Funding available for energy-saving projects in carbon tax provinces: Clear opportunities for the propane industry

On July 17, the Federal Government announced that small and medium-sized businesses in the four provinces where the Federal Carbon Levy currently applies (New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan) can now apply to the SME Project stream of the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF).

Small and medium-sized businesses in these provinces will be eligible to receive funding of up to 25 percent of the cost of projects that will make their businesses more productive and competitive by reducing energy use, saving money, and cutting greenhouse gas pollution.

A wide range of projects are eligible, including building retrofits, improved industrial processes, fuel switching, and the production of renewable energy for the use of applicants.

There are clear opportunities for the propane industry. Eligibility requirements outlined in Section 5.1 of the CAIF Application Guide note, “The project scope must be clearly defined and align with the CAIF program objectives (i.e. reduce energy, costs and/or GHG emissions), eligible project categories, activities, technologies, and timeframe as outlined in this Guide.”

Quick Facts

1. Small and medium-sized businesses in various sectors in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan can apply to the fund starting July 17, 2019. The application period will be open until funding is exhausted or for a maximum of 90 days.
2. Proposals will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, and regional considerations and prioritization for the most impacted small and medium-sized businesses will be taken into account.
3. Applicants can consult the applicant guide to prepare their proposal and submit it through the online application tool. Applicants will be notified of the decision after approximately 25 business days upon receipt of their application.
4. Businesses in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan could be eligible to receive funding of up to 25 percent of eligible costs for energy-efficient retrofits and other projects to improve energy efficiency, reduce their energy use, and save money—to a maximum of $250,000 per applicant per eligible province. The minimum amount of federal funding per application is $20,000.
5. Funds available for the Climate Action Incentive Fund SME Project stream in 2019–20 are $72.4 million in Ontario, $3.7 million in New Brunswick, $9.3 million in Manitoba, and $21.3 million in Saskatchewan. Updates on additional rounds of funding will be provided as they become available.
6. Under the Climate Action Incentive Fund, small and medium-sized businesses are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
7. The Government of Canada implemented changes to accelerated capital costs that allow businesses to immediately write off the full cost of machinery and equipment used for the manufacturing and processing of goods or immediately write off the full cost of specified clean-energy equipment. Investments eligible for Climate Action Incentive Fund may also be eligible for the accelerated capital cost allowance.
8. The government will soon launch a new call for proposals for smaller projects from small businesses across the country, under the Low Carbon Economy Fund Partnerships stream. Approximately $10 million will be available to help those businesses make investments to improve energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and save money.

The Association encourages CPA Members in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to consult with local small businesses to gauge their interest in accessing the CAIF fund.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Allan Murphy, Vice-President, Government Relations at allanmurphy@propane.ca.