February 4, 2021 – Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Energy Savings for Business Program is now accepting applications for projects that “create skilled jobs, boost investment, and cut GHG emissions in small- and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities”.

“The Energy Savings for Business Program will get skilled technicians and tradespeople working quickly… this is important now more than ever,” said Kyle Fawcett, SunAlta Power. “It’s a critical step in support of economic growth and diversification in the province.”

This is a focused economic stimulus program, says ERA. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully committed.

The program aims to support local skilled trades, contractors and suppliers such as HVAC businesses, insulation companies, lighting systems installers, and electricians. All participating contractors must register to become eligible to participate in the program.

Eligible contractors will be required to complete applications for pre-approval and submit all required documents. (Before the program launched, 270 contractors from across the province already registered to participate.)

“This investment will enable small- and medium-sized businesses of all types connect with skilled technicians and tradespeople to help lower energy costs, reduce GHG emissions, and find productivity gains in their day-to-day operations,” said Rebecca Fiissel Schaefer, chair, Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance.

With up to $55 million in funding available, the program aims to decrease operating costs for Alberta businesses while diversifying the economy and helping to meet long-term sustainability goals. The program is anticipated to stimulate over $196 million in new investment.

“The program will give Alberta companies and contractors fast access to cost-effective incentives,” says Steve MacDonald, ERA CEO. “It will accelerate the adoption of technologies that significantly reduce GHGs and help position Alberta as a leader in sustainable resource and energy use.”

Up to $250,000 is available for each project, with a maximum of $500,000 per parent company, to cover the cost of adopting new products and services.

The Energy Savings for Business Program offers incentives to eligible Alberta businesses and non-profits to choose commercially available, high-efficiency products and onsite energy-generation technologies.

The program is designed to support the more than 160,000 small- and medium-scale enterprises in Alberta. Projects must occur at facilities located within the province.

A range of energy-efficient products and onsite energy generation technologies are eligible: compressed air, process heating, refrigeration, food service, HVAC, motors and drives, water heating, solar PV, combined heat and power (CHP), lighting systems, building envelope and windows, and more.

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). Projects must occur at facilities located within Alberta.

The Government of Alberta is funding ERA’s Energy Savings for Business program through the Technology Innovation & Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund, with $25 million in funding from the federal Low-Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.