Jennifer Obleman
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, August 22, 2007
YELLOWKNIFE - Help the environment, support local business and the GNWT will pick up part of your tab.
The Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP) announced by the territorial government last month allows shoppers to apply for government rebates when they purchase home appliances, heating appliances, snowmobiles, outboard motors and vehicles that meet specific energy efficiency criteria - but only if the items are purchased in the North.
Jordan James-McQueen, owner of a new Toyota Yaris, accepts a $1,000 cheque from Energy Efficiency Incentive Program co-ordinator Dean Green. The Yaris is one of several vehicles, appliances and household items eligible for rebates under the GNWT's Energy Efficiency Incentive Program. - Jennifer Obleman/NNSL photo
Benefits:
Under the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program, when NWT residents purchase products that meet specific energy efficiency criteria, they can apply for government rebates:
Front-loading washing machine - $100
Refrigerator - $100
Woodstoves - $300
Wood pellet stove and boiler - $500
Oil furnace and boiler - up to $600
Gas furnace and boiler - up to $600
Hot water heating - up to $500
Snowmobiles - $500
Outboard motors - $500 for 30 hp or greater; $250 for less than 30 hp
Heat recovery ventilator - $300
Vehicles- up to $2,000
Home retrofits - matching ecoEnergy Retrofit grants
- Source: www.aea.nt.ca
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The program has been good for business, according to Dennis Lowing, owner of TLC Marine, one of 37 Yellowknife businesses participating in the program.
Lowing said he makes a point of mentioning the rebates to potential customers, and it has boosted sales.
"Most people were inclined that way a little bit anyway because of the energy efficiency and cleaner engines, however I think this has been good for sales," said Lowing.
"It's really good for the retailer and it's good for the buyer, too."
Arctic Appliance Service owner Steve Chung said his customers don't usually know about the program when they come in, but after hearing about the rebate, they often opt to purchase energy-efficient fridges and front-loading washers.
"We're actually the ones saying, 'Oh, by the way, there's also a $100 rebate from the government,'" Chung said.
"But once people hear about the rebate, they're certainly interested in buying Energy Star appliances."
So far about 70 people have applied for rebates, including Jordan James-McQueen, who received a $1,000 cheque Friday.
The lifelong Yellowknife resident recently purchased a fuel-efficient Toyota Yaris, which reportedly gets 100 kilometres to 6.4 litres of gas.
"I just bought a Yaris because I care about the environment, and then also, not using that much gas is a big plus," said McQueen.
"Then when I was at the dealership, they told me I could get a $1,000 rebate."
McQueen said the government's rebate is a great way to encourage people to buy more energy-efficient vehicles.
Announced July 6, the rebate is retroactive to April 1. The first rebate cheques were issued Friday.
GNWT budgeted $700,000 to fund the program and it will continue until the money runs out or until the end of the fiscal year - though it is expected to be extended after that.
"I think it's important for the government to let people know they're in an environmental frame of mind," said program co-ordinator Dean Green. "To address the situation, vital as it is, they have to put something forward so people know they have the political will to do these things."
More information on the program is available on the Arctic Energy Alliance website.
