Manitobans can begin taking full advantage of a province-wide geothermal program to reduce greenhouse gases and deal with volatile energy costs starting Jan. 1, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau announced.
“Geothermal is a proven technology that will help Manitobans cope with the volatility of energy prices while helping us reach our Kyoto target,” Rondeau said.
The program is designed to expand on an industry that has already seen 6,000 Manitobans convert to geothermal heating and cooling systems. It contains the following components:
• For geothermal installations in new homes, Manitobans can receive up to $3,000 in incentives including a refundable Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit worth about $2,000 and a $1,000 grant for homes in natural gas serviced areas of the province.
• For conversions in existing homes, Manitobans can also receive a refundable Green Energy Tax Credit worth about $2,100. When included with existing federal grants, existing homeowners can receive up to $5,600 in incentives.
• Commercial building owners are eligible to receive up to 10 per cent of the value of their installed systems.
• Building owners who install district geothermal service systems are eligible to up to $150,000.
• Under the Climate Change and Emissions Reductions Act, geothermal loops serving single-family residences will also be exempt from property tax assessment ensuring users of this technology are treated the same as those who use other heating and cooling sources.
The Climate Change and Emissions Reductions Act was passed earlier this year and is supported by Beyond Kyoto which includes 60 actions such as clean-energy expansion including energy-efficiency initiatives and the further development of hydro, wind and geothermal technologies.
The Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance will work with Manitobans in assessing geothermal options for their specific needs, providing accredited installers and accessing various provincial, federal and Manitoba Hydro incentives.
