Mario Toneguzzi: Alberta groups awarded $8 million in energy efficiency grantsTwelve organizations in Alberta are receiving $8 million in multi-year grants to promote energy efficiency throughout the province and create more jobs.

On Tuesday, Energy Efficiency Alberta announced the grants ranging from $29,000 for a one-year project to $2.6 million over three years. The announcement includes a complete list of the 12 recipients.

“By working with these community organizations, we’re helping more Albertans access the benefits of energy efficiency. Not only are we helping Albertans reduce their carbon footprint, but we’re also helping them keep more money in their pockets,” said  Shannon Phillips, minister of Environment and Parks and Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office, in a statement.

“These organizations are all well respected for their education, industry training and community efforts across our province. By investing in their work to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, we help them do more, for more Albertans, with even greater benefits,” added Monica Curtis, CEO of Energy Efficiency Alberta.

Energy Efficiency Alberta said it will announce a second round of grants this fall. A call for proposals will be issued in the coming weeks with a focus on supporting a broad range of organizations across Alberta in the areas of energy efficiency education, technical training, community projects and capacity building across the Province, it said.

Additional details including eligibility, funding levels and how to apply will be announced and available at efficiencyalberta.ca. Interested organizations can register at [email protected] for more information as it becomes available.

According to its website, Energy Efficiency Alberta is a new government of Alberta agency responsible for helping Albertans reduce their energy consumption and improve their energy efficiency at home and work, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the province. It was established in January 2017 as one component of Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan.

“The agency is a provider of energy efficiency, conservation and small-scale renewable energy solutions. It exists to help families, businesses and other organizations improve their homes and facilities while using less energy and reducing their carbon footprint. This saves money, contributes to a cleaner environment and creates jobs and helps diversify the economy,” it says.

Curtis began work in April 2017, and since then has built a team of 37 agency staff that designs and delivers energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in the province.

Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran Calgary-based journalist who worked for 35 years for the Calgary Herald, including 12 years as a senior business writer.


Alberta groups awarded $8 million in energy efficiency grants

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