HatSmart residents can get added value through province
A provincial rebate program aimed at cutting back on electricity and gas use could have a multiplying effect when coupled with local City of Medicine Hat initiatives.
The 2017 HatSmart program was presented to committee last week, and includes $300,000 to help customers insulate attics, buy washing machines and, for the first time, install water conservation measures.
On Thursday the province introduced a panel that will develop similar measures to disburse a portion of carbon levy revenue and defray the cost of energy-conscious upgrades.
Local officials have been involved in provincial conversations about the HatSmart program, though the detailed provincial program will be announced likely in January.
That led city administers to create a one-year HatSmart plan ahead of the 2017 budget, before the plan is re-examined for 2018.
“We’re really excited for next year, but obviously we would like to align our (program) to the provincial one,” said Jaret Dickie, the manager of the city’s utility business support office.
“The intent is to realign some of the incentives, if they make sense, to provincial focus.”
On Thursday, Environment Minister Shannon Phillips introduced the energy efficiency panel, with a final report is due in January, when the government begins collecting carbon tax on gasoline, diesel and natural gas.
Three branches of the program will offer point of sale rebates on residential higher efficiency consumer products, and refunds on installation price for heating, electrical and water fixtures. A business and non-profit sector rebate plan will also be developed.
Philips said the program “will help Albertans save energy and save money as we diversify our economy and create good jobs.”
Estimates state $645 million will be available over five years for the efficiency program.
The City of Medicine Hat has handed out $4.44 million in total since 2008 under Hatsmart.
The 2017 edition, which goes to council for approval on Nov. 7, would see a total of $310,000 available for qualifying utility customers.
Of that, $75,000 is dedicated toward improving attic insulation with rebates of up to $750 each to 100 homeowners.
Residents could also qualify for a maximum of $200 for washing machines, $500 for heat recovery drains, and $5,000 toward solar panel installation.
Also, the program will offer up to $50 for the purchase of low-flow toilets, up to a total outlay of $5,000. New or reworked irrigation systems that include control sensors and regulators could see a 50 per cent rebate up to $800.
The provincial announcement earned praise from the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Homebuilders Association.
President Ryan Scott stating “professional installation will be a key” to ensuring full value for homeowners.
The construction industry body also backed new building codes aimed at energy reduction that were announced this week and schedule to come into effect on Nov. 1.
However, Scott said, nearly one million homes in Alberta are older than 20 years, and retrofits would be required.
The panel will be chaired by David Dodge, an Edmonton-area environmental researcher, not the former Bank of Canada governor.
“I look forward to working with them to leverage that interest, help them save energy, help make businesses more competitive and support new jobs in energy efficiency and clean energy,” he said.