The provincial government has established a program to assist non-profit organizations across Alberta with lowering their carbon footprints.
The provincial carbon tax came into effect Jan. 1 and is applied to fuels at a rate of $20 per tonne and will be applied to fuels at a rate of $30 per tonne in 2018. Provincial officials say it will cost the average Albertan $191 this year and $286 next year.
However, Albertans with low incomes will be provided with rebates up to $200 this year and $300 next year. Full rebates are provided to single Albertans who earn less than $47,500 a year or couples and families who earn less than $95,000 a year. Some Albertans already received a portion of their rebates in their bank accounts Jan. 5.
An additional six per cent of households will receive partial rebates. Rebates exceeding $200 will be received in more than one payment.
According to the province, the carbon tax is expected to raise $9.6 billion over the next five years and that money will be invested towards combating climate change using energy efficiency programming.
The province introduced the Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition Program Jan. 6, which will provide funding to help non-profit organizations and volunteer groups determine how efficient their lighting, heating, cooling and hot water systems are, according to a press release.
Organizations would then be able to take advantage of Energy Efficiency Alberta’s Business, Non-Profit and Institutional Rebate Program, which offers incentives for the installation of high-efficiency products. According to the release, $1 million has been allotted for this program.
“This grant is another example of carbon levy revenues being meaningfully reinvested back into Alberta,” Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s minister for the climate change office, said in the release. “We are ensuring that non-profit and volunteer groups receive the tools and supports they need to lower costs, protect the environment and continue to do admirable work that improves the lives of Albertans.
“Energy efficiency is a cost-effective and accessible pathway for these organizations to play a role in Alberta’s ambitious climate leadership plan.”
The Business, Non-Profit and Institutional Rebate Program is one of many programs offered by Energy Efficiency Alberta, which is a provincial agency established as part of the climate leadership plan, according to the release.
“The agency will provide programs and services starting this spring to help families, businesses and communities protect their pocketbooks and lower their carbon footprints,” states the release.
Non-profit organizations and volunteer groups are asked to email [email protected] for more information.
