Alberta could be most energy-efficient province

A relatively small expenditure of $21 million by Albertans in cost-effective energy efficiency measures would reduce yearly energy costs by nearly $130 million, a new economic report concludes.

That expenditure would also prevent annual greenhouse gas emissions totaling 0.7 megatonnes, the Conservation Potential Review estimates.

The Review was prepared by C3, an independent, non-profit organization based in Calgary that encourages energy efficiency and the small-scale use of alternative energy sources by Albertans.

The report focuses on buildings in the province's residential, commercial and institutional sectors to 2015 and beyond. It outlines various levels of positive-return future investment in energy efficiency in Alberta and estimates the corresponding reductions in the following:

Energy use
Energy costs
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)

The Conservation Potential Review study provides a numerical basis for discussions about where the most economic opportunities exist to moderate energy use and avoid GHG emissions.

The aim of the report is to provide information to policy-makers to assist in decisions on whether to increase investment in energy efficiency in Alberta buildings.

“Previous research told us Albertans want to be more energy efficient," said C3 President and CEO Simon Knight. “This study helps pinpoint where Alberta can focus efforts to get the best return on energy efficiency investment in our building stock.”

Here are more Review highlights:

In projecting future energy use, the report assumed the continuation of historical consumption trends
It then contrasted these projections with a situation in which Alberta was the most energy efficient province
The research then considered the economic and environmental impact of making Alberta Canada’s national leader in energy efficiency in buildings
While an expenditure of $21 million would save about $130 million in energy costs, a larger expenditure of $114 million annually would implement a majority of cost-effective measures
This level of expenditure was calculated to reduce yearly energy costs by $330 million and avoid annual greenhouse gas emissions of 1.8 megatonnes
The Review concluded that an expenditure of $326 million annually would be required to capture all cost-effective energy efficiency improvements within the province's buildings
This level of expenditure was calculated to reduce yearly energy costs by more than $660 million and avert annual greenhouse gas emissions of 3.7 megatonnes.

--Source, C3

If you would like more information on this subject or any Energy related topics please contact Brian Jackowich at 780-310-AUMA, Ext 4316.

Thank you,

Brian Hamblin
Executive Officer, Risk & Energy Services

Brian Jackowich
Senior Director, Energy & New Services

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