University in Alberta and a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba.