Organizations have until March 31, 2023, to complete energy- and cost-saving projects
EDMONTON, AB – As utility costs continue to rise, Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Energy Savings for Business Program is still accepting applications for projects that cut operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in small- and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities. The $55 program, after over a year in the market, has supported over 800 projects, reduced lifetime GHG emissions by over 1.6 million tonnes, and created in excess of 480 jobs.
The Energy Savings for Business Program offers incentives to eligible Alberta businesses and non-profits to choose commercially available high-efficiency products and onsite energy generation technologies. Up to $250,000 is available for each project with a new maximum total of $1 million per parent company. ESB also supports small projects with incentives as low as $500. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until fully committed. All projects must be constructed by the new deadline of March 31, 2023.
“The Energy Savings for Business Program supports a critical component of the economy—small- and medium-sized businesses. The program will give Alberta companies and contractors fast access to cost-effective incentives. It will accelerate the adoption of technologies that significantly reduce GHGs and help position Alberta as a leader in sustainable resource and energy use.”
Heather Stephens, Chief Operating Officer, ERA
“From a sustainability standpoint, the reduction of greenhouse gases is a priority for us, but this also helps to reduce our utility costs and makes us a more efficient business. Having support from this program has helped get these projects across the finish line.”
William Gowdy, Environment and Public Affairs Manager, Lafarge Northern Alberta
“When you have a 37,000 square foot building like we have, you can have a significant impact on water and power consumption. Obtaining some financial assistance through this program not only allowed us to spend the right amount of capital to become net-zero, but it also allowed us look at what else we can do to further reduce our impact on the environment.”
Sylvian Blouin, President and Founder, Rock-N-Wash
“The Energy Savings for Business program gave us the confidence to make the investment. As a small business, when you are analyzing your upfront cost, it is important to consider your return on investment. With the help of funding from this program, we were able to accept the project and quantify the value for the long term.”
Jessica Rogiani, Finance Manager, Ice Cream Depot
“Sense Engineering has submitted multiple applications to the ESB program and our customers are keen to take advantage of the incentives. The ESB support team has been quick to respond and helpful in managing our various applications, regardless of the complexity.”
Mack Grigg, Project Associate, Sense Engineering
ESB supports local skilled trades, contractors, and suppliers such as HVAC businesses, insulation companies, lighting systems installers, and electricians. All participating contractors must register to be eligible to participate in the program. A wide range of technologies are eligible: compressed air, steam traps, variable frequency drives for industrial use, lighting, and more than 50 other technologies.
The program is designed to support the more than 160,000 small- and medium-scale enterprises in Alberta. Projects must occur at facilities located within the province. The program is open to all industries and business types except new construction, federal and provincially owned buildings, the institutional sector (municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals), and large emitters as defined under the TIER Regulation (note: head office buildings for TIER regulated businesses may be eligible).
The Government of Alberta is funding up to $30 million for the Energy Savings for Business program through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund. Up to $25 million in additional funds will also be available from the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. This support will be leveraged with private funding.
ABOUT EMISSIONS REDUCTION ALBERTA (ERA):
For more than 10 years, ERA has been investing the revenues from the carbon price paid by large final emitters to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions. Since ERA was established in 2009, they have committed $616 million toward 186 projects worth $4.55 billion that are helping to reduce GHGs, create competitive industries and are leading to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative reductions of 35 million tonnes of CO₂e by 2030. Learn more at eralberta.ca.
