Empowering Municipal Staff to Manage Energy

Municipal staff responsible for managing facilities often face challenges in creating an energy management system which establishes energy policies and objectives and the processes and procedures to achieve them.

The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre offers three programs to support municipalities with energy management.

Municipal Energy Manager Program

If your team lacks internal expertise, consider the Municipal Energy Manager (MEM) Program. This program provides up to two years of funding to municipalities to hire dedicated energy managers who bring specialized knowledge and skills to identify and implement energy savings opportunities. Additional funding is provided to implement projects.

To take full advantage of both years of funding in the Municipal Energy Manager Program, applications must be submitted by December 13, 2024, and the Energy Manager must start by March 2025. Applications received after this date will not be eligible for the full two years of funding due to the program cut-off date.

MCCAC also provides guidance, advice, and resources to the Municipal Energy Manager, to support energy management planning and projects. This includes access to energy management software, technical advisors, and an MEM tool package.

MEM Tool Package: Comprehensive Tools for Energy Management

1. Ultrasonic Leak Detector
2. Light Meter
3. Ballast Discriminator
4. Bluetooth Temperature and Relative Humidity Data Logger (HOBO MX1101)
5. Motor On/Off Data Logger (HOBO UX90-004)
6. Occupancy/Light Data Logger (HOBO UX90-006)
7. Data Logger (HOBO UX120-006M)
8. Infrared Thermometer
9. Thermal Imager
10. Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage
11. Hot Wire Anemometer with Air Flow Measurements
12. Wireless AC/DC Current Module

Flexible Solutions: Roving Energy Manager Program

For municipalities that do not need to hire a full-time energy manager, the Roving Energy Manager (REM) Program offers a flexible alternative. This program provides an energy management service through technical support, coaching, education and implementation funding.

The next cohort will open to applications in Spring 2025. Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for details on how and when to apply.

Tool Lending Library

If you simply lack access to energy auditing tools, the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre offers support through our Tool Lending Library. This service allows municipal staff to borrow high-quality tools for free, enabling them to perform essential energy assessments and improvements in their facilities without incurring significant costs.

How to borrow tools

We just made it easier to borrow tools from the Tool Lending Library. This service is accessible to any municipal staff member responsible for managing municipal facilities. Here’s how you can take advantage of this fantastic resource:

1. Review the Tool List to explore the available tools.
2. Request Tools: Email sustyservices@abmunis.ca with the following details:
   • Item Number
   • Name of Tool
   • Duration needed (maximum loan period is 8 weeks)
   • Delivery address or indicate if you will pick up the tools

3. Confirmation: Wait for a confirmation email from our team. This may take up to two business days. First-time borrowers will need to sign the program Terms and Conditions.
4. Delivery or Pick-up: Tools can be shipped directly to you or picked up from Alberta Municipal Place in Edmonton. Pick-up is available Monday to Friday from 9:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. Return: Once you’ve completed your project, return the tools either in person or via our Purolator account.

Start Today

The MEM Program, REM Program, and Tool Lending Library are invaluable resources designed to empower municipalities to take control of their energy management. By leveraging these tools and programs, municipal staff can perform thorough energy assessments, leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

Visit the Tool Lending Library website to get started and explore the Municipal Energy Manager Program and Roving Energy Manager Program for additional support. Empower your team, improve your facilities, and contribute to a sustainable future that will lead to cost savings for your municipality.