July 27, 2007
Province Expands Low-income, Energy-efficiency Program to Brandon
– – –Program Retrofits Low-income Homes, Provides Construction Skills Training Program: Selinger
The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) is championing an innovative low-income energy- and water-efficiency program in its community, uniting training, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy and water bills, Finance Minister Greg Selinger, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced today.
“We are pleased to support BNRC and are proud to be a part of this inspiring project which is going to make a huge difference for low-income residents,” Selinger said. “This is a remarkable community partnership – a made-in-Manitoba hat trick of jobs, energy efficiency and reduced poverty – that will have a very real and lasting benefit for the citizens who need it most.”
The BNRC project is building on a successful pilot in the Centennial neighbourhood in Winnipeg, which was launched last year. Selinger noted the Centennial project is delivering about 10 retrofits per month, adding that Brandon will also be striving to do the same. These programs will provide the basis for other low-income communities and individuals to access this type of initiative.
Approximately 120 homes in Brandon will be retrofitted with energy- and water-saving materials within about a year. The initiative is expected to deliver $30,000 in energy savings each year, $25,000 in reduced water bills and save more than 10 million litres of water per year.
Manitoba Hydro is partnering with BNRC and will provide funding to cover the cost of the materials related to energy efficiency from both its Power Smart programming and from the Affordable Energy Fund (the Winter Heating Cost Control Act). Manitoba Hydro has allocated $35 million of export revenues to the fund, with $19 million dedicated to low-income, community-based initiatives. The fund was created to encourage energy efficiency and conservation for those with low incomes and seniors and people living in rural or northern Manitoba. The fund was also set up to encourage the use of alternative energy sources including earth energy, and facilitate research and development of alternative energy sources and innovative energy technologies.
“Our Power Smart programs are very popular throughout Manitoba, but participation tends to be lower in areas with high concentrations of low-income households,” said Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “This project is a creative approach to delivering Power Smart and we are pleased to be a major partner.”
Selinger noted the work will be completed through participants in Westbran Training Centre who are people wanting to gain skills and experience that will lead to productive careers in the construction sector.
“The men and women working on these homes are gaining valuable experience in the construction industry where there is a fast-growing demand for skilled workers,” he said. “These community champions are improving their neighbourhood by helping their neighbours save money that can be better spent on family priorities.”
Energy- and water-saving devices that will be installed in the homes include attic and basement insulation, weather stripping, pipe wrapping, low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, high-efficiency toilets and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
The project is a first for Brandon. “We have already hired a project manager, supervisor and the first crew members,” said Marty Snelling, general manager of BNRC. “Several energy audits have been completed and we are already retrofitting our first home.”
Selinger indicated that many government departments and agencies co-operated to support this community-based initiative including Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation; Competitiveness, Training and Trade; Science, Technology, Energy and Mines; and Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.
A national report card released by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance singled out Manitoba for continuing to lead the provinces in promoting and supporting energy efficiency. The report noted Manitoba Hydro’s leadership in energy-efficiency initiatives was clearly reflected in the province’s top marks.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
BNRC Backgrounder - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/BNRC.doc