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New energy efficiency rebate targets windows, insulation, water heaters

Apr 18, 2017 | 11:37 AM

EDMONTON – The provincial government says certain windows, insulation, and hot water heater installations in homes will be eligible for rebates in the latest component of its energy efficiency program to be announced.

Environment minister Shannon Phillips announced rebates of up to $3,500 for homeowners who have insulation installed in their attic, basement, or above-grade walls by a registered contractor. There’s a maximum rebate of $1,500 for triple-glaze (low-e, argon) windows and up to $1,000 for Energy Star-certified tankless water heaters.

“Albertans are embracing energy efficiency,” Phillips told a news conference at an Edmonton window company. “The proof is in the numbers. Since the launch of Energy Efficiency Alberta, our new agency, more than a quarter million Albertans have visited the website repeatedly to learn all about the new programs available in the province.”

To be eligible for rebates, homeowners must visit the Energy Efficiency Alberta website and select from a list of registered contractors. Companies can get on that list by registering online. They must be a legally-registered business, registered with the workers compensation board, with up-to-date liability insurance and a minimum of three years experience. There is no charge for them to participate in the program, which includes training on helping customers with the rebate process.

Monica Curtis, CEO of Energy Efficiency Alberta, said the decision was made working with the energy advisory panel, to focus on renovations rather than new homes.

The program is being administered by Summerhill, an Ontario based company. Curtis said it was chosen through a request for proposals process, and no Alberta-based companies applied. Phillips added the government is relying on private sector expertise and must turn outside its borders because of a lack of previous experience with energy-efficiency programs.

“Because Alberta has not had any capacity whatsoever the expertise does not exist within government either,” she said.

The province is encouraging people to get multiple quotes, and can begin doing so right now. Rebates will be available beginning April 28.

The rebate is part of the $24-million Residential Retail Products Program, which also includes an online rebate process for qualifying home appliances, and point of sale rebates on other eligible products.

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