The Alberta government announced funding aimed at helping municipalities upgrade and improve their electricity systems and save taxpayers money by reducing energy costs on Sept. 24.
The new Municipal Electricity Generation Program is providing $3 million to municipal governments to lower the costs of powering and heating recreation centres, town halls, libraries and other community buildings.
Communities can now apply for rebates to help improve their electricity systems, reduce operational costs and lower emissions.
“This investment made through the industry-funded TIER program will help communities invest in practical upgrades that will also help save taxpayers money," said Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz in a press release.
Starting September 24, municipalities can apply for up to $500,000 in funding for microgeneration systems that can help reduce their electricity costs. Eligible costs include the equipment, materials, labour, installation, and project or construction management costs required to complete the project.
“Our 260 member communities welcome the addition of this forward-looking provincial program that encourages them to install alternative electricity generation technologies in municipal buildings. It’s a step in the right direction," said Tyler Gandam, president of Alberta Municipalities and mayor of Wetaskiwin.
“The Municipal Electricity Generation Program will help rural municipalities install microgeneration systems on their facilities that will reduce their emissions. Programs like this are important to our members and rural communities across Alberta," said Paul McLauchlin, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta and reeve of Ponoka County.
