Alberta environment minister says green incentives program ready by March

Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announces details of a bill introduced in the legislature in Edmonton, Tuesday, Nov.1, 2016 to cap greenhouse gas emissions on oilsands. Phillips says without intervention, the cap will be reached in 2030. She says the limit will spur innovation to grow the industry and make Alberta a greener province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Dean Bennett

Environment Minister Shannon Phillips says energy efficiency programs to help Albertans save money are now in the final stages and will be launched as early as March.

Phillips says the first programs will give homeowners the chance to receive LED light bulbs and low-flow shower heads at low cost or even free.

They will also be able to apply for rebates when they buy energy-efficient appliances, such as stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

There will also be a program for businesses and non-profits to get rebates on larger energy efficient products like boilers and heating and cooling systems.

The province will spend $648 million over the next five years on energy efficiency products and programs.

The money will come from the new carbon tax, which is increasing the costs of gas at the pumps and hiking fees on home and business heating bills.