Overview
The Government of Alberta is incentivizing the installation of on-site electricity generation for municipalities through the Municipal Electricity Generation Program. The Municipal Electricity Generation Program (MEG) provides financial rebates to Alberta municipalities to install grid-connected alternative electricity generation systems on municipally owned facilities or land. The MEG Program builds upon previous on-site electricity generation initiatives and will help facilities save energy, money, and emissions.
By investing in microgeneration systems, communities across Alberta are seeing savings on their electricity bills and can reinvest those savings into other priorities. For example, installing a solar PV system will:
- generate free power any time the sun is shining for your system’s entire 25+ year life,
- create jobs and help your local economy,
- demonstrate your municipality’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Alberta municipalities, as defined within the Municipal Government Act, can access up to $500,000 through the MEG program to install microgeneration systems. Community-related organizations that operate a municipally-owned facility or on municipally-owned land may also participate.
Eligible project types can include:
- Solar photovoltaic systems (both ground and roof mount);
- Combined heat and power systems; and
- Other on-site electricity generation systems evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
FUNDING*
Approved projects can receive per-watt rebates as per the table below, to a maximum of 30% of project costs.
| Total Installed System Capacity | Rebate |
| <10 kilowatts | $0.85/watt |
| 10 kilowatts to <150 kilowatts | $0.70/watt |
| 150 kilowatts to <2 Megawatts | $0.55/watt |
| 2 Megawatts to 5 Megawatts | $0.50/watt |
| BONUS – First-Time Applicant Rebate | $0.20/watt |
*Conditions apply. See the MEG Guidebook for more details.
GET STARTED
- Read the MEG Guidebook and download the resources
- Submit an Expression of Interest as the first non-committal step in the application process
- Meet with an MCCAC team member to discuss the project
- Gather contractor quotes and submit an application
See how these communities benefit from solar energy: The Village of Carmangay, Lethbridge County, Town of Strathmore, City of St. Albert, Big Lakes County, and the City of Airdrie.
140 On-site electricity generation projects since 2016
32.6 MW installed across 53 communities
$4.3 million in annual energy cost savings
23,671 tonnes CO2e of GHG emissions avoided annually
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Municipal Electricity Generation Program open to applications?
The Municipal Electricity Generation Program is now open and accepting applications! Please review the program materials and submit an Expression of Interest to share preliminary details about your potential project.
What types of projects are expected to be eligible?
Funding will be available on a first-come first-served basis for new on-site electricity generation systems installed on municipally-owned facilities or land. To be eligible, systems must be equal to or greater than 2 kW, grid-connected, and compliant with the Government of Alberta’s Micro-generation Regulation. All projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis and must meet program criteria. Utility-scale, off-grid and solar thermal projects are not eligible.
Is funding available retroactively?
Funding will not be available retroactively. Projects in which construction work has started or equipment has been ordered will not be eligible.
Does submitting an Expression of Interest reserve funding or access to funding?
Submitting an Expression of Interest is non-committal and does not reserve access to any funding or form a queue for access. Municipalities must review program documentation, apply, receive approval, and sign a funding agreement before funding is reserved. By submitting an Expression of Interest, you will provide preliminary information regarding your project, and we will follow up when more details about the application process are available.
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