Cash Rebates will Help Albertans be More Energy Efficient

Edmonton, Alberta - A new provincial consumer incentive program for energy efficient purchases will help
Alberta build a culture of conservation.

The province is investing $36 million over three years on energy efficiency rebates to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Rebates are available to existing homeowners who improve their energy efficiency, to new home buyers who purchase energy efficient homes and to taxi operators who are transitioning their fleet to hybrid vehicles.

Eligible purchases, which are retroactive to January 1, 2009, include:

• new homes that achieve a high level of energy efficiency;
• energy evaluations for homeowners to assess the current energy efficiency of their home and to measure its efficiency after home improvements are made; and
• efficient home heating systems, hot water heating systems, clothes washers and insulation upgrades.

“Albertans know they have a role to play, and this program makes it a little easier for all of us to take action,” said Rob Renner, Minister of Environment. “Buying an energy efficient washing machine or improving your home’s insulation are also great ways for Albertans to commit to One Simple Act for the environment,” said Renner.

By choosing more efficient products, the consumer rebate program is expected to help Albertans reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by almost one million tonnes, which is the equivalent to taking more than 200,000 cars off the road for a year.

The rebate program will be run by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization created in 2000 to empower Albertans to take action on climate change. For specific information on what purchases are eligible and how to apply for a rebate, visit www.ClimateChangeCentral.com, or call toll free at 1-888-537-7202.

Energy efficient incentives for consumers align with the direction set out for Alberta’s Provincial Energy Strategy and Alberta’s Climate Change Strategy.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Trevor Gemmell
Communications
Alberta Environment
780-427-6267
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Helen Corbett
Communications
Climate Change Central
403-517-2717