Richard Froese
Spotlight
Albertans can now save on energy-efficient items in time for winter and Christmas.
Energy Efficiency Alberta is offering in-store savings on outdoor timers for block heaters and holiday lights and programmable thermostats, as well as many other energy-efficient products, says a government news release dated Sept. 28.
“Fall and winter are the most energy-intensive seasons of the year,” says Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips, responsible for the Climate Change Office.
“We’re making life more affordable for Albertans by offering more opportunities to lower utility bills with a few simple changes around the home.”
The fall campaign runs for four weeks until Oct. 29 at more than 600 participating retailers.
More than 80 additional stores are participating in the campaign, giving Albertans dozens of new places to find energy-efficient products.
The spring campaign led to major increases in sales of energy-efficient items.
Low-flow showerhead sales spiked 40,000 per cent, while LED light sales increased 8,000 to 14,500 per cent.
In total, Albertans purchased 4.3 million products that will continue to pay dividends on lower utility bills for years to come.
Products sold are expected to save more than 420,000 gigajoules of energy, equal to heating 3,523 homes.
“The spring campaign was a huge success, proving once again that Albertans embraced the many ways we can make our homes more efficient and comfortable,” says Monica Curtis, CEO of Energy Efficiency Alberta.
“We’re continuing to build on this momentum to further reduce energy use.”
Energy Efficiency Alberta programs provide incentives for families, businesses, non-profits and communities to invest in energy-saving projects. These programs have supported the creation of 1,300 private sector jobs in the province’s burgeoning energy efficiency sector.
Quick facts:
Residents have multiple ways to save through the Residential Retail Products Program:
-Instant rebates: In-store products like LED lights, smart power strips and heavy-duty timers.
-Home improvement rebates: Up to $3,500 on products such as windows, insulation and tankless hot water heaters installed by a certified contractor.
-Online rebates: Rebates of up to $100 on eligible clothes washers, refrigerators and smart thermostats.