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Homeowners in Pincher Creek and area now have a cost-effective way to upgrade their homes for energy efficiency through the Clean Energy Improvement Program. Offered jointly by the town and MD, the program provides low-interest financing to make energy-saving renovations more accessible and affordable.
The program, available to legal owners of existing low-rise residential properties, offers financial support for home improvements that reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.
Under CEIP, eligible property owners can access financing at a fixed interest rate of two per cent, with repayment tied to their property taxes. The maximum repayment term is the lesser of 20 years or the effective useful life of the upgrades.
To qualify, homeowners must install at least $3,000 worth of eligible upgrades. Approved upgrades include doors, windows, insulation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy systems such as solar panels, and water heating systems.
In addition to the financing, the Town and MD of Pincher Creek are offering other benefits.
Residents who successfully complete a CEIP project can receive a $450 incentive. Another incentive is the 20th Century Home Bonus, which provides two per cent of financed project costs to owners of residential properties built before the year 2000.
Both incentives are offered on a first come, first served basis and applied directly to the Clean Energy Improvement Tax, reducing the total amount owed.
CEIP operates through a structured application process that includes prequalification, an EnerGuide home evaluation, project application, contractor selection, agreement signing, project installation, post-installation evaluation and repayment through property taxes.
All upgrades must be completed by a CEIP-qualified contractor, and an installation authorization must be obtained before work begins.
Wayne Oliver, deputy mayor of Pincher Creek, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the program and ensuring residents have easy access to information.
“This would be a good thing for us to put in the trade show, and that’s in April,” Oliver told Shootin’ the Breeze.
“At our last council meeting, we were looking for topics or things we could showcase, and I think this would be a great idea for us as a town to include in our display. I will suggest this to the council in the next meeting.”
CEIP provides an opportunity for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades without the burden of high up-front costs. By offering financing and incentives, the program aims to encourage residents to improve their homes’ energy efficiency while contributing to broader sustainability efforts in the community.
Applications are now open and eligible homeowners can fill and submit the prequalification form now.
For more details, including the full list of eligible upgrades, application requirements and prequalification form, see the official websites of the Town of Pincher Creek and the MD of Pincher Creek, or visit ceip.abmunis.ca/residential/locations/pincher-creek-region
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