Building a Brighter Alberta: Community Successes from Save Energy Grants

Nov 24, 2025, 18:32 PM

Alberta’s communities are leading the way in energy innovation, thanks in part to the FortisAlberta Save Energy Grant program. Local organizations are making a real difference by saving energy, reducing emissions and strengthening the resilience and enjoyment of the places we call home.

This year, the program saw enthusiastic participation from curling clubs to municipal offices. Organizations across the province proposed creative solutions to cut energy use and costs. In total, over $120,000 in funding was awarded.

Funded projects span a wide range of technologies and building types:

• LED Lighting Upgrades: Many recipients, including the Alder Flats Community Agricultural Society and Claresholm Skating Club, are replacing outdated fluorescent and halogen fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs. These upgrades not only reduce operational expenses but also improve the quality and safety of community spaces.
• Solar Power Initiatives: The Village of Holden installed a solar-powered heart sign as part of its economic development strategy, while the Village of Standard and City of St. Albert are adding solar panels to municipal buildings and clubhouses, supporting net-zero goals and lowering operating costs.
• Energy Efficiency Kits: Town of Devon and Parkland County are providing residents with kits to help identify ways to save energy at home, building energy literacy and stewardship across their communities.
• Facility Upgrades: Organizations like the Sundre and Rimbey Legions are investing in new HVAC units and appliances, improving safety and reducing power consumption.
• Ice Rink Innovations: Curling clubs are introducing reusable ice sheet liners and variable frequency drive motors, cutting energy use and environmental impact.

The Save Energy Grant program is more than just funding, it’s about empowering communities to take control of their energy future. Each project delivers tangible benefits, from lower utility bills to safer, more welcoming facilities.

2025 Recipients & Projects

1. Alder Flats Community Agricultural Society - Replacing fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LEDs at the community curling rink.
2. Claresholm Skating Club - Upgrading original ballast fluorescent lighting to LED high bay fixtures in the ice surface and lobby.
3. Cochrane Lions Club - Replacing halogen tube lighting with LEDs in the community centre.
4. Royal Canadian Legion, Redwater Branch #251 - Upgrading all incandescent and fluorescent signs, fixtures and bulbs to LEDs, plus other energy efficiency upgrades.
5. Town of Devon - Providing Home Energy Efficiency Kits at the public library for residents to identify ways to improve home energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
6. Village of Holden - Installing a solar-powered heart sign at the village entrance, lit with red lights and visible 24/7.
7. Fawcett Seniors Club - Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce costs and improve community event quality.
8. Foremost Sage Club - Installing a variable frequency drive motor for the ice plant, reducing energy use and noise.
9. Lakeside Curling Club - Introducing reusable ice sheet liners to save energy and reduce environmental impact.
10. Strome Community Curling Club - Introducing reusable ice sheet liners to save energy and reduce environmental impact.
11. Royal Canadian Legion, Sundre Legion Branch #223 - Installing a new air make-up unit to improve safety and efficiency in an aging building.
12. Village of Standard - Adding solar panels to municipal buildings, supporting net-zero goals and lowering operating costs.
13. Diamond Jubilee Rec & Culture Centre - Replacing old lighting with LEDs to make the arena safer and more welcoming.
14. Parkland County - Providing energy efficiency kits for residents to borrow, building energy literacy and stewardship.
15. Royal Canadian Legion, Rimbey Branch # 36 - Upgrading lighting and appliances to improve safety and reduce power consumption.
16. City of St. Albert - Installing a solar PV system that offsets 101 per cent of clubhouse electricity use, supporting climate goals.
17. Royal Canadian Legion, Warburg Legion Branch #205 – replacing old lighting with LEDs, improving community events and reducing operating costs.

Telford Community Club - replacing three furnaces with high-efficiency models and programmable thermostats. This addresses energy waste and high heating costs, improving comfort and reducing emissions.