Page 
Hope for
City encouraging conservation, alternative energy
Amanda Stephenson Besides encouraging conservation, another
Event
astephenson@medicinehatnews.com
major focus of the HAT Smart program
The City of Medicine Hat is continuing to encourage
is the exploration of renewable energy
residents to do their part for the environment and get
alternatives.
HAT Smart in 2009.
“In 2009, we’re going to end up at a decision
Since its inception in 2007, the city’s HAT Smart program
point in respect to the wind farm,” Smith
has been educating and assisting residents on ways to
says, referring to a 16.5 MW wind project
not only be environmentally-friendly, but to stretch
that has been approved by council for the
Centre
their energy dollars as well. Last year alone, the city
Box Springs area and is now waiting on
saw 630 people come out to its free Residential Energy
provincial approval.
Conservation Seminars to pick up tips on reducing their
Another major project the city is exploring
energy bills. The seminars also give people the opportunity
is an aquifer thermal energy storage system
NEWS FILE PHOTO EMMA BENNETT
to qualify for HAT Smart and federal ecoEnergy grants
aimed at reducing energy consumption for
that can be used to retrofit their homes.
a multi-family residential complex in the
Russ Smith, the city’s Environment Manager, says one of his goals for
2009 is to continue to raise awareness about HAT Smart.
Russ Smith, the city’s Environment Manager, says one of
Southlands subdivision. While the city has
his goals for 2009 is to continue to raise awareness about
secured funding for the project, it hasn’t yet
While the slowdown in the global economy might
the seminars and increase uptake on the HAT Smart
found a contractor to partner with.
make some people more hesitant to invest in new, green
grants.
“We’ve been challenged like everyone else by the
technologies, Smith says the HAT Smart program is all
“We’ve definitely already seen an increase locally,” he
slowdown in the construction industry,” Smith says.
about doing what is practical and affordable.
says. “We’ve seen over 600 people at our seminars, and
The city is also partnering with the construction industry
“Really our job is to put the facts on the table in terms
our partners in the industry have seen a marked increase
on its Built Green program. Under this program, up to 75
of the economic and environmental benefits of these
in the number of people taking home energy audits. We
residential lots are available for sale in the Southlands and
projects and then let the public decide,” Smith explains.
want to continue to improve on that.”
Ranchlands subdivisions with up to $10,000 available in
More information and energy-saving tips are available at
Smith says the city also plans to roll out an energy
incentives from the city — with the condition that homes
conservation program aimed at non-residential
be constructed to Built Green standards and make use of
www.hatsmart.ca.
customers this year.
renewable energy technology.
Small changes you can make to • Reduce your overall electrical use
become HAT Smart:
by replacing an old energy guzzling
• C lean or change your furnace filter
refrigerator. For example, replacing a
every 30 days
20-year-old, 18 cubic feet refrigerator
• Have your furnace serviced at least
with a new ENERGY STAR®
once a year
refrigerator will result in an annual
energy cost savings of about $120-
• Install a plastic cover over problem
$150
windows
• Open the drapes during the day in the
HAT Smart rebates available:
winter
• Receive a $200 discount on a
• Close doors in unused rooms
residential energy assessment just
Specializing in:
by attending one of the city’s energy
• Close vents in unused rooms
• Support Stockings • Athletic Braces • Breast Pump Rental Available
conservation seminars.
• Increase humidity level in home
• Ostomy Care • Wound Care • Personal Service
• $400 available to purchase an energy-
• Keep oven door ajar after baking to
efficient furnace.
heat home in the winter
• $300 available for insulation and air
PRESCRIPTION SERVICE • AADL VENDOR
• Install a programmable thermostat.
sealing. RETAIL POST OFFICE • FREE DELIVERY SERVICE
Set at 25°C or higher. For every
• $200 available for energy-efficient air
degree your air conditioner is set
conditioning.
Crestwood Pharmacy
below 24°C, you will use 3 to 5 per • $75 available for a front-loading
40245499•03/24/09
Conveniently Located in the Dunmore Shopping Centre
cent more energy.
clothes washer.
Preferred...
1827 Dunmore Rd. S.E.
• L ook for the ENERGY STAR® label.
• $3,000 available for a solar water PHARMACISTS
By replacing your air conditioner with
heating system. Trusted Experience, Personal Service.
an ENERGY STAR® qualified unit you
• $6,000 available for a solar electric
s r r TM
could use up to 40 per cent less energy.
system.
527-4542
By upgrading to ENERGY STAR® More rebates, and similar government
qualified windows you could reduce
grants available, can be found at
cooling costs by up to 15 per cent.
www.hatsmart.ca
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