Helen Rice says education will be key in getting more Albertans to go green. The Grande Prairie city councillor has been named to the Energy Efficiency Alberta Board, and will be responsible for launching three new programs to promote using less energy next year. Rice admits it can be a hard sell.
“The first commitment that the board made at their very first meeting is to make sure that the programs that are chosen are accessible to all Albertans, are quick to implement, are cost-effective, and have the potential for success.”
As an example, one will include free installation of low-cost energy efficiency products in homes. Rice says trying to get residents to make an effort is a daunting task, but an exciting one as well.
“Nobody’s happy about the carbon tax; what this board has been mandated with is coming up with programs that re for the average Albertan that can help them save an equal amount of money at a neutral cost to them.”
In her time as president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Rice found that response to a mandatory green energy program was low. However, when it came around a second time as an option, more than 75 per cent signed on after learning more about its benefits.
The committee will be working with both residential and retail outlets to make sure they’re using as many energy efficient products as possible. Many of the initiatives are already in use in other provinces.