WESTLOCK — Starting on Halloween, Town of Westlock residents will be able to access nearly $850,000 in low-interest financing to pay for energy-efficient retrofits and renewable energy upgrades to their homes.
The town issued a press release Oct. 26 announcing the launch of the new Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) as of Tuesday, Oct. 31.
“We are excited to launch the Clean Energy Improvement Program and provide a new funding option to our residents for renovations and upgrades,” said chief administrative officer Simone Wiley, in the release.
“This program helps residential property-owners make energy efficiency upgrades with low upfront costs, ultimately improving their property values. We encourage residents to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to enhance their home’s energy efficiency and property value!”
Participants in the CEIP can utilize the program to pay 100 per cent of the costs for new insulation, windows, HVAC systems, solar PV (photovoltaic) systems, water heating and so forth. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis.
In turn, participants repay the loans through financing on their property taxes, and if they sell their property, the financing can be transferred to the new owners.
CEIP is administered by the not-for-profit association Alberta Municipalities (AM), of which the town is a member.
Westlock’s participation in this program is made possible because of a funding announcement made by the Government of Canada and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) on Oct. 17.
It was announced that five communities within Alberta, including Westlock, are sharing in $13.5 million provided through the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund.
Westlock’s share of that money equates to $845,520 in loans that residents can take advantage of, as well as $4222,760 to pay for administrative expenses relating to the CEIP.
Incidentally, CEIP participants in Westlock can also take advantage of the Westlock Water Conservation Incentive and receive a rebate of up to $500 when they install an eligible water saving appliance, such as dishwashers or clothes washing machines, alongside their CEIP upgrades.
For more information on the CEIP, residents can visit myceip.ca/Westlock. Alternatively, for more information on the Westlock Water Conservation Incentive, visit westlock.ca/p/CEIP.
