Red Deer’s Energy Efficiency Rebate Pilot Program that was launched in early September will end two months early due to overwhelming demand.
The deadline for the program, that provides a $50 rebate to replace a home thermostat with a smart thermostat and a $100 rebate to replace a low-efficiency dishwasher with a high-efficiency model, will now end Oct. 28 instead of Dec. 31.
So far 173 applications have been received, including 66 applications for smart thermostat rebates and 107 applications for dishwasher rebates.
Phil Boehme, community development co-ordinator, said it’s the city’s first rebate program targeting energy efficiency. About $13,000 was allocated for the pilot and higher than anticipated uptake made it necessary to end the program early.
“We’re excited to see the interest and the impacts from this. We’ll be reviewing the program and accessing what the future plan might look like for this kind of program,” Boehme said.
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Decreased energy consumption in the residential sector and decreased greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use support goals identified in the city’s Environmental Master Plan.
High-efficiency dishwashers and smart thermostats have been shown to help people use up to 12 per cent less energy and reduce water use by up to 30 per cent.
Boehme said with concern for the environment and increasing energy costs, it was good timing for the rebates. Dishwashers and smart thermostats were the focus of the pilot because they are more affordable compared to other energy efficient products. They have also been popular for rebate programs in other municipalities.
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Residents can find out more about the rebates at www.reddeer.ca/energyrebates. A maximum of one of each type of rebate is available per utility account. More information on how to save energy is also available on the city’s website.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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