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The province will spend $645 million over five years on a new energy efficiency program to help Albertans curb their energy consumption in the face of a multibillion-dollar carbon tax.

The program — which observers estimate will reap roughly $2 billion in energy savings and emissions reductions — comes four years after the last program of its kind was cancelled.

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It also allows Alberta to shed its dubious distinction of being the only North American jurisdiction without a rebate program available to consumers, according to environmental and industry groups.

But there are no details in the NDP’s budget outlining exactly how this program will run, what rebates will be available and under what conditions.

“We’re going to take the time to make sure we’ve got the funds in place throughout 2016 and we’re delivering the right programs,” Environment Minister Shannon Phillips told reporters.

The funds, beginning this year with a modest $45 million, will be spread among households, businesses and communities. Most of the cash will begin to flow in 2017 after the government creates an agency and plans its operations.

The NDP government’s 2016-17 budget states the new agency, Energy Efficiency Alberta, will spend the funds on education, energy audits and incentives to encourage spending on energy efficiency systems.