Energy Savings for Business Program
AB, Canada
Funding for Alberta SMEs to improve efficiency
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 30, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
- Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a grant of up to $250,000 when you undertake a project to update your equipment, building or power source by adopting emissions reduction technologies, if your organization is serviced by an Alberta electric utility.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Energy Savings for Business Program provides Alberta businesses with financial support to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The financing modalities are designed to promote swift and efficient financial support to bolster business energy savings.
- Maximum funding of up to $250,000 available per project.
- Maximum aggregate funding of up to $1 million available per parent company.
- Minimum incentive amount set at $500 per project.
- Funding disbursement depends on meeting project timeline requirements and compliance with the Participant Terms and Conditions.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Energy Savings for Business Program offers incentives for Alberta businesses to implement cost-effective efficiency measures. Eligible projects focus on adopting high-efficiency products and technologies to reduce emissions and operational costs.
- Installation of compressed air measures for energy conservation.
- Upgrading process heating for improved energy efficiency.
- Enhancing refrigeration systems for better performance.
- Utilizing energy-efficient food service equipment.
- Implementing advanced HVAC systems.
- Modernizing motors and drives for reduced energy consumption.
- Upgrading water heating systems with efficient technologies.
- Setting up combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
- Improving lighting systems and controls for energy savings.
- Enhancing the building envelope and windows for better insulation.
- Adopting geothermal technologies for sustainable energy use.
- Upgrading agricultural lighting to efficient solutions.
- Recovering waste energy for reuse in operations.
- Implementing solar air heating systems.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 130,000
Install energy-efficient HVAC system in community center to improve air quality and reduce costs
$ 65,000
Enhance lighting systems in public library to boost energy efficiency and reduce operating costs
$ 175,000
Upgrade refrigeration system in food processing plant to reduce energy consumption by 20%
$ 150,000
Integrate waste energy recovery system in manufacturing facility to boost efficiency and lower emissions
$ 100,000
Introduce solar air heating system in agricultural greenhouse to enhance energy efficiency
$ 200,000
Implement combined heat and power system in a small hotel to enhance energy efficiency and resilience
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Energy Savings for Business Program is designed to support specific types of businesses and organizations in Alberta.
- The applicant must be a business or non-profit organization serviced by an Alberta electric utility.
- Eligible entities include individual businesses, non-profit organizations, co-operatives, private schools not eligible for government funding, common spaces and equipment in multi-unit residential buildings, and farms registered as a business.
- Projects must occur at facilities located within Alberta.
- Residences, some new construction projects, municipally, federal, and provincially owned buildings, publicly funded institutions, and Large Emitters as defined under Alberta’s TIER regulation are not eligible.
- TIER regulated companies may still be eligible for incentives for facilities not under the regulations, such as head offices.
- Projects must meet project timeline requirements and adhere to the criteria outlined in the Participant Terms and Conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Energy Savings for Business program is designed to support small- and medium-scale enterprises in Alberta. Eligible applicants include all businesses and non-profits serviced by an Alberta electric utility, except for residences, some new construction projects, municipally, federally, and provincially owned buildings, publicly funded institutions, and large emitters as defined under Alberta's TIER regulations. Specific eligible entities are:- Individual businesses- Non-profit organizations- Co-operatives- Private schools not eligible for government funding- The common spaces and equipment in multi-unit residential buildings- Farms registered as a businessIt's important for projects to occur at facilities located within Alberta and comply with project timeline requirements and other criteria outlined in the Participant Terms and Conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Energy Savings for Business program has certain restrictions on eligibility to ensure directed and effective use of resources. The following entities are not eligible for funding under this program.
- Residences.
- Certain new construction projects.
- Municipally, federally, and provincially owned buildings.
- Publicly funded institutions.
- Large Emitters as defined under Alberta’s TIER regulation, unless specific facilities are exempt.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Energy Savings for Business Program provides incentives for initiatives that enhance energy efficiency and encourage the adoption of high efficiency products and technologies. Projects eligible for funding aim to reduce emissions and operational costs for Alberta businesses.
- Compressed air measures and improvements.
- Process heating optimizations.
- Upgrades in refrigeration systems.
- Installation of energy-efficient food service equipment.
- Enhancements to HVAC systems.
- Improvement of motors and drives.
- Advancements in water heating technologies.
- Implementation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems.
- Installation of energy-efficient lighting systems.
- Improvement of building envelopes and window systems.
- Development of geothermal energy systems.
- Enhancement of agricultural lighting systems.
- Waste energy recovery implementations.
- Installation of solar air heating systems.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This program is designed to support businesses within a specific area in Alberta, ensuring they meet project timeline requirements and criteria outlined by the Energy Savings for Business Program.
- Facilities located within Alberta, Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Energy Savings for Business (ESB) program evaluates applications based on a set of eligibility criteria, including the types of participants and facilities, eligible projects, and eligible contractors. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with project incentives calculated according to specific guidelines.
- Participants and Facilities: Must be located in Alberta and meet specific operational and ownership requirements.
- Projects: Must contain eligible measures installed at an eligible facility.
- Contractors: Must be registered businesses in Alberta with specific qualifications and insurances.
- Eligible Measures: Must be new, commercially available high-efficiency products and onsite energy generation technologies.
- Pre-Approval: Applications must receive a pre-approval notice to reserve project incentive funds.
- Incentive Calculation: Based on predefined incentives for eligible measures with caps on project and parent company incentives.
- Stacking of Incentives: Not allowed with TIER-related programs but permissible with other programs like BERA, provided the intent is declared.
- Change Requests: Must be submitted for major changes or to amend pre-approved applications.
- Project Completion: All installations must be completed and documented within specified deadlines.
- Evaluation: Includes virtual or on-site visits to ensure measures were installed and are operational, with post-project documentation required.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Energy Savings for Business Program:
- Step 1: Register/Login to the Portal
- Access the Energy Savings for Business program portal.
- Create an account if you are a new user, or log in if you already have an account.
- Step 2: Review Eligibility and Program Guidelines
- Read through the Participant Terms and Conditions to ensure your business and project meet all eligibility criteria.
- Consult the Program Guidebook and any applicable checklists to prepare necessary documentation and understand application requirements.
- Step 3: Prepare Your Project Documentation
- Gather and complete all required documentation such as technical specifications and cost estimates for the project.
- Ensure that the project timeline meets the program requirements.
- Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
- Log in to the Energy Savings for Business program portal.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate and detailed information about your project.
- Upload all necessary documentation as specified in the application form and applicable checklists.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Review the completed application for any errors or missing information.
- Submit the application through the online portal by clicking the submit button once all fields are completed.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Waitlist
- Receive a confirmation of submission that your application has been received.
- If funding is not currently available, your application will be placed on a waitlist and you will be notified if and when funding becomes available.
- Step 7: Track Application Status
- Monitor your application status through the portal.
- Wait for any communications by ERA regarding application approval or waitlist status changes.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the Energy Savings for Business program:
- All current funding has been awarded, and new applications will be added to a wait list.
- Funding is not guaranteed for projects on the wait list, and availability will be based on future funding opportunities.
- There is a minimum incentive amount of $500 introduced in the program.
- The project completion deadline for existing projects has been extended until September 30, 2023.
- Larger and complex projects can request deadline extensions on a case-by-case basis.
- Change Requests must be submitted for approval if an extension for project completion is required.
- Various types of support are available for applicants, including a detailed FAQ, checklists, program guides, and contact support.
- The program includes resources like videos and a dedicated contact center for additional questions and support.
grant_single_labels|contact
support@esbprogram.ca
844-407-0025
Apply to this program
Energy Savings for Business Program Overview
The Energy Savings for Business (ESB) program in Alberta aims to empower local businesses to reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions through financial incentives for implementing energy-efficient technologies. Although the current funding is exhausted, businesses can still join the waitlist for future funding opportunities.
Detailed Explanation of the Energy Savings for Business Program
The Energy Savings for Business (ESB) program is an initiative designed to support Alberta-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance their competitive edge. With a strong focus on sustainability and economic recovery, this program offers financial incentives to enable businesses to adopt cost-effective energy efficiency measures. Here, we will delve into the details of this program, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how businesses can participate.
Program Objectives and Benefits
The primary objectives of the ESB program are to facilitate a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, and support the economic recovery of Alberta businesses. By doing so, the program aims to create skilled jobs, improve business operations, and promote a more competitive business environment.
The key benefits of the ESB program include:
- Financial Incentives: Businesses can receive up to $250,000 per project and up to $1 million per parent company. These incentives can significantly offset the costs associated with implementing energy-saving technologies.
- Cost Savings: By adopting energy-efficient measures, businesses can reduce their energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills and operational costs.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business practice.
- Competitive Edge: Improved energy efficiency can lead to enhanced business operations and productivity, giving businesses a competitive advantage in their respective markets.
- Job Creation: The program supports the creation of skilled jobs in the energy efficiency sector, contributing to local economic growth.
Eligible Technologies and Measures
The ESB program supports a wide range of high-efficiency products and onsite energy generation technologies. These measures are designed to be cost-effective and provide substantial energy savings. Eligible technologies include:
- Compressed air measures
- Process heating
- Refrigeration
- Food service equipment
- HVAC systems
- Motors and drives
- Water heating
- Combined heat and power (CHP)
- Lighting systems
- Building envelope and windows
- Geothermal systems
- Agricultural lighting
- Waste energy recovery
- Solar air heating
An updated and detailed list of eligible measures and incentives is available on the program's website, ensuring businesses have access to the most current information.
Eligibility Criteria
The ESB program is designed to support more than 160,000 small and medium-sized enterprises within Alberta. To be eligible for the program, businesses must meet specific criteria, including:
- Being an individual business, non-profit organization, cooperative, or private school not eligible for government funding.
- Being serviced by an Alberta electric utility and located within Alberta.
- Not being a residence, new construction project, municipally, federally, or provincially owned building, publicly funded institution, or Large Emitter as defined under Alberta’s TIER regulation.
Farms registered as businesses and common spaces and equipment in multi-unit residential buildings are also eligible for the program. It's important to note that even if some of a TIER-regulated company's facilities don't fall under the regulations, such as their head office, they may still be eligible for incentives.
Application Process
The application process for the ESB program is designed to be streamlined and efficient, ensuring businesses can quickly access the available incentives. The steps involved in the application process include:
- Registration: Businesses need to register and log in to the Energy Savings for Business program portal.
- Submit an Application: Complete the necessary application forms, including project details and required documentation. Each project must meet specific timeline requirements and follow the criteria outlined in the Participant Terms and Conditions.
- Pre-Approval: Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed for eligibility. If approved, the business will receive a pre-approval notice. Due to high demand, all current funding has been awarded, and new applications are being added to a wait list.
- Project Implementation: After receiving pre-approval, businesses can proceed with their projects, ensuring they meet the specified completion deadlines.
- Post-Project Documentation: Upon project completion, businesses must submit the necessary post-project documentation to verify the implementation of the energy-saving measures.
- Incentive Payment: Once the post-project documentation is reviewed and approved, the financial incentives will be disbursed to the business.
For projects currently in progress, the completion deadline has been extended until September 30, 2023. Any new applications will receive a default completion deadline of six months. Larger and more complex projects may request an extension, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Pre-approved projects can also request short extensions if more time is needed to complete the project.
Businesses requiring an extension must submit a Change Request to the ERA for approval. Approved deadline extensions will be documented on the application approval form. Detailed information on the application process, checklists, program guidebook, and instructions can be found on the ESB program's website.
Program Support and Resources
The ESB program offers various resources and support to assist businesses throughout the application process. These include:
- Resources Page: A comprehensive resources page featuring videos, checklists, and critical program information.
- Dedicated Contact Centre: A team of experts is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer any questions about the program and the application process. Businesses can reach out via email, toll-free numbers, or local phone numbers provided on the program's website.
The program's website also provides essential documents such as the Participant Terms and Conditions, Contractor Code of Conduct, Eligible Measures List, and detailed application process and checklists for different types of technologies. These resources ensure businesses have all the necessary information and support to successfully participate in the ESB program.
Future Opportunities and Program Updates
With current funding fully allocated, businesses are encouraged to join the waitlist for future funding opportunities. The ESB program is dedicated to continuous improvement and expansion, providing updates and additional financial incentives through various initiatives.
One such initiative is the Comprehensive Energy Savings (CES) stream, which offers additional financial incentives for participants bundling efficiency measures and adopting new technology types. This pilot program aims to achieve deeper emissions reductions and energy savings.
Another opportunity is the Emerging Technologies Pilot Program, which provides a pathway for Alberta businesses to propose effective, commercially viable technologies with a high return on investment that are not currently supported through the ESB program. These initiatives ensure that the ESB program remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of Alberta businesses.
Conclusion
The Energy Savings for Business program is a vital initiative for Alberta-based SMEs looking to reduce their energy consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance their competitive edge. By providing substantial financial incentives and support, the program empowers businesses to adopt energy-efficient technologies, contribute to environmental sustainability, and support local economic growth.
While current funding is exhausted, businesses can still join the waitlist for future funding opportunities and stay informed about program updates and new initiatives. By leveraging the resources and support offered by the ESB program, Alberta businesses can successfully implement energy-saving measures and achieve their sustainability goals.
For more information, businesses can visit the ESB program's website, contact the dedicated support centre, or download essential program documents and resources to guide them through the application process.
