Metering.com 2 NOVEMBER 2016
The Canadian state of Alberta launched three new energy efficiency programmes to improve grid stability and help reduce the state’s carbon emissions.
The projects were launched under the state’s energy conservation initiative, Energy Efficiency Alberta.
The new energy efficiency programmes namely ‘Direct Install’, ‘Residential Consumer Products’ and the ‘Business Rebate’ are expected to reduce energy costs in Alberta by $5 billion by 2021.
The energy efficiency programmes are expected to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the road, reported a local publication.
Energy efficiency programmes
The Direct Install programme will help residential consumers in Alberta reduce their energy usage and costs by providing them with energy efficiency equipment including lighting and HVAC systems.
The Residential Consumer Products programme will offer point of sale rebates to residential customers at retail outlets with products such as lighting, insulation and appliances.
The Business Rebates programme will provide businesses, non-profit organisations and institutions with incentives for reducing their energy usage and installing energy efficiency equipment.
Energy storage in Canada
In mid-July, a consortium of utilities and energy solutions firms established an alliance to enhance the deployment of energy storage technologies in the Canadian province of Alberta.
The Alberta Storage Alliance (ASA) will act as a platform to help stakeholders in the province’s energy landscape to ensure grid reliability through increased integration of renewable energy sources and storage systems with the grid.
ASA is made up of 12 members including S&C Electric, General Electric and Rocky Mountain Power.
The alliance will work with the Alberta Electric System Operator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, Market Surveillance Administrator and the Alberta government to help the Canadian province to record significant benefits from its interconnected electricity system.
Annette Verschuren, CEO of NRStor, said: “These innovative technologies will be essential to meet the province’s renewable energy objectives and can greatly optimise our existing infrastructure.” [Canada, US and Mexico discuss NERC participation].
The establishment of the alliance is in line with the Alberta government’s Climate Leadership Plan released in November 2015.
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