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A government program to encourage Alberta businesses, non-profits and institutions to replace energy inefficient lights and heating has brought some suppliers’ sales to a standstill.

Most customers wanting to replace lights or controls are seeking pre-approval before buying to ensure they qualify for government rebates, Cory Tretiak, general manager of Adventure Warehouse and Ultimate Lights in Airdrie, said Thursday.

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At first, he was excited about the program, thinking it would be good for business.

On behalf of clients who want to buy LED lights, he’s sent 135 rebate applications to the province’s Business, Non-profit, and Institutional Energy Savings Program since it began accepting applications in mid-May. Not one has yet been approved.

“I’m not impressed,” said Tretiak, who said his light sales have all but stopped while the applications sit in red tape.

Customers don’t want to buy the lights without prior assurance they qualify for the government rebate, he said.