The City of Lethbridge has opened applications for the Clean Energy Improvement Program, October 24, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Applications open for Clean Energy Improvement Program in Lethbridge

Oct 24, 2023 | 9:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Homeowners in Lethbridge can apply for funding to help with the cost of energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades.

The City of Lethbridge has opened applications for the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP).

The list of projects eligible for the loans includes upgrading windows, doors, or lighting fixtures, as well as adding solar panels, increasing insulation, installing tankless hot water systems and more.

The CEIP allows homeowners to apply for low-interest financing with repayments made through their property tax bills during a span of up to 20 years, depending on the expected lifespan of the improvement. Applicants have the option to repay it in full at any time without penalty.

Financing can be transferred to the next owner if the home sells.

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In order to be eligible, participants must install eligible upgrades with a total cost of between $3,000 and $50,000.

Funding for these initiatives comes from the federal Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

Previously, the City had hard limits on how much money it could distribute for eligible projects each year. The program had available funds of $800,000 in 2023, $900,000 in 2024, $1 million in 2025, and $1.1 million in 2026, for a total of $3.8 million during the four years.

Now, the FCM has indicated that it is flexible on loan terms for the program and could facilitate early payments if there is high enough demand.

At the October 17, 2023, Lethbridge City Council meeting, members voted to remove the previous annual caps, allowing for expedited service delivery. Councillors hoped that this would provide more homeowners with timely access to funding.

The full list of eligible projects can be found on the City of Lethbridge website, as well as the complete terms and conditions.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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