Loan program helping Lethbridge residents afford home improvement projects – Lethbridge

Lethbridge became the ninth community in Alberta to launch a program to help residents pay for energy efficient renewable energy upgrades in their homes.

Alberta’s Municipal Clean Energy Improvement Program helps reduce the initial cost of installing new windows, doors, solar panels, lighting fixtures and more in your home by providing low-interest loans through the city.

Residents can pay off the loan for up to 20 years, depending on the project, which is in addition to their property tax payments. The cost of improvement must be between $3,000 and $50,000.

“The Alberta Municipality is pleased to support the City of Lethbridge in implementing its Clean Energy Improvement Program,” said Alberta Municipality President Cathy Herron.

“This program will help homeowners invest in energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations, increasing the value of their properties and saving energy costs while making their properties more comfortable.”

CEIP began development nearly five years ago and has had success in Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, Athabasca, Devon, Leduc, Rocky Mountain House and St. Albert.

As of Tuesday, prequalification applications were being accepted from Lethbridge residents, and Mayor Blaine Higgen said they are joining early.

“I think it’s great to be able to see what’s being done in other areas[and]it’s great that we can be a part of it,” he said.

During the four-year pilot, the city said an estimated 180 homeowners would benefit.

Alberta’s municipalities are promoting it, and the City of Lethbridge has received $3.8 million in support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Green Local Government Fund for its implementation.

Additionally, this program is stackable with other grants, such as those offered through Canada Greener Homes. The city is offering an $800 incentive to residents who complete projects on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kathleen Sheppard, executive director of Environment Lethbridge, sees long-term benefits for the environment.

“At Environment Lethbridge, we know that one of the biggest barriers for homeowners when it comes to energy efficiency and renewable energy is the initial cost. It’s a way for me,” she said.

“We have a lot of older homes. If you’re in a house with only one window and you have the opportunity to upgrade those windows, you’ll quickly notice a reduction in energy costs.”

An application must be submitted and approved before work can begin on the project. It does not apply after the fact.

More information and terms of use are below. Available from the Alberta Municipality website.

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