SaskEnergy has extended the deadline for commercial customers to apply for energy efficiency rebates as part their commitment to a greener Saskatchewan.

The program works by connecting SaskEnergy commercial customers with a SaskEnergy network member, who then works to provide approved energy-efficient equipment and is meant to encourage the use of high-efficiency natural gas furnaces and boilers, condensing and tankless water heaters, and infrared tube heaters. 

 Rebates range from $325 for a 96-per-cent efficiency furnace replacement to as high as $40,200 for a new 95 per cent thermal efficiency boiler large enough to heat an office tower. 

Brian Miller, manager of government and media relations with SaskEnergy, says it is just one step that they have taken and is a win/win situation. 

“They would save money on the install through the rebate and also save on their heating costs once that equipment is installed.” he said. “Some of the equipment that would be replaced at the at the less efficient range can be down as low as 65 per cent efficient, whereas some of the new eligible for rebate equipment is up in the 95-to-97-per-cent efficiency range. So, in those instances, it's quite an improvement in the efficiency of the equipment.” 

Some building that may be eligible for a rebate include restaurants, strip malls, apartment complexes, non-residential farm buildings, and buildings owned or operated by non-profit organizations. 

Applications for both new and retrofit installations are eligible for the rebates. 

In a statement from SaskEnergy, Kevin Adair, who leads SaskEnergy’s Customer Service Operations, elaborated on the impact the rebate program is making. 

“We’ve seen a 12-suite apartment owner utilizing the program benefit from 30 per cent in energy savings and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by nine tonnes per year,” Adair said. 

The deadline to apply has now been extended for another nine months, until August 31, 2022.

written by Ally Paige