NDP Calls for Support to Bring Down Energy Costs for Farmers

Alberta’s NDP is proposing support for farmers and ranchers to build or retrofit net-zero barns, which consume less power and are cheaper to operate. This call is a part of the NDP’s commitment to affordable electricity and to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and a net-zero provincial economy by 2050.

The Opposition is proposing a $15 million fund for capital grants to offset initial costs of a retrofit or a new building, as well as loan guarantees for farmers and ranchers. This will result in immediate utility bill reductions, a contribution to net-zero goals, and a strong medium-term return on investment. Some of the proven approaches to achieve this are: 

• Heat-recovery technology and in-floor heating
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems
• LED lighting, energy efficient ventilation fans, and building insulation

Farmers and ranchers need a significant amount of energy to operate, and there is technology available today that can bring those costs down,” said NDP Leader Rachel Notley. “The provincial government can help reduce the upfront costs of making barns and other buildings more energy efficient and net-zero in carbon emissions. - Rachel Notley