Manitoba Rolls Out Geothermal Program

WINNIPEG - Dec 10/08 - SNS -- Manitoba will provide some help to individuals and companies in the province installing geothermal heating and cooling systems in existing or new homes.

The program will come into effect January 1, 2009 and is aimed at significantly boosting the number of Manitobans who have switched to this non-polluting, cheap, long-term energy source.

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.

For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/stem/energy/initiatives/geothermal.html.