ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOOD FOR ALBERTA’S ECONOMY

And households can begin saving by using the new programs, writes David Dodge.

Benjamin Franklin’s miserly maxim is as true today as it was in 1736: A penny saved is a penny earned. Or almost as true. In fact, a penny saved is worth more than a penny earned, once you account for income taxes.

There is a hidden beauty in energy efficiency. Replacing appliances and household products certainly keeps more pennies in your pocket. But it also prevents waste and extra costs you might not have even considered.

The average Alberta family spends more than $100 a month on electricity. Using the most efficient LED light bulbs, efficient refrigerators and making sure computers and TVs are not on standby, you can cut your bill significantly. And while you’re saving that after-tax money, you’re also reducing carbon emissions.

Alberta has long been known for its energy sector, but it’s the last jurisdiction in North America to have a comprehensive energy-efficiency program. It’s long overdue for us to see energy efficiency as it is: a valuable energy resource — that’s good for our economy. With energy efficiency we’re creating a whole new industry, 1,000 jobs and spurring investment.

The best part is that the piggy banks of Albertans are about to get heavier, thanks to a suite of programs launched by Energy Efficiency Alberta.

You’ve probably heard about the Residential No-charge Energy Savings Program. At the invitation of Albertans, an energy adviser will make an appointment to come to your home to provide advice on the best ways to save money through energy efficiency. They’ll install free low-cost measures such as LED bulbs, smart power bars, smart thermostats, low-flow shower heads, tap aerators and energyefficient night lights. You’ll start saving money immediately.

That’s only the beginning. In coming weeks, there will be a retail incentive program so you can upgrade select appliances or add insulation. Another program could save you 30 per cent on the installation of solar panels on your roof.

I know Albertans know about energy and care about efficiency. It’s about making our homes more efficient and our businesses more competitive.

That’s why Alberta’s expert panel advised Energy Efficiency Alberta to launch three proven start-up programs designed to engage and help Albertans begin taking steps to save money and energy, reduce emissions and make our homes more resilient.

Being late to the efficiency party does have benefits. Programs like the direct install have been undertaken in Nova Scotia, Ontario, B.C. and Manitoba. Similar programs have been run in 16 states including Texas and Wyoming, as well as numerous countries in Europe. We know these programs work.

Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency program is a great example of the success we’ve seen with these kinds of programs. It saves their residents and businesses $110 million annually, has created 1,000 new jobs and has reduced energy use by eight per cent since 2008.

Here in Alberta, even our free low-cost measures program will save Albertans $130 for every $100 invested. That’s a great return on investment. Sometimes we have to repeat the fact this first program is free.

Albertans have jumped on board. Thousands have pre-registered for the program and are waiting to start saving money.

The reason is simple — it’s smart, it works and it provides a great return on investment for Albertans and Alberta. The average participating homeowner will save about $112 per year.

Our low-cost measures program provides a great return on investment, and as recommended by the expert panel, this is the best way to open the conversation about energy efficiency. We hope to have even more impact as we roll out other programs and reach even more Albertans. The programs already under development will save Alberta homes and businesses millions of dollars.

We are just getting started. Why not join us at efficiencyalberta.ca and begin saving energy, saving money and building a more competitive Alberta.

Our free low-cost measures program will save Albertans $130 for every $100 invested.