Efficiency Manitoba partners with the City of Selkirk on energy efficiency
Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program
Efficiency Manitoba is excited to announce that the City of Selkirk is the first municipality to receive funding for an Energy Efficiency Advocate through Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program.
Selkirk will receive funding over two years to employ a local Energy Efficiency Advocate, who will identify and facilitate energy-efficient upgrades within the community. While the Advocate will be an employee of the City of Selkirk, they’ll work closely with Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program to create a plan aligning with the city’s energy and sustainability goals.
“The City of Selkirk is pleased to be part of a program that encourages people to reduce the amount of energy they use with an overall effect of reducing the community’s use of fossil fuels and keeping more money in citizens’ pockets,” said City of Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol.
“The Community Energy Efficiency Program aligns with the city’s Strategic Plan that makes environmental stewardship a priority, encouraging more environmentally responsible development and helping citizens make good environmental choices.”
The Community Energy Efficiency Program, set out in Efficiency Manitoba’s approved 2020-23 Efficiency Plan, offers financial and technical support for municipalities to hire and train an Energy Efficiency Advocate. The role of the Advocate is to identify energy-saving opportunities in their community and encourage participation in Efficiency Manitoba’s energy efficiency programs, ultimately leading to reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills. The program supports local economic development through energy efficiency.
”We’re excited to partner with the City of Selkirk on this initiative,” said Colleen Kuruluk, Chief Executive Officer of Efficiency Manitoba. “By giving communities the tools and resources to take on energy efficiency projects, they’re empowered to save energy and money while promoting a culture of sustainability.”
The City of Selkirk has adopted a number of conservation efforts over the past three years, including working with the Prairie Climate Centre to develop a Climate Change Adaptation plan. This plan identifies ways the city will adopt efficiency measures in the delivery of municipal services.
“Selkirk has shown leadership and their commitment to making our province more energy efficient,” Kuruluk adds. “Partnering with them through the Community Energy Efficiency Program will allow us to help them build upon the great work they’ve started while providing a positive example to others in Manitoba of what’s possible.”
With support from Efficiency Manitoba, the City of Selkirk is currently in the process of hiring an Energy Efficiency Advocate.