The City of Edmonton announced in late June that it has reopened applications for its Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), an initiative designed to help homeowners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. The program allows residential, multi-unit, and commercial property owners to access funding for retrofits, with repayment collected through property tax bills over time.
Program Overview and Financing Structure
The CEIP enables property owners to finance up to 100% of eligible upgrades, with residential participants able to borrow up to $50,000 per property. Repayment terms can extend up to 20 years, depending on the type of upgrade and its lifespan. The program uses a fixed interest rate and integrates repayments into the property tax system. Importantly, the financing is attached to the property, not the individual, so if the property is sold, the repayment obligation remains with the property, not the seller.
This approach eliminates the need for upfront capital and provides an alternative to personal loans or home equity lines of credit. It is designed to make energy upgrades more accessible for homeowners who may not otherwise have the financial means to undertake significant renovations.
Eligible Upgrades
CEIP supports a wide range of residential energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. These include:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
High-efficiency heating and cooling systems, such as electric heat pumps
Energy-efficient water heaters, including electric models
Improved insulation in walls, attics, basements, and crawlspaces
Air sealing and ventilation upgrades
Triple-pane or ENERGY STAR-rated windows and doors
All upgrades must be installed by CEIP-qualified contractors and selected based on the results of an energy audit. The goal is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while improving comfort and lowering utility costs.
Program Process
Participation in CEIP involves a multi-stage process, beginning with a pre-qualification step to confirm eligibility.
Pre-Qualification
Applicants submit a copy of their property tax bill and home insurance policy to verify basic eligibility through myceip.ca.
Home Energy Evaluation
A pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is required for residential properties to assess current energy performance and identify potential upgrades.
Application
Based on audit results, applicants choose upgrades and contractors before submitting a detailed application through the CEIP portal.
Agreement
Approved applicants sign a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement with the City of Edmonton and a Project Agreement with Alberta Municipalities and their chosen contractor(s).
Installation
Contractors complete the approved work, securing necessary permits prior to installation.
Upgrade Completion: Applicants submit documentation confirming each upgrade has been completed, which triggers payment to contractors.
Post-Project Evaluation
A second EnerGuide evaluation verifies the home’s new energy rating and provides updated energy performance data.
Repayment
The full cost of the retrofits, including interest and administration fees, is repaid over time through the participant’s property tax bill.
Administration and Oversight
CEIP is administered by Alberta Municipalities in partnership with the City of Edmonton. The program is part of a broader strategy to reduce Edmonton’s greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward net-zero. Since its original launch, over 100 residential and commercial properties have participated.
Additional resources, such as the Change Homes for Climate Guide and the Home Energy Toolkit, offer guidance on retrofit planning and energy-saving strategies.