We were encouraged by reports last week of the UCP government’s intention to go through funding applications filed with the Energy Efficiency Alberta agency on a case-by-case basis to determine the merit of each project.
While such a time-consuming process will undoubtedly come at a substantial cost of its own, the approach is certainly far more sensible than outright disposing of a worthwhile program. It aims to help Albertans, businesses and non-profit organizations improve energy efficiency with the goal of reducing emissions, and by extension, monthly bills.
Of course no new government agency will come out of the gates perfect. Energy Efficiency Alberta remains very much in its infancy after being formed only about two years ago by the former NDP government.
There is always room for improvement.
And we unequivocally understand concerns expressed by non-profit organizations that were especially hard pressed to find the funding to pay the carbon tax, and should perhaps have been exempt under that consideration.
There is, after all, a world of difference between for-profit polluters that post massive profits and humble volunteer-driven community organizations that struggle to stay afloat. The latter tirelessly endeavours to make available important recreational opportunities that in the long run save the province money by providing preventive care that reduces demand on an already arguably burdened health-care system.
Facilities such as the Sundre West Country Centre and the Sundre Aquaplex play a very important role in fostering healthier communities, and those volunteers do so without expecting any kind of payback.
But even without the carbon tax, finding the necessary funding to upgrade energy efficiencies was always an ongoing struggle, and Energy Efficiency Alberta — while imperfect — has an important role to play in facilitating that effort.
Besides, Alberta was already the last province in the country to develop and implement such a program. And according to Efficiency Canada, a Carleton University-based think tank with the goal of making the country an international leader in energy efficiency — our province would be the only jurisdiction in North America without such a program if Kenney’s UCP decided to scrap it entirely.
That’s not a badge we should aspire to bear upon our shoulders.
So we’re glad to see that instead of coming out blindly swinging a big shiny sharp axe, the UCP is willing to keep an open mind — for now at least — and will reconsider throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
