Article content

The board chairman of Energy Efficiency Alberta is challenging Jason Kenney on his plan to potentially shut the agency down under a UCP government.

“This is an investment you should make regardless of where the money comes from,” said David Dodge in an interview Thursday. “Frankly, we were surprised and dismayed by (his) comments.”

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Energy Efficiency Alberta dismayed by Kenney's plan to slash agency Back to video

On Wednesday, Kenney criticized the work done by the arm’s-length provincial agency. It operates programs funded by the carbon tax.

“We don’t need bureaucrats changing our shower heads and our light bulbs,” Kenney said at a news conference, adding programs under the agency would be “gone.”

But when reporters asked whether the UCP would eliminate the agency entirely, Kenney said to wait for the party’s full election platform.

The UCP has promised to repeal the carbon tax if elected.

Energy Efficiency Alberta, which was part of the NDP’s climate leadership plan, has rolled out initiatives including free LED light bulbs and low-flow shower heads, subsidies for insulation, windows and water heaters and an online rebate program for thermostats and appliances. Some Albertans have complained about long waits to receive requested items.