OUR VALUED PARTNERSHIPS
Our valued partnerships help us reach all Manitobans in making energy efficiency upgrades. We’re proud to work with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, to help Red River Métis Citizens lower energy bills in their homes and businesses. Saving energy and money is made possible through our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.
Through this partnership, we support an energy efficiency advocate at the MMF. The advocate shares program opportunities with their Red River Métis Citizens, answers any questions that come up, and helps guide them through the application process.
“The Métis Energy Efficiency Offers help out Red River Métis Citizens by reducing heating costs in their homes, and in turn lowering their energy bills,” says Keith Kowall, MMF’s energy efficiency advocate.
He shares the story of an individual whose gas furnace suddenly stopped working in late November. The customer took part in our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers for Red River Métis Citizens, and received a new high-efficiency natural gas furnace for free because of our partnership with the MMF.
“Needless to say, they were appreciative. It’s such a great thing to be able to help our Red River Métis Citizens access the program.”
Keith visits communities throughout Manitoba to share program information. He says the energy needs of people vary, meaning the energy-saving opportunities vary too.
“Outside of larger urban centres like Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Steinbach, a lot of our Red River Métis Citizens rely on their heating being electric as opposed to natural gas. Their needs are a lot different than someone in a larger urban setting,” Keith says.
“It’s something we’re continuing to work on, to bring energy efficiency to those who rely on electric heating.”
He encourages people to look into these programs and take part, especially starting with Métis Energy Efficiency Offers for your home, adding that it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
“Why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of making your home more energy efficient, thusly reducing your monthly energy bills?” Keith says. “You can take those savings and spend it on your family.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE OFFER
Red River Métis Citizens who rent or own a home can take part in our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers, which can include the following:
- A free home energy check-up to find ways to save energy
- Free energy-saving devices, including LEDs, energy-efficient showerheads and aerators, and air-sealing products
- Free insulation for your attic, walls, and basement for qualifying areas (with installation included)
- A free natural gas furnace upgrade when replacing either a standard-efficiency or mid-efficiency furnace with costs offset by the MMF
- A $5,000 rebate when upgrading from a standard-efficiency natural gas boiler to a high-efficiency natural gas boiler.
