Energy Efficiency Growth in Central Alberta

Published on October 24, 2018

Red Deer Alberta is leading the way in terms of energy conservation in Alberta, according to Energy Efficiency Alberta CEO, Monica Curtis. With 1 in 10 homes taking part in the Residential No Charge Energy Saving’s Program, homeowners are replacing less efficient home products such as incandescent lights, with more efficient ones, such as LEDs.

Red Deer also shows one of the highest levels of participation in improving home energy efficiency, with 285 homeowners adding insulation, replacing inefficient windows with more efficient ones, and choosing if they want to add drain water heat recovery or to have a tank-free hot water heater installed.

Incentives from Energy Efficiency Alberta’s Residential and Commercial Solar Program has provided Red Deer College with the opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of their campus. Installing 2500 solar modules on top of a building on campus grounds, Red Deer College will see the same amount of power generated in one year, as what is drawn from 135 homes over the same time period.

Curtis has said that the energy economy in Alberta is benefiting the students of today, helping to create new jobs and drive economic growth, and improve business competition and productivity.

“Alberta’s economy is growing - by $475 million - through investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, helping create more than 2300 jobs,” Curtis said.

Along with the 285 homeowners in Red Deer who have capitalized on incentives for home improvement from Energy Efficiency Alberta, nearly 200 business have as well - also looking to improve the efficiency and lower the utility bills of their buildings.

For Homeowners in Ontario

Currently, there are rebates available for home renovation that can be applied for through Union Gas, helping to make energy improvements more affordable, and helping homeowners see a return on their investments much faster. To make sense of these rebates, or to see if you qualify, our Registered Energy Advisors are happy to work with you and help you understand your options.

By conducting a Home Energy Assessment and/or an Air Tightness Test, our Registered Energy Advisors can obtain the information they need to provide you with a comprehensive look at your home’s efficiency levels, as well as showing you what areas would be the most cost-effective to improve. Efficiency improving suggestions may include things as simple as: caulking leaky areas where air can escape, installing a Magnetite Window Retrofit, or switching to a smart thermostat such as the ecobee4.

It is worth noting that Union Gas states that to fully qualify for any rebates, a Home Energy Assessment must be conducted both before and after renovations to demonstrate efficiency improvements. Our Registered Energy Advisors are able to ensure you will meet the qualifications required for rebates ahead of time, and can help you decide which renovations or retrofits will help improve your home comfort, lower your energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint by the largest amount.