This release was issued under a previous government.
The Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel, appointed by Minister Phillips, comprises individuals with expertise and experience who will provide advice for the newly created Energy Efficiency Alberta. Over the coming months, the advisory panel, chaired by Dr. David Wheeler, will speak to Albertans, Indigenous organizations, and stakeholders to determine the types of energy savings programs that Energy Efficiency Alberta can deliver in the short and medium-term.
“Alberta is the only province in Canada without consumer energy efficiency programs – that’s not leadership. Advice from the Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel will result in real and credible options for Alberta and programming that will help people reduce their energy use and support our transition to renewable energy.”
This fall, the panel will provide its recommendations to government about the initial programs and opportunities Energy Efficiency Alberta could provide consumers, businesses and communities. These programs and services will be in place early in 2017.
Improving energy efficiency lowers energy costs for everyone, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, reduces local air pollutants and makes our homes and buildings more comfortable. It also creates jobs in sectors that include skilled trades, construction, retail sales, professional services and manufacturing.
Through the panel’s work, the province will establish comprehensive energy efficiency and community energy programs, including education and outreach and incentive supports. Its work will also guide support to advance the energy efficiency services industry in the province.
Dr. Wheeler has chaired similar public discussion panels on energy and environment in Nova Scotia, including energy efficiency, and brings a wealth of experience to the experts on the panel as they synthesize the input from Albertans.
Details of public engagement sessions will be promoted as they become available at: EnergyEfficiency.alberta.ca.
Panel members
- Dr. David Wheeler
- Michele Aasgard
- Desmond Bull
- Tanya Doran
- Roni-Sue Moran
- Jesse Row
- Marc Huot – who will provide technical advice from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre
Quotes
“As Chancellor of Cape Breton University, I am delighted that Dr. Wheeler has been appointed to lead an independent review of energy efficiency options for Alberta. The Alberta government is tackling the climate change crisis in a serious and committed way, and must be applauded for making energy efficiency a central part of the Alberta provincial climate strategy. Dr. Wheeler’s track record on successfully leading multi-stakeholder energy policy reviews in Nova Scotia speaks for itself. He brings transparency, integrity and a sensitivity to stakeholder interests that is crucial in resolving complex challenges in energy policy.”
“This is an important area of public policy, which is why an experienced, credible panel like this is so important. From an industry standpoint, our experience with David Wheeler gives us confidence that he will hear all voices, and strike a balance to provide predictability to industry, and save money for consumers.”