Multi-unit residential properties in Edmonton are now eligible for a program that helps with the cost of installing solar panels.
Edmonton’s Change Homes for Climate Solar Rebate Program is reopening and will provide financial incentives to multi-unit buildings that install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.
The city has committed $1.3 million in rebates to the program, which will be available to properties with four or more permitted dwellings.
“By making solar energy accessible to a wider range of residents, especially those living in multi-unit buildings, we’re ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from affordable renewable energy,” said Coun. Michael Janz.
“This is about equity and ensuring that all our communities can participate in, and benefit from, our energy transition.”
Coun. Michael Janz (R) speaks about the expansion of the City of Edmonton’s Change Homes for Climate Solar Rebate Program Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Jasmine King / Global News
Applications for the program will open on July 2 and rebates will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, the City of Edmonton said Tuesday.
Eligible solar systems must be installed by Dec. 16, 2024.
Single-family residential homeowners in Edmonton were offered similar rebates from 2019 to 2023. Lisa Dockman, climate resilience program manager with the City of Edmonton, said nearly 2,000 Edmonton homeowners have installed rooftop solar panels.
“We were thrilled that so many Edmontonians were ready to make the shift to renewable energy,” Dockman said.
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“This is really about encouraging immediate investment in a way that’s going to save money on utility bills and help those renters and property owners.”
“When we announced the residential solar program, it was gone immediately,” Janz added of the rebates. “This was a chance to take a pause, look at some of the gaps … and make adjustments.
“In both instances, we put aside a small amount of money because we aren’t here to pay the full freight. We’re here to make catalytic investments that will help catalyze and inspire and move the needle a little bit in terms of purchase decisions.”
The city said this program is part of its goal to lower Edmonton’s carbon footprint by supporting local businesses in the renewable energy sector.
“Reopening the Change Homes for Climate Solar Rebate Program for multi-unit residential properties contributes to Edmonton’s climate goals and enhances our climate resilience,” said branch manager Kent Snyder.
“By making solar energy more accessible, we are not only reducing carbon emissions and saving money on utility bills, but we are also building a robust renewable sector and green economy that will serve our city for generations to come.”
With 2,300 hours of sunshine in an average year, the city said Edmonton is one of the sunniest cities in Canada making it well-suited to solar energy, even in the winter.
“Edmonton has excellent solar potential,” Dockman said. “Properties that harness their rooftop solar energy to help reduce Edmonton’s carbon footprint are contributing to cleaner air and healthier environment to everyone.”
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
