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Incoming premier Jason Kenney’s pledge to kill Energy Efficiency Alberta could result in job losses, warn companies that have capitalized on growing consumer interest in retrofits and renewables.

The provincial agency — established in 2017 by Rachel Notley’s NDP government — uses revenue from Alberta’s carbon tax to fund rebates and programs designed to help homeowners, municipalities and businesses improve their energy efficiency and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

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It came under considerable fire from the conservative Opposition, who said the government was trying to buy Albertans with their own money through the offer of free LED light bulbs and low-flow shower heads. Kenney, who has said his first order of business in office will be repealing the carbon tax, has made it clear he also plans to do away with Energy Efficiency Alberta.

But while the agency — which has an annual budget of $132 million — has its share of critics, the numbers suggest Albertans are making use of its programs. Energy Efficiency Alberta CEO Monica Curtis said in March that every single postal code area in the province has taken advantage of what’s available in one way or another, whether it’s instant in-store savings, residential and community solar, a business energy savings program or a host of education and training grants. In its first 18 months of operations, she said, the agency invested $170 million into energy efficiency and renewable energy.