ERA Energy Savings program offering funding for businesses, non-profts

By Tim Kalinowski on October 27, 2021.

Eligible businesses and non-profits can apply for up to $1 million through Emissions Reduction Alberta for funding to increase energy efficiency and foster on site energy generation for their operations. 
“Alberta businesses now have even more opportunity to invest in energy and cost-saving technologies that will improve their operational efficiency and reduce their emissions. These investments are helping small and medium-sized organizations create jobs and boost economic development in the province,” says ERA CEO Steve MacDonald.
Up to $250,000 is available for each project with a maximum total of $1 million per parent company. ERA also supports small projects with incentives as low as $500. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until fully committed. All projects must be constructed by the deadline of March 31, 2023. Visit the ERA website for other important dates.
The ERA Energy Savings for Business (ESB) program is funded through a $55 million grant from the federal government and the Government of Alberta.
Lethbridge-based Bonduelle, one of Canada’s leading frozen vegetable manufacturers, recently received a $70,000 grant from the program to help toward the cost of purchasing 11 new Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for its freezer systems it uses to freeze peas and corn.
VFD’s can be installed on motors for various applications, in this case within a freezer unit, to adjust the operating speed. In the winter, when temperatures are already cold, a VFD makes sure the compressor or fans only run when they need to, instead of at peak capacity all the time.
“One of the things that we are focusing on, in terms of our corporate social responsibility objectives, is reducing our carbon footprint. These VFDs will allow us to reduce our electricity consumption,” said Geoff Smart, Bonduelle’s Regional Project Engineer for Alberta and Ontario. “Without this program and without the support of the government, projects like this may never happen.” 
For more information on the Emissions Reduction Alberta Energy Savings for Business (ESB) program visit the ERA website.

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