Spring 2024 magazine

OPEN THE DOOR TO ENERGY SAVINGS

The latest edition of our magazine is here! Read about tips to help you save energy in different rooms throughout your home, find out how to enter our giveaway, and learn about programs and rebates that can help you start saving now and for years to come.

Check your mailbox for a physical copy or click the magazine below to learn more.

 

If you haven’t received a magazine or prefer an electronic copy, download the digital version.

Our electronic spring magazine is also available in French! Read the French magazine here or download the digital version to have on hand for your energy efficiency needs.

PROJECT FEATURE: WINNIPEG SOCCER FEDERATION

SCORING BIG SAVINGS THROUGH OUR BUSINESS LIGHTING PROGRAM

Our Business Lighting Program offers financial incentives for businesses who complete lighting upgrades in their buildings. With our help, the Winnipeg Soccer Federation scored big savings by installing energy-efficient lighting in their soccer complex.  

THE PROJECT

When Kory Stagg, Facilities Manager for the Winnipeg Soccer Federation, was looking to upgrade the lighting in their soccer complex, Mike Taylor, an electrician and installer for Wired Up Electric Ltd., suggested applying for our Business Lighting Program. 

“Mike came to quote the field lights and suggested we upgrade the lighting in the whole facility,” Kory remarked. “While he was here, he said there are commercial lighting upgrade incentives available through Efficiency Manitoba.” 

With help from our program, they switched the T8 lighting in their interior offices, hallways, common areas, concourse, and change rooms to LEDs. Above the indoor soccer fields and on the exterior of their facility, they upgraded from metal halide lighting to LEDs.

THE SAVINGS

Better lighting isn’t the only benefit of upgrading their fixtures. Not only will the soccer complex  save on maintenance and replacement costs, they can also expect to save more than 260,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity each year, resulting in energy bill savings of approximately $13,000 annually. Plus, they received an impressive incentive of $47,650, which includes the additional 25% customer bonus that we’re offering on all lighting projects until March 31, 2025.   

“I was having to replace or repair lights frequently throughout the winter seasons. It’s our busiest season, and since the upgrades I haven’t had to repair any. Maintenance free so far!”   

Kory Stagg
Facilities Manager of the Winnipeg Soccer Federation

Interested in how much electricity you could save? Check out our savings calculator to see not only how many kilowatt-hours you could potentially save, but also how much you could be saving on your energy bills each year. 

THE PROCESS

We make the process easy. Through our online application system, myEM, building owners can apply on their own or their lighting suppliers or contractors can apply on their behalf. 

 Terry Reimer, Winnipeg Soccer Federation’s lighting supplier at EECOL Electric, submitted the Business Lighting Program application on their behalf. Once we approved their application, Wired Up Electric Ltd. installed the new lighting, and we sent them their incentive cheque. 

“Just go for it,” Kory said. “If you can financially do it right now, make the change because these incentives are the real deal. I think sometimes people read about these programs and the cost savings and aren’t sure, but we’re seeing the benefit already. I encourage everyone to make the change to LED to start saving.” 

ARE YOU A BUILDING OWNER?

Building owners or their lighting suppliers or contractors can apply for financial incentives through the Business Lighting Program. Check out our program guide to see our incentive rates and eligibility requirements. 

ARE YOU A SUPPLIER OR CONTRACTOR? 

We highly encourage you to join our supplier network. You’ll be listed on our website as a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier and can offer our programs to your customers. You’ll also have access to training opportunities and materials offered by our team of experts and can promote our energy efficiency programs in your advertising. The best part? It’s free to register and participate!  

PROJECT FEATURE: 65 DEWDNEY AVENUE

HOW LIGHTING & INSULATION UPGRADES TRANSFORMED THEIR COWORKING SPACE

Our Business Lighting Program and Building Envelope Program provide rebates to building owners who complete energy-efficient lighting, window, door, and insulation upgrades.  With our help, 204 Capital Inc. made energy efficiency upgrades to the offices, boardrooms, washrooms, and hallways at their coworking space property located at 65 Dewdney Avenue in Winnipeg’s South Point Douglas neighborhood. In doing so, they’ll drastically reduce their energy bills and their tenants will have a more comfortable experience using their space. 

THE PROJECT

The 204 Capital Inc. team first learned about Efficiency Manitoba through our booth at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event. They submitted their applications in January 2023. We provided approvals within a few weeks and they had the installation completed by April. A couple months later, they received their rebate cheques.  

Richard McAlpine, local owner and operator of 204 Capital Inc. speaks fondly of Manitoba, calling it home despite growing up in British Columbia. “Nothing changes until we invest in the city,” he said. “The time to do our part is now, if not 25 years ago.” This passion was the catalyst for their energy efficiency upgrades.   

LIGHTING

With help from their lighting contractor Robinson Supply, they installed 55 new LED fixtures throughout the offices and boardrooms, 30 occupancy sensors in offices, washrooms, and hallways, as well as 100 new LED fixtures in the hallways and common areas. These improvements have made the building’s 21 rentable office spaces and common areas far brighter and more comfortable.  

“[Efficiency Manitoba was] super easy to deal with — quick responses and very helpful,” said Richard, expressing his excitement for the project outcomes.

INSULATION

After purchasing materials from Springhill Lumber, 204 Capital Inc. completed a full wall surface insulation upgrade totalling 8,000 square feet. Adding exterior insulation resulted in better temperature regulation and increased building durability.   

“We’re happy with the reduced heating and cooling costs and improved thermal comfort.”   

Richard McAlpine
Local Owner and Operator of 204 Capital Inc.

THE SAVINGS

The lighting and insulation upgrades should make a big difference in 65 Dewdney Avenue’s energy bills and consumption.   

Because of their lighting upgrades, it’s estimated they’ll save over 41,000 kWh in electricity each year, which translates to over $2,000 in annual savings on their energy bills. Not only that, due to their insulation upgrades, they’ll save an additional 8,073 kWh in electricity annually, translating to around another $1,500 in energy bill savings.  

We also provided 204 Capital Inc. with a $9,205 combined incentive for their upgrades, which includes the additional 25% customer bonus we offer on lighting projects completed before March 31, 2024.   

 “We would 100% use the program again and would recommend it to everybody,” said Richard.   

THE PROCESS

We make upgrading your building easy and straightforward. Through our online application system, myEM, business owners can apply on their own, or their suppliers or contractors can apply on their behalf.

“The program was so easy to apply for,” said Richard. “We simply filled out a couple of forms and sent over the invoices and completion documents once done.”   

If you’re wanting to complete energy efficiency upgrades but your project approval is dependent on the incentive from Efficiency Manitoba — don’t worry! Our team will clearly outline the estimated incentive for your proposed upgrades before you commit to the project, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead.   

ARE YOU A BUILDING OWNER OR TENANT?

Building owners and tenants or their suppliers and contractors can apply for financial incentives through the Business Lighting Program and Building Envelope Program on our website. Check out our program guides to see our incentive rates and eligibility requirements.  

ARE YOU A SUPPLIER OR CONTRACTOR? 

We highly encourage you to join our supplier network. You’ll be listed on our website as a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier and can offer our programs to your customers. You’ll also have access to training opportunities and materials offered by our team of experts and can promote our energy efficiency programs in your advertising. The best part? It’s free to register and participate!  

PROJECT FEATURE: CASTLE ON THE SEINE

HOW LIGHTING UPGRADES CAN BRING BRIGHT SAVINGS & AN EVEN BRIGHTER PLACE TO LIVE

Through our Business Lighting Program, we’re proud to offer financial incentives for condominium corporations that complete energy-efficient lighting upgrades in the common areas of their buildings. With our help, The Castle on the Seine upgraded their 23-unit condominium building’s interior and exterior lighting. This helped them save money and improve the quality of life and safety of their residents.    

THE PROJECT

The condominium’s contractor, MJ Lighting & Electrical, installed 11 new LED fixtures on the condominium exterior, 14 fixtures in the stairwells, and 14 LED fixtures in the parkade. And getting the project started was easy. Quaid from MJ Lighting & Electrical submitted The Castle of the Seine’s application to us on their behalf. Within two days, we approved their application, and in less than two weeks, the project was complete.   

“We did the lighting outside and a significant amount of our inside lights. The new lights light up the property at night which is a good security feature.”   

Zuzana Zhanel
President of the condominium board

THE SAVINGS

The condominium building removed high pressure sodium, incandescent, mercury vapour, and T5HO fixtures and replaced them all with LED fixtures. Because of their upgrade, it’s estimated they’ll save over 56,000 kWh in electricity each year, which translates to $2,800 in savings each year on their energy bills. Plus, they received a $5,300 incentive from us for the upgrades, which includes the additional 25% customer bonus we’re offering on lighting projects completed before March 31, 2024. 

THE PROCESS

We make upgrading your building easy and straightforward. Through our online application system, myEM, condominium board members or property managers can apply on their own, or their lighting suppliers or contractors can apply on their behalf.    

“MJ Lighting made it really simple. They gave us a quote, clearly laid out the rebate, explained the process, and how much to expect to save if we make the changes,” said Zuzana. “It was clear, concise, and simple.” Within less than a month, The Castle on the Seine was completely transformed with new lighting.

If you’re interested in upgrading to energy-efficient lighting in your building and saving money on your energy bill, but you’re not sure your condominium corporation can afford the upgrades — don’t worry! Our team will clearly outline the incentive for your proposed upgrades before you commit to the project, giving you plenty of time to discuss and review your budget.    

ARE YOU A CONDO BOARD MEMBER OR PROPERTY MANAGER?

Condo board members and property managers or their lighting suppliers or contractors can apply for financial incentives through the Business Lighting Program on our website. Check out our program guide to see our incentive rates and eligibility requirements.  

ARE YOU A LIGHTING SUPPLIER OR CONTRACTOR? 

We highly encourage you to join our supplier network. You’ll be listed on our website as a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier and can offer our programs to your customers. You’ll also have access to training opportunities and materials offered by our team of experts and can promote our energy efficiency programs in your advertising. The best part? It’s free to register and participate!  

STAY COZY & SAVE ENERGY

CHECK EFFICIENCY MANITOBA FIRST

The days are getting colder and our heating systems are being put to work (did you know home heating can account for 60% of your heating bill?). Don’t let the winter chill get you down! We have programs and rebates to help you save energy and money all winter long.  

We’re also here to be your number one resource for energy efficiency. Our articles are full of expert advice, tips, and information to help you learn more about how our offers can help you save for years to come. Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to connect with us

BEFORE PLANNING YOUR NEXT ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADE, CHECK EFFICIENCY MANITOBA FIRST.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN SAVE ENERGY & MONEY THIS WINTER

Kick the winter blues

Kick the winter blues

Take advantage of Manitoba winters with these fun activities.
Continue Reading…
Save energy at home this winter

Save energy at home this winter

Winter in Manitoba has lots to offer, from skating trails to Festival du Voyageur to ice fishing. But if you’ve lived here for more than five minutes, you know that our winters can be unforgiving.
Continue Reading…

Looking for more information? Check out our winter series!

PROJECT FEATURE: TEEN STOP JEUNESSE

HOW WE CAN HELP MAKE ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES AFFORDABLE

“Having access to a program such as this makes all the difference in the world.”

Kelly-Anne Reyes
Teen Stop Jeunesse Executive Director 

Teen Stop Jeunesse, an outreach centre for youth, updated their faucets and lighting through our Small Business Program. By lowering their energy use, they’re expected to save around $1,300 annually on their energy bills — that’s $1,300 that can be put back into the centre to help more youth in the community! 

Our Small Business Program helps small businesses and charities like Teen Stop Jeunesse make energy efficiency upgrades in an affordable way, helping them save energy and money. 

ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER? 

If you’re the owner of a small business and looking to make energy efficiency upgrades, we can help! Our small business programs are full-service solutions to help your business become more energy efficient. We’ll install free basic energy-saving products and complete a free lighting and pitched roof attic insulation assessment of your business to see if you could benefit from a Premium Upgrade.   

INDIGENOUS ENERGY ADVOCACY IN MOTION

A PROFILE OF THURMAN “DARBY” ESSIE OF SIOUX VALLEY DAKOTA NATION

 

As an Energy Efficiency Advocate, funded by the Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program, Thurman “Darby” Essie isn’t just advocating for the environment. He’s a champion of his community: Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (Wipazoka Wakpa).

With advocacy work, Darby says it’s important to “get people together and help them understand.” The beauty of this program is it allows Nations to hire members of their own communities, so the incoming knowledge is delivered by someone who knows (and is known by) the community they serve.

Having lived in Sioux Valley himself, Darby describes the need to update homes that have air leakage and poor insulation. Updating these structures can significantly lower energy bills, Darby notes, which is vital for families who struggle financially.

To access energy efficiency upgrades, community members contact their Nation’s housing department, which directs them to Darby and his coworkers. Darby receives direct support from Efficiency Manitoba, which he says will continue after Sioux Valley’s multi-year participation in the Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program ends. “[Iain from Efficiency Manitoba] is willing to travel to any community. He just wants to make sure that people know how to do [the upgrades] … He’s willing to teach.”

Passing on his knowledge is the most rewarding aspect of the job for Darby. He recently supported five community members in completing geothermal training. At the graduation celebration barbecue, they were presented with certificates and smudge kits. “Everybody I went to visit at each table was just excited [to help the community] … asking, ‘When are we gonna do our first install?’”

This satisfaction in being a positive influence on the community doesn’t stop with Darby’s coworkers, but extends to the young people in his family. After noticing the work Darby does for his community, his nephew now approaches Darby at events to ask what he can do to help. Even something as simple as bringing a bag of popcorn to an elder puts a smile on the boy’s face. “Do you like that feeling?” Darby has asked his nephew. “That’s what I get every time I help out in the community.”

Nation-to-Nation support is another area of passion for Darby. His goal is to travel to other Dakota Nations, sharing the skills he’s developed. “This is how the Dakotas work. We’re always willing to help, not just our own, but anybody.” Sioux Valley intends to hire Darby to continue the important work he’s begun.

When asked if he’d be willing to share contact information with folks who want to ask questions about the program, Darby doesn’t hesitate to agree.

“The reason there are a lot of other Nations who wear the war bonnet is because the Dakota gifted it to them. That was our way of showing friendship… I wouldn’t mind doing that again… That’s the only way we’re going to be able to survive, period, is by helping each other out.”

Darby Essie,
Energy Efficiency Advocate

We are so thankful to Thurman “Darby” Essie for sharing his story. If you’d like more information about the Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program, reach out to Efficiency Manitoba or speak to Darby
directly at energy.efficiency@svdngovernance.com.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE KITCHEN

HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD 

 

With multiple major appliances in one area, the kitchen is one of the rooms in your home that uses the most energy. This means it’s also a great place to focus on when looking to reduce your energy use.
Saving energy in your kitchen can be easy.

Run your dishwasher only when it’s full, let your leftovers cool before putting them in the fridge,
and use small appliances like air fryers and pressure cookers instead.

Try out this air fryer recipe from Manitoba Chicken Producers!

Click here to download the recipe.

SAVING MORE HOUSEHOLDS MORE ENERGY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

 

Life is expensive. Between mortgage or rent payments, groceries, and other necessities, it can be a lot to manage — plus there are energy bills on top of that! We want to help ease the financial burden many Manitobans face. That’s why we’re proud to offer our Energy Efficiency Assistance Program, which provides free and significantly subsidized energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying low- to moderate income households.

We recently expanded the program’s income thresholds, so approximately 40% of Manitoba households may now qualify.

“Investing in energy efficiency in our homes results in long-term savings, but it also means people and families can enjoy much more comfortable homes and a little extra money in their pockets,” said Jacqueline Wasney, a board member of the Consumers’ Association of Canada Manitoba who also represents consumer interests within Efficiency Manitoba’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Group.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

If you participate in the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program, you’ll get a free home energy check-up to find ways you can save energy (and money). You’ll receive free energy-saving devices including LEDs, energy-efficient showerheads and aerators, and air sealing products.

Based on the assessment, you may also be eligible for the following services and upgrades:

  • Free insulation for attics, wall cavities, basements, and crawlspaces, including the cost of materials and installation
  • A new high-efficiency natural gas furnace for only $9.50/month for five years when upgrading from a standard-efficiency furnace, or a new high-efficiency natural gas furnace for only $25/month for five years when upgrading from a mid-efficiency furnace
  • A $5,000 rebate towards the purchase of a qualifying high-efficiency natural gas boiler

NOT SURE IF YOU QUALIFY?

You qualify for this program if you live in a single-detached or semi-detached home, live in the home year-round, and have a total household income (before deductions) that meets or falls below
the limits in the following table:

Number of people living in the homeTotal income
1 person$42,600
2 people$53,035
3 people$65,200
4 people$79,161
5 people$89,784
6 people$101,260
7 or more people$112,739
If your household income is slightly over our thresholds and you’re not sure if you qualify for the program, please contact us to discuss. We also accept alternative forms of income verification if you’re unable to provide income tax documents.

ARE YOU A LANDLORD?

You can apply for the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program if your tenants are eligible! Or, if you rent an apartment or own or manage an apartment building, our In-Suite Energy Efficiency Program can help.

MORE MANITOBANS ARE ACCESSING THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Efficiency Manitoba reports show electricity and natural gas savings are being achieved cost effectively

Today, following tabling of reports in the Manitoba legislature, Efficiency Manitoba published their 2022/23 Annual Report and Annual Report Supplement, providing a detailed look at their accomplishments during their third year of operations. Reporting also includes financial statements along with independently verified and evaluated 2022/23 energy savings information. 

As required by the Efficiency Manitoba Act, electricity and natural gas savings were tabulated by an independent assessor (Econoler). The verified results show that in the 2022/23 fiscal year, Efficiency Manitoba’s total electricity savings reached 83% of their legislated target of 1.5%, while natural gas savings reached 91% of the legislated target of 0.75%. These savings were obtained with approximately 63% of their overall budget, resulting in energy savings achieved more cost effectively than anticipated in the third year of their inaugural approved Efficiency Plan. 

“Efficiency Manitoba has accomplished a great deal in their 2022/23 fiscal year,” said Dr. Jeannette Montufar-McKay, Chair of Efficiency Manitoba’s Board of Directors. “Their continued investment in energy efficiency programs for all Manitobans has led to year-over-year increases in incentive dollars provided to Manitobans participating in Efficiency Manitoba’s programs. In addition, participation levels have increased significantly in the income-based, Indigenous and commercial sectors. This upwards trajectory puts Efficiency Manitoba in a favourable position to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving energy landscape and mitigation of the climate crisis.”  

Efficiency Manitoba’s third operational year saw increased participation in the majority of their diverse programs and rebates. As of March 31, 2023, over 40 programs were in market and available for all Manitobans including residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, Indigenous and income-based customer segments. The organization provided nearly $30 million in rebates and incentives in the 2022/23 fiscal year, representing a 16% increase from 2021/22. 

“I’m very proud of how far Efficiency Manitoba has come since becoming operational in April 2020,” said Colleen Kuruluk, Chief Executive Officer of Efficiency Manitoba. “It’s clear that Manitobans are seeing the value in the programs, rebates, and services we provide to help them reduce their consumption, energy bills, and greenhouse gas emissions. The strong partnerships we’ve forged with communities and like-minded organizations further reinforce the culture of energy efficiency we’ve been building as a province and bode well for our future achievements together.  

“At Efficiency Manitoba, we’re ready to build on our existing momentum and continue to help homes, businesses, and communities save for generations,” continued Kuruluk. “Energy efficiency is an integral component to improving bill affordability for all Manitobans, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, and contributing to economic growth and competitiveness. It carves a crucial path towards a more sustainable, energy-conscious, and thriving future for Manitoba, and we’re excited to do our part.” 

The 2022/23 Annual Report and Annual Report Supplement can be accessed at efficiencyMB.ca/document-library.  

About Efficiency Manitoba

Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has over 40 diverse programs and offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment.  

Release date: November 24, 2023