Clean Energy program still open and taking applications

Applications are still being accepted for the Clean Energy Improvement Program and the City of Lethbridge encourages those interested to act on this unique opportunity – while funding is still available. 

Launched last year, the program provides eligible homeowners with a financial tool to support energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their properties. With the goal of creating a more climate resilient community and lowering energy costs, the list of eligible projects includes upgrading windows, doors, adding solar panels, increasing insulation, upgrading lighting fixtures, installing a tankless hot water system and more. 

Applications reached the initial capacity within a week last year. Following a Public Hearing last year, Lethbridge City Council unanimously voted to amend the Clean Energy Improvement Tax Bylaw to remove the previous annual cap amounts – allowing for an expedited service delivery of the program and therefore providing more homeowners timely access to funding. 

In March, as a response to the Government of Canada’s Green Homes Grant being eliminated, the City also increased the rebate amount for program applicants to $1,350 from $800. 

The program allows homeowners to apply for low interest financing from the City, with repayment collected through property tax bills during a span of up to 20 years, depending on the expected life of the improvement.

There is also an option to repay it in full at any time without penalty and the financing can be transferred to the next owner if the home sells. Participants must install eligible upgrades with a minimum cost of $3,000 to qualify for financing. There is a maximum of $50,000 of eligible costs per property, but the annual Clean Energy Improvement Tax cannot exceed the property’s annual municipal property tax payment. 

For those interested, the first step is to review the program’s terms and conditions and submit a pre-qualification application. 

The program, which has been in development since 2018, is administered by Alberta Municipalities in partnership with the City. This project is being carried out with assistance from the FCM Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada. 

The City of Lethbridge has received $3.8 million from FCM to support the implementation of the program for residential properties. During the pilot project, the program is expected to help an estimated 180 homeowners with the cost of upgrades.