Provincial Renewable Energy Rebate Program
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) request the Government of Alberta to introduce a rebate program for the purchase and installation of renewable micro-generation energy technologies which can be utilized to provide decentralized energy for
Alberta property owners.
WHEREAS many Alberta property owners (home, business, organizational, institutional, industrial etc.) wish to reduce their environmental footprint through utilizing renewable energy technologies and do not invest in decentralized renewable energy generation systems due to the high initial capital cost;
WHEREAS property owners and operators of small renewable energy micro-generation systems are able to achieve a measure of energy dependence from the larger electrical grid while being still being connected and potentially experiencing the long term financial benefits of being able to sell unused electricity back to the system and purchasing it only when needed;
WHEREAS the potential benefits of such renewable micro-generation energy systems throughout the Province could result in increased efficiency, reduced electricity demands, reduction in greenhouse gasses and a broadening of the province’s electricity pool resulting in greater power quality, which will help to strengthen the entire system, reducing vulnerability;
WHEREAS with almost 90 per cent of the Province’s electricity generated from coal and natural gas-fired plants, the new provincial energy strategy calls for increased emphasis on renewable energy and more efficient power generation, which will be necessary to slow or reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions;
WHEREAS micro-generation promises to play a key role in Canada’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon dioxide output by promoting the three pillars of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy;
WHEREAS the renewable energy rebate program would be operated through a provincial organization such as Climate Change Central in partnership with Alberta municipalities, resulting in net greenhouse gas reduction reporting for each municipality; and
WHEREAS the renewable energy rebate program would incent and assist Albertans in reducing the initial capital cost of purchase and installation of renewable energy micro-generation system for their property(s).
Feb 16, 2011 - Alberta Environment
As identified in Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy, the Government of Alberta is committed to transforming the way we produce energy and introducing greener, more sustainable approaches to energy production. Alberta Energy is in the early stages of developing a renewable and alternatives framework for Alberta to further define actions that can be taken for development of alternative and renewable energy in Alberta. This framework will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, including the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, and should be completed by winter 2011.
As we move forward with the implementation of Alberta’s 2008 Climate Change Strategy, incentives and support for renewable and alternative energy will be closely examined to see how they can help achieve our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Apr 13, 2011 - Alberta Energy
The Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of renewable energy to Albertans. The Alberta Provincial Energy Strategy commits to “not only support renewable energy development but promote a market for its consumption” and “promote smart metering…to help Albertans better understand their consumption patterns and incent greener responses.”
My staff is currently developing an Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy Framework, which will address man of the questions and policy proposals your members put forward. As part of the stakeholder consultation to which we have committed, we will be inviting AUMA members and other stakeholders to provide input.
The Alberta Utilities Commission has just completed a Smart Grid Inquiry report. This report addresses a range of smart grid issues, including advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). As we review the study and develop policy with respect to AMI, we will be seeking input from interested parties such as AUMA.
Nov 20, 2012 - Alberta Energy
Department is currently developing an Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy Framework. This is a collaborative effort with other ministries whose mandates encompass aspects of alternative and renewable energy.
Public consultation is an important part of the framework development process. In September 2011, Alberta Energy hosted an industry expert working session to gather information on alternative and renewable energy resource potential, opportunities, benefits, barriers and suggestions to reduce common barriers. This information is being used in the development of an Alberta primer on alternative and renewable energy, which will serve as a basis for further information gathering and analysis and, subject to government’s approval, public consultation. This work will lead to policy options for consideration by government.
AUMA considers this response.