The nationwide Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is just as popular as expected in most areas, and the window to take advantage of this program, at least in 2023, is already starting to close. The program provides grants and low-interest loans for clean energy upgrades such as geothermal heating and cooling systems. It provides a mechanism by which participating cities and towns can provide those grants and loans, and the loans are paid back through utility bills.
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The application process for this program, regardless of the community, is quite involved. Any homeowner who wants to participate first goes through an EnerGuide home evaluation. At that point, there is a pre-application requirement that will determine the eligibility of the homeowner and the energy efficiency/renewable energy system they have chosen.
The program is administered by the Alberta Municipalities Association, and funded by each city or town. A participating community passes legislation that sets down the terms and conditions of participation. Here’s Where the nine communities stand (as of April 2023):
At capacity
Edmonton didn’t launch its program until January of this year. The program is already at capacity and even the waitlist has been closed. As of the end of March, the program was full. While there are other communities that have reached capacity, Edmonton is the only one that is not even accepting pre-applications for a waitlist.
For Calgary, Canmore and St. Albert, the program was open for a single day. Calgary received 230 applications for $15 million in loans (half the total available for the year) on February first, the first day of the program. On February 2nd, the program was put on hold so that city officials could wade through the first-day applications. There is some indication that the program could reopen, at least for a waitlist. St. Albert and Canmore report being at capacity, but they are still accepting those pre-applications for a waitlist.
Still accepting applications
In Athabasca, Devon, Leduc, and Rocky Mountain House, pre-applications are still being accepted. The Athabasca program just launched on March 31st. In Leduc, They were still talking about the program getting underway in January. In March, the first contractor information sessions were held.
Still waiting to hear more.
Of the nine Albertan communities to sign up in 2021, only one community has yet to roll out its program. Okotoks officials were still deciding how the program will work. May will mark a full year that the community has been negotiating with the CEIP program, but publicly, they are still promoting a “coming soon” attitude.
Canadians continue to work on the Reduced Emissions goal of 2030, which is part of the national Net Zero by 2050 pledge. This means the CEIP program is not the only one out there. Nationally, there is the Canada Greener Homes grant and loan program providing a variety of incentives. Many communities and electric utilities are offering rebates and other incentives as well. If interested in the CEIP program for 2023, it would be best not to wait too long to apply.
Envirotech Geothermal proudly serves the Lakeland, Calgary, and Edmonton, Alberta regions including Canmore and Rockyview helping homeowners and builders to discover the benefits and features of geothermal heating and cooling. Contact us today to learn how you can save up to 70% on your heating and cooling bills by utilizing geothermal heating and cooling in your home. Call us at 780.220.0842 or request a Geothermal Consultation for more information.
