Updated June 21, 2010

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Commercial Incentive Program is presently fully subscribed. This program may be extended in the future; should you wish to be placed on a contact list for any updates, please contact Wayne Perehudoff at 403.525.8823 or send an email to conserve@medicinehat.ca.

Program Description:

The Commercial Incentive Program provides incentives for conservation upgrades and renewable energy projects, targeting commercial buildings in Medicine Hat. It provides $500,000 for conservation upgrades and $500,000 for renewable energy projects, targeting commercial buildings in Medicine Hat. This program complements the City's existing Residential Incentive Program.

The funding limit is $50,000 per applicant / organization. The program is available to existing or new buildings within the City of Medicine Hat. The term 'commercial' encompasses all buildings ineligible under the federal ecoEnergy Residential Program: 1) non-residential buildings, and 2) residential buildings with a footprint greater than 600 m2 or greater than three stories.

Available Incentives:

• CONSERVATION UPGRADE INCENTIVE – 10% of the final installed cost of:

• Energy Star equipment: heating equipment, cooling equipment, windows, etc.
• building envelope improvements: insulation, vapour barrier, air sealing, etc.

• RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVE – 50% of the final installed cost of:

• renewable solar heating systems: water and air
• renewable electricity systems: solar photovoltaic and wind power
  
  
• ENERGY AUDIT INCENTIVE - 50% of the audit cost which can include:

• a full building energy audit, or
• a focused specific energy analysis of a particular component of the building

An energy audit is not required for either incentive; however, we do recommend one if you do not fully understand or are aware of the payback and economic factors involved. View the Commercial Auditor List for some local engineering firms that you can contact to have one completed.

Energy Conservation Seminar:

Attendance at our free 2-hour Energy Conservation Seminar is mandatory for all applicants - you can either attend at City Hall or view the seminar on-line; registration is simple and can be done on our website.

Renewable Energy Requirements:

• FOR ALL SOLAR APPLICATIONS:

• do a Solar Self Assessment - understand if your proposed location might be suitable
• contact a Solar Installer for a cost quote and to understand your projected annual savings

• FOR SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING:

• complete the required Solar Hot Water Commissioning Report

• FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND WIND POWER:

• Review the Interconnection Guidelines and electric permit required

Steps to Follow:

1. Download, review, and fill out our Commercial Incentive Application Form.

2. Obtain your estimates. After doing so, submit your application along with photocopies of the quoted estimates.

Mail:	Commercial Incentive Program Environment Department City of Medicine Hat 2172 Brier Park Place NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1S6
Fax:	403-502-8061
Email:	conserve@medicinehat.ca

3. You will be notified of your application approval within 1 week. Funds will then be held in reserve for your project.

4. Proceed with your project only after receiving approval of your application.  It is your responsibility to ensure that the proper approvals are attained from the City Planning department; contact them at 403.529.8207.

5. Upon completion of your project, submit photocopies of your receipts and any pertinent approvals and reports.

6. Prior to payment, all final applications would be subject to an on-site confirmation by the Energy Conservation Coordinator.  After the visit, your funding cheque will be mailed to you within 3 weeks.

7. Thank you for participating and congratulations on completing your HAT Smart project!

Additional Information:

CONTACT:
Energy Conservation Coordinator
403.525-8823
conserve@medicinehat.ca