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Don’t delay – Emissions Reduction Alberta still accepting applications for projects

July 12, 2022 – Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) says it continues to accept applications for projects that cut operating costs and reduce GHG emissions in small- and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities.

“The Energy Savings for Business Program supports a critical component of the economy: small- and medium-sized businesses,” said Heather Stephens, ERA’s COO. “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.”

After over a year in the market, ERA says its $55-million Energy Savings for Business Program has supported over 800 projects, reduced lifetime GHG emissions by over 1.6 million tonnes, and created in excess of 480 jobs.

The ESB 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.

“As a small business, when you are analyzing your upfront cost, it is important to consider your return on investment,” said Jessica Rogiani, Ice Cream Depot. “With the help of funding from this program, we were able to accept the project and quantify the value for the long term.”

The program supports local skilled trades, contractors, and suppliers involved with HVAC, insulation, lighting, and electrical. All participating contractors must have first registered to be eligible to participate in the program. A range of technologies are eligible, such as compressed air, steam traps, industrial variable frequency drives. All told, over 50 technologies are involved.

ESB 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 (N.B. 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.