Even though Alberta is energy rich and we pay the lowest rates in the country, heating and lighting costs don’t go down. Resources such as oil, natural gas and coal are not unlimited and the reserves diminish with use. Using them also helps contributes to the amount of pollution in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Although controversial, there is also the possible spectre of global warming, and for whatever the reason, mean annual temperatures on average are on the rise. Whatever your reason, many business owners seek alternative means to save heating or lightings expenses, and retrofit their business to make it more cost efficient.
What Government Grants are Available?
Energy conservation grants for business owners are available at both levels of government and can be researched through the Federal Government and the Alberta Provincial Government. The programs vary and change on an annual basis, plus there are usually expiry dates as to when they will take applications for business energy conservation grants.
Also, be aware that our bureaucrats love their policies and procedures so be prepared for the inevitable and somewhat frustrating red tape that you will have to endure when applying for these grants. You will have to carefully read their application guidelines and follow them to the letter before you get approved.
Most government grants tend to focus on business improvements which make your business more energy efficient. In most instances, you may be required to use the services of a certified energy adviser to evaluate your business premise for the energy rebate program which you are interested in completing.
Province of Alberta and Canada Grants
One good place you learn about what sort of provincial grants which are available to Calgary homeowner’s is to check out Climate Change Central whose website can be found out at www.climatechangecentral. This site discusses and provides information on many of the provincial grants and available rebates to go green in Calgary. Programs include rebates for such projects as hotwater replacement, heater/boiler replacement, insulation, low flush toilets, energy evaluation and rebates. There are plenty of tax rebates which are available.
Another valuable site that can provide you with a wealth of information available government grants to go green and the application process is canadaenergygrants.com. This site will give an overview of grants and rebates which are available and links to other sites.
Many of these grants and rebates that are available for business owners revolve around the use of alternative fuels, methods employed in reducing greenhouse emissions, and making your business more energy efficient. For Calgarians, you might want to check out programs available through the Alberta Bioenergy Producer Credit Program and the funding which can be received from the Alberta Energy Research Institute.
Through the federal government you might want to look at what is available through the ecoENERGY Program for small and medium sized businesses which provides incentives for solar space and water heaters.
These are but a few of the potential programs which are available for businesses in Calgary where you can benefit from grants and rebates which not only make your business more energy and eco friendly but can save your company a bundle of money down the road.
Photo by bKusler
