November Featured Member: Energy Efficiency
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204-915-6288
How long has your company been in business?
Efficiency Manitoba has been operating since 2019, however our first official Efficiency Plan commenced April 1, 2020. Prior to Efficiency Manitoba, energy efficiency programs were delivered by Manitoba Hydro.
What services do you offer?
Efficiency Manitoba has legislated energy savings targets for both electricity and natural gas. We aim to achieve these savings through our energy efficiency programs encompassing the residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. We design and deliver energy efficiency programs to help reduce barriers to implementing energy-efficient upgrades and practices in Manitoba.
Specific to builders and renovators, we offer several programs including our New Homes Program, Home Insulation Rebate, Home Energy Retrofits, Building Envelope Program, and New Buildings Program. We also offer rebates for installing solar photovoltaics, heat pumps, windows, and doors, just to name a few.
Efficiency Manitoba has a team of experts who can provide advice and assistance in energy efficiency project design, measurement, and verification activities, and help with energy efficiency solutions. We also offer training and capacity-building opportunities to develop and prepare the market for incoming building codes and adoption of energy-efficient products and practices.
Describe your team in 3 words.
Passionate about efficiency!
How has the pandemic impacted your business and how have you adapted?
Efficiency Manitoba’s first Efficiency Plan was prepared before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic impacted customer participation in energy efficiency programs due to business shut-downs, stay-at-home orders, restrictions on entry to facilities and communities, province-wide restrictions, customer budget pressures, and inflationary and supply-chain pressures. While we’re behind in achieving our legislated energy savings targets, we’ve adapted to pandemic challenges by strengthening measures to keep customers safe and healthy, focusing on building brand awareness, and working behind the scenes to develop programs to be introduced to the market when safe to do so.
What is your company’s greatest achievement?
We have an incredibly broad suite of programs – there’s really something for everyone. We took care in developing programs that represent and target the diverse needs of Manitobans across sectors. And we’re continually evaluating and designing new programs to improve our offering.
What is your business goal for 2022?
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, our primary objective is to reach more Manitobans. We’re focused on building awareness of our brand and increasing participation in our programs.
How long have you been a MHBA member & what type of membership?
Between our participation as Manitoba Hydro and now as Efficiency Manitoba, our combined membership tenure is 41 years and counting!
Why did you decide to join the MHBA?
We recognize that industry partnerships are critical to our success in delivering energy efficiency to Manitobans. The MHBA is a valuable channel to access, collaborate, and build relationships with builders, renovators, and related organizations.
What is the best part about being a MHBA member?
Our MHBA membership gives us access to valuable construction and renovation content, industry news and current events, and opportunities to network and build relationships with industry.
What is your favourite MHBA event? Why?
My favourite event is the Housing Forum, and not just because I’m on the committee! Efficiency Manitoba is an annual exhibitor and I’ll be present at the booth for folks who want to stop by and chat about energy efficiency. The Housing Forum gives us an opportunity to get in front of our fellow MHBA members, showcase our brand and programs, and attend and contribute to valuable educational sessions (including energy efficiency initiatives).
How has being an MHBA member benefited your business?
The MHBA gives us the ability to easily share information about our programs with Manitoba construction and renovation businesses through its e-newsletter, events, and educational sessions and seminars.
What is your favourite project (home build, renovation, design etc.) that your company has done?/ or a favourite service/product you carry?
Easy one! My favourite program at Efficiency Manitoba is the New Homes Program. Over the years, we’ve listened to builder feedback to develop, improve, and adapt the program to better achieve energy savings and increase participation. The New Homes Program now offers three different participation options, support for energy modelling, and builder rebates of up to $12,000 per home.
Anything else you would like to share about your company?
In addition to traditional energy efficiency programming, we also have an Innovation Fund that supports organizations who are looking to advance new and innovative energy efficiency opportunities in the Manitoba market.
We provide funding for pilot projects and partnerships to reduce common adoption barriers to emerging energy-efficient technologies and strategies. Eligible projects can receive funding of up to 75% of the project cost to a maximum of $250,000
We’re regularly enhancing our offers, curating helpful energy efficiency advice, and sharing our knowledge in the community. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can be among the first to know about what we’re up to.
What is your contact information?
There are lots of ways you can connect with us! Our website is a great resource for everything related to our programs. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@efficiencymb), Twitter (@efficiencyMB), and LinkedIn.
If you want to chat with us directly, feel free to give us a call at 204-944-8181 (toll free at 1-844-944-8181) or send us an email. We’re here to help all Manitobans start or continue their energy efficiency journey!
Thank you to Allison Lund and Efficiency Manitoba for participating in our Monthly Member Profile interview. Stay tuned to see who next month’s featured member will be! #MHBAMembersMatter