A program to enable residents to have an energy assessment of their home, complete energy efficiency upgrades, and access various rebates and subsidies, has been launched in the East Kootenay, and Fernie, Sparwood and the RDEK are on board.
The East Kootenay Energy Diet was officially launched in Cranbrook on Friday.
Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennett officially kicked off the event, and confirmed the Province’s support for innovative approaches to saving energy. “The BC Clean Energy Act emphasizes the need for energy conservation. The East Kootenay Energy Diet is a perfect example of an initiative that directly supports the policy direction of the Act, while also helping residents realize cost savings on their energy bills.”
Community-specific launches are planned this fall in Fernie, Sparwood, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere, and Radium Hot Springs. The RDEK, Sparwood and Fernie are the first local governments to confirm that they will provide a $50 discount on an energy assessment to the first 50 people who sign up for the East Kootenay Energy Diet in their communities. Further to that, Fernie and Sparwood will be subsidizing post-retrofit assessment, which have a value of $150.
Mayor Giuliano of Fernie said, “We are committed to saving energy and money. We’ve reduced energy consumption in our own municipal operations and have realized significant savings as a result. Now it is time to help our citizens do the same”.