EDMONTON – A group that supports energy efficiency in Alberta is applauding three new programs to save money and cut greenhouse gases.

Energy Efficiency Alberta, an agency established by the province, has announced three projects for homes, business and communities.

The direct install residential program will offer direct, no-charge installation of low-cost energy efficiency products to residences, such as lighting, water and heating components.

The residential consumer products program will offer point-of-sale rebates to residential customers at retail outlets with products such as lighting, insulation and appliances.

The business, non-profit and institutional rebate program will offer incentives for high-efficiency products and installation of electric and gas-based products such as lighting, heating and cooling systems and hot water systems.

Jess Row, executive director of Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance, says Alberta families and businesses can expect to save over $2 billion through the first five years of Alberta’s new energy efficiency programs while reducing emissions equivalent to taking nearly 1 million cars off the road.

“Every province in Canada has energy efficiency programs for consumers. This is standard practice when it comes to saving money on utility bills,” Row said in a news release.”

“Energy efficiency programs have a long history of reducing utility bills and saving consumers more money than they cost.”

As well, the Alberta government also announced the chair and board of directors of Energy Efficiency Alberta. Chairman David Dodge is from Green Energy futures and has worked as a producer, researcher and communicator about Alberta’s environment.

Vittoria Bellissimo, a professional engineer who has worked with Alberta’s large industrial electricity consumers, is vice chair.

Directors are Joseph Albert Jobin, chief operating officer of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta; Peter Love, former chief conservation officer for Ontario; Helen Rice, former president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association; and Kyla Sandwith, who has a background in law and management consulting as well as experience in Calgary’s non-profit sector.