Released on April 12, 2006
All signs indicate that a busy spring renovation season is about to begin. Energy efficiency will be the key consideration in many homeowners' renovation plans.Since Saskatchewan Energy Share was announced last November, $1.7 million in combined federal and provincial grants have been issued to more than 1,000 Saskatchewan homeowners through the EnerGuide for Houses program. SaskEnergy administers the EnerGuide for Houses matching grant program on behalf of the province.
"The success of Saskatchewan Energy Share is demonstrated by the number of people taking advantage of the different energy conservation programs," Saskatoon Greystone MLA Peter Prebble said on behalf of Minister responsible for SaskEnergy Andrew Thomson. "The Government is committed to assisting homeowners make improvements to their homes that will result in a higher energy efficiency rating.
"The average provincial matching grant over the last five months has been over $800," Prebble added. "When combined with the federal grant, Saskatchewan homeowners have received an average of over $1,600."
The Government of Saskatchewan announced Saskatchewan Energy Share to help Saskatchewan consumers decrease energy use and increase savings due to volatile energy costs. Under the plan, the province announced it would match the Federal EnerGuide for Houses grant up to $2,000 for homeowners who have their second evaluation completed between September 1st, 2005 and March 31st, 2007.
"Since the announcement of Saskatchewan Energy Share, the number of homeowners wanting to make their home more energy efficient has doubled," Sun Ridge Group Marketing Manager Jenelle Kurtenbach said. "People are making a conscious effort to have an EnerGuide for Houses evaluation done before they start any type of renovations."
Homeowners receive an EnerGuide for Houses Report after the evaluation, which includes information on how their home uses energy and where energy is being lost. The report helps homeowners prioritize their renovations by showing them the energy related items in their home, what the recommended upgrades are, and the estimated annual energy savings after improvements are made.
To apply for the federal and provincial matching grant an EnerGuide for Houses evaluation must be completed before any renovations begin. There are two service organizations in Saskatchewan: Sun Ridge Group and AmeriSpec.
For more information on the energy conservation programs under Saskatchewan Energy Share, please visit www.skenergyshare.com or phone 1-866-409-9770.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Paula Belanger SaskEnergy Regina Phone: (306) 777-9635 Cell: (306) 529-8037 |