Energy Savings for Business (ESB) will help eligible Alberta businesses reduce emissions, decrease operating costs, grow their operations and become more competitive, while creating skilled jobs and boosting economic recovery.  Recognizing that time is money to Alberta’s businesses, the program will offer streamlined applications, quick turnaround times, expanded technology lists and clear, timely, comprehensive information. ESB will give businesses fast access to incentives for cost-effective efficiency measures:

• Up to $250,000 is available per project

• Up to $500,000 per parent company is available to cover the cost of products and services.

There is a readymade menu of incentives will save companies time and money in developing their projects.

New builds are not eligible for the Energy Savings for Business Program, with the exception of solar PV, CHP and geothermal at this time.  All other facilities must have a non-residential electricity account in operation for one year or more. It also identified common spaces and equipment in multi-unit residential buildings.  https://eralberta.ca/energy-savings-for-business/

The Energy Savings for Business Program is open to a wide range of businesses. Examples include but not limited to:

• Manufacturing operations

• Food processing

• Agricultural sector

• Warehouse / wholesale trade

• Retail, restaurants, and food services

• Building management companies

• Accommodation sector

• Energy (oil and gas)

• Forestry/paper

• Waste management

• Non-profit organizations

Governments, publicly funded institutions, and private residences are ineligible.

If a project was started before this program opened, any expenses incurred prior to November 2, 2020 will not be eligible in the Program.  Projects that started following the November 2, 2020 Energy Savings for Business announcement are eligible to apply. Any expenses incurred prior to November 2, 2020 will not be eligible in the Program. Any eligible expenses incurred between November 2, 2020 and February 1, 2021 must be submitted to ERA via the Program Portal by March 1, 2021. All projects will be subject to the full terms, conditions, eligibility, and incentive levels as published at the time of the application submission and Participant Acceptance.

After February 1, 2021, all projects must submit an application for pre-approval prior to incurring expenses.

Submitting an application for project pre-approval is required to be eligible for funding, as funding will be awarded on first-come, first-served basis. ERA strongly recommends submitting an application and receiving pre-approval prior to starting the work to ensure that the project expenses are eligible and all requirements are met.

Additionally, projects starting after February 1, 2021 must submit an application before incurring any eligible expenses. Expenses incurred before the application submission will not be eligible and will not be included in the incentive calculations. There is a short-term exception for projects that started following the November 2, 2020 announcement.

If Participants wish to begin their project prior to pre-approval of the project, they accept full risk of potentially being ineligible or not being pre-approved for funding. No exceptions will be made for projects that fail to meet the published terms and conditions of the Program.