Homeowners hoping to get some extra money under the provincial consumer rebate incentive program for improvements to their home’s energy efficiency should apply soon.
Homeowners have until the end of March to apply for rebates ranging from $100 to $10,000.
The consumer rebate incentive program, a three-year initiative, started in March 2009 and more than 152,000 rebates worth $40 million were issued to Albertans who invested in energy-efficient upgrades.
There are still rebates available under C3, an Alberta-based non-profit that encourages energy efficiency or small-scale use of alternative energy sources, said communications liaison Gina Sutherland.
Homeowners can apply for the rebates until March 31 under three categories: Furnace/boiler or domestic hot water; insulation and home energy evaluation; and new home.
“There is still time to apply for the program and we encourage people to apply as soon as possible,” Sutherland said, noting that energy efficient purchases resulted in the equivalent of 301,800 cars being taken off the road for a year.
The government of Alberta is working on another energy-savings initiative that will replace the consumer rebate incentive program but officials are unsure when it may be unveiled.
“It is in the very early stages,” said Ogho Ikhalo, Alberta Environment and Water communications liaison.
“Minister Diane McLean has received direction from the premier . . . to start looking into a potential program for energy efficient savings in the province but I cannot speculate on what that will look like.”
“We do know that Premier Alison Redford has sent letters to different departments mandating that energy efficiency is a priority,” Sutherland added.
Rebates can be applied for and processed online at www.C-3.ca or by contacting 1-888-527-7202.
The City of Red Deer also has a municipal rebate program, separate from the provincial program, for low flush and duel flush toilets. These rebates can also be applied for at www.C-3.ca.
jjones@www.reddeeradvocate.com0