Arctic Energy Alliance Annual Report

Transcription

1 Arctic Energy Alliance Annual Report

2 Intentionally left blank i

3 A R C T I C E N E R G Y A L L I A N C E A N N U A L R E P O R T Contents 1 Vision... iv 1.1 Mission... iv Goals... iv 2 Executive Director s Report... vi PROGRAMS Energy Management Program Communications General Communications Energy Management Energy Rating Services Support Program ERS Program Administration Home Energy Evaluations Quality Assurance Advice Habitat for Humanity Duplex Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP) EEIP Rebates EEIP Promotion Electric Hot-Water Heaters Replacement Program Fort Providence Tulita Deline Fort Simpson Overall Savings Biomass Program Biomass Project Development and Implementation Burn it Smart Sessions held during the 2013/14 fiscal year Arctic and Remote Regional Biomass Energy Conference Business Plan Supporting the Formation of the NWT Biomass Energy Association Regional Offices Program

4 6.1 Community Visits Tradeshows & Events Special projects Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency Program General information Yardstick Audits Site Audits CECEP Rebates SPECIAL PROJECTS Fort Simpson Wood / Pellet Stove Installation and WETT Training Project Whati Wood Stove Installation Project Tsiigehtchic Chimney Replacement Project Aurora Research Institute Solar Wall installation in Inuvik, NWT Continuation of Monitoring of Northern Sustainable House, Inuvik NT Scoping of the monitoring data available in the NSH in Dawson City (Yukon) Design & Construction Report of the Arviat Northern Sustainable House Performance Evaluation of the Arviat Northern Sustainable House c o r rr i te ance Workshop Inuvik PV Design & Installation of Grid-Connected and Battery-Based Systems Dehcho Community Renewable Energy Forum Nunavut Energy Secretariat Supported Projects PV Panel Installation Support in Arviat CMHC Solar Studies Lutse K e PV Pre-Feasibility Study and Funding Application Solar PV Demonstration Kits AgNorth Modular Food Production Concept Support c L u e er inology Development Workshop NWTHC Strategic Biomass Energy Initiative City of Yellowknife Energy Rating Services FINANCIAL STATEMENT Current Membership and Governance

5 List of Tables Table 1 Yardstick Energy Audits Funded by the Energy Management Program... 8 Table 2 ERS Stat FY Table 3 EEIP Rebates by Region Table 4 Annual Savings Resulting from the Electric Water Heater Replacement Program.. 20 Table 5 Completed Yardstick Audit and/ Or a Site Audit Table 6 CECEP Rebates Issued List o of Figures Figure 1 Smart Grid Visualization Figure 2 EEIP Branding. Source AEA

6 A R C T I C E N E R G Y A L L I A N C E A N N U A L R E P O R T 1 Vision The Arctic Energy Alliance s (AEA) vision is what it strives toward, understanding that it may never achieve its vision on its own. AEA s vision is its North Star on which it sets its course, and for which it strives through the delivery of programs and services. AEA s vision is: "NWT Society will become a global leader in clean, efficient, sustainable energy practices." 1.1 Mission The AEA s mission explains in a sentence why it exists. The AEA s mission is: "To promote and facilitate the adoption of efficient and renewable energy practices by all members of NWT Society Goals AEA's goals state what it wants to achieve. AEA objectives express how AEA will achieve its goals. Its goals are that: 1. Members of NWT society will know more about the costs and environmental impacts of their energy use. 2. Members of NWT society will want to reduce costs and environmental impacts of their energy use. 3. Members of NWT society will adopt efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices. 4. Members of NWT society will know the AEA as the best place to go when they want to adopt efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices. 5. Members of NWT society will achieve significant reductions in the costs and environmental impacts of their energy use. 6. Members of NWT society will be celebrated as leaders in efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices Objectives 1. Provide services that cover all energy sectors of NWT society: To expand programs to ensure all sectors of NWT energy use are covered: Ensure complete coverage outside of Yellowknife and expand coverage of industry and transportation. 2. Inform: To make top quality information and advice on efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices accessible to all members of NWT society. 3. Support an increasing number of clients to act: iv

7 1) Prompt, and then and follow-up with clients to adopt efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices, 2) Champion & recognize success To work with and monitor specific clients as case studies to showcase efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices. 4. Integrate To transfer established efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices into the institutions of NWT society. 5. Motivate an increasing number of clients to act: 1) Identify & Remove Barriers To identify and work with our partners to remove barriers to the adoption of efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices. 2) Analyze Costs and Benefits - To enable the delivery of top quality energy audits and pre-feasibility studies to those who are contemplating taking action in NWT society. 3) Provide Incentives - To research, design and provide effective incentives (financial & other) that motivate NWT society to adopt efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices. 4) Advise on Policies & Regulations - Research and advise our partners on effective policies & regulations that would motivate NWT society to adopt efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices. 6. Learn continuously: To increase AEA s own capacity as the "go to place" for efficient, renewable and carbon neutral energy practices in the NWT. v

8 2 Executive Director s Report The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) is the lead not-for-profit organization helping communities, consumers, producers, regulators and policymakers to work together to reduce the cost and environmental impacts of energy usage in the NWT. This year marks eighteen years of service to the residents of the NWT. Last winter was the coldest recorded in over thirty years. The very cold weather and higher energy costs created great demand for the services of the AEA. To augment client service, AEA staff that deliver building energy audits and energy rating services are now Certified Infrared Thermographers. In addition, AEA now offers real-time electricity consumption monitoring. AEA s Energy Rating Service (ERS) was a big success with 240 new and existing homes benefiting from the service. Impressive considering AEA was forecasting 75. AEA s ERS providers were also proud to contribute their time and service to the recently completed Habitat for Humanity duplex. AEA s Energy Efficiency Incentive Program also experienced significant demand. So much so that by December 2013, funds for the program were exhausted. Thanks to the GNWT Department of Environment and Natural Resources, AEA was able to continue delivering the program without interruption. The Electric Water Heater Replacement Program was a resounding success in the program roll out communities of Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Tulita and Deline; and, AEA looks forward to helping more communities and private homeowners save money on their hot water heating. The Biomass Program helped to establish the NWT Biomass Energy Association, deliver the Burn it Smart throughout the NWT, and prepare a video on the Tetlit Gwich in of Fort McPherson and their initiative to cut their energy costs and reduce their use of fossil fuels using locally sourced biomass. The great client service AEA delivers throughout the NWT is made possible by our regional offices in Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Simpson and Whati. Next year, we look forward to adding an office in the South Slave and to continued public service. If you are interested in saving energy, money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions please visit our website at or call us at We would love to hear from you! Respectfully, Louie Azzolini Executive Director vi

9 A R C T I C E N E R G Y A L L I A N C E A N N U A L R E P O R T PROGRAMS 1 Energy Management Program The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) was provided $210,000, by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), for the delivery of the Energy Management Program. This program consists of communications and energy management services delivered throughout the NWT. 1.1 Communications General Communications The communications program promotes the efficient use of energy by providing information to the public about AEA programs, and a suite of other territorial and federal government programs. Examples include AEA s Facebook presence and Website. AEA also recognizes Northerners Taking Action (communities, businesses and individuals) on its Website. AEA also produces a monthly e-newsletter which has a current distribution list of 1,825 people (compared to 1,587 on March 31st, AEA s Newsletter is above industry average in terms of percentage of recipients that open it and click on links Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) Videos and Poster HRV s are an essential component to indoor air quality in energy efficient homes; yet, AEA has found they are often installed or maintained in ways that compromises their function. The AEA commissioned two videos (one short, one long), available on its website, to inform the NWT public about HRV maintenance. The videos are in plain language and were filmed in the NWT. This is aligned with AEA s belief that materials and resources should be adapted to northern realities. AEA is leading a northern working group to specifically discuss HRV s in the North Tradeshows and Events AEA staff attended tradeshows in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River, and Inuvik. 1.2 Energy Management Free Advice on Buildings The energy management component of the program aims to provide high quality, science-based, unbiased, free advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy to building owners and maintainers in the NWT. This year, AEA provided advice to clients from all of the NWT s regions. 7

10 Typical advice includes calculations for funding programs, general information on renewable energy (such as solar, wind and biomass), and advice on options to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. While some requests are addressed fairly quickly, some advice requires considerable time and effort to address the issue and work out recommendations with the clients Yardstick Audits The AEA continues to refine and deliver free yardstick energy audits for building owners. Yardstick audits involve analysis and normalization of building utilities data to identify trends and anomalies, and to compare against benchmarks and data for similar buildings. The yardstick audit helps clients determine if an investment in a detailed energy audit is justified. 20 yardstick energy audits were completed, 17 of which were for clients outside of Yellowknife. The yardstick energy audit and its value are becoming increasingly known across the NWT. In addition to the yardstick audits completed as part of the Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency Program (CECEP) for businesses, the AEA completed yardstick audits with the funds from this Program for the following clients. Table 1 Yardstick Energy Audits Funded by the Energy Management Program Client Town of Norman Wells (3 yardstick energy audits) Lutsel K e Dene First Nation (5 yardstick audits) Hamlet of Fort Providence (2 yardstick audits) Hamlet of Fort McPherson (2 yardstick audits) Our Lady of Victory Church Hamlet of Sachs Harbour (6 yardstick audits) Yellowknife Playschool Association Location Norman Wells Lutsel K e Fort Providence Fort McPherson Inuvik Sachs Harbour Yellowknife Advice tailored to Remote Sites The AEA provided support to remote facilities. This included a trip to Hay River to provide advice to an off-grid lodge looking at energy efficiency measures. The AEA also participated in the NWT Tourism Association Annual General Meeting, and had a booth to provide advice to owners and operators of remote lodges Infrared Camera Training The AEA hosted a course on infrared imagery from Snell Inc., the world s largest distributor of infrared cameras. As part of this course, all of AEA s technical staff became Certified Infrared Thermographers. 8

11 Heat loss at lighting fixtures. Source AEA Fuel Cost Library & Technical Committee To ensure a high quality client service AEA has regular technical committee sessions where staff discuss new standards and codes, and the areas where technical data needs to be researched or updated. One initiative of this committee, which takes place yearly, is the updating of the fuel cost library; a resource appreciated and used by parties outside of the AEA. It is used to calculate or compare energy costs by community Steering Committee on Energy Efficiency (SCEE) NRCan organizes an annual in person meeting of representatives from each Canadian jurisdiction involved in energy efficiency for the purpose of sharing energy efficiency best practices and case studies. The meeting contributes to establishing the agenda for the annual Energy and Mines Minister Conference. The AEA has been asked to represent the NWT at the SCEE meetings. The venue provides the AEA an opportunity to share and learn about energy efficiency policies, practices and learnings from across Canada. In January a representative from AEA attended this meeting in Toronto Construction Association Tradeshow The AEA had a booth at the NWT/Nunavut Construction Association Tradeshow in December AEA provided advice on energy management to the event attendees. 9

12 AEA at the NWT/Nunavut Construction Association Tradeshow in December Source AEA City of Yellowknife Energy Conservation Projects The AEA is regularly invited to participate as an advisor on several initiatives undertaken by the City of Yellowknife. This is important to help transfer AEA s knowledge and best practice into general practice in the building sector Residential Electrical Monitoring The AEA undertook a pilot project to monitor electrical consumption in privately owned homes in Yellowknife. AEA s intention is to offer the service to homeowners across the NWT with high or unexplained electrical consumption so that they can monitor their consumption live via the Internet and obtain relevant recommendations on how to decrease their power use Electric Vehicle Building on the Electric Vehicle Study, AEA researched the feasibility of acquiring an electric vehicle in more depth this year. 10

13 NSERC Smart Micro-Grid Network The NSERC Smart Net Zero Energy Buildings Research Network (SNEBRN) is a Canadian research effort that includes 29 Canadian researchers from 15 universities; and, researchers and experts from NRCan and industrial partners from the energy and construction sectors. The AEA was asked and joined SNEBRN as a network partner. The AEA intends to work with the SNEBRN to have Northern research conducted in the North for the North. The network has requested a workshop be given by AEA at their AGM so as to highlight some of the construction and building challenges in the NWT. The AEA also worked with a graduate level student researching energy resilience in northern communities. The student was looking at success factors which help isolated northern communities reduce their fossil fuel dependence and move into alternative energy initiatives. The AEA hosted and assisted him during his stay Smart-Grids The AEA worked with the Jean Marie River First Nation, ENR, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to establish a multi-year smart grid project in the community. The AEA played a facilitative role by attending monthly working group teleconferences, and by supporting our partners technically. Upon installation of the electrical meters data collection will begin in the second quarter of The smart grid meters will gather a detailed electrical load profile of the major community buildings and the diesel generators for one year or more. The ultimate goal is to use the information to help offset diesel use in the community by: optimizing on the generation side, reducing on the demand side, and eventually offsetting electricity production with renewable energy in the most cost effective manner. Figure 1 Smart Grid Visualization. //i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim//2010/03/23/epri_smart_grid_model.jpg 11

14 2 Energy Rating Services Support Program The Arctic Energy Alliance delivers Energy Rating Services (ERS) for new and existing homes in the NWT under license agreement with NRCan. These programs were formerly known as the ecoenergy Retrofit Homes (EGH) program, and EnerGuide for new Houses (EGNH) program. The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources provides AEA $150,000 to deliver the Energy Rating Services Support Program. The ERS was developed by Natural Resources Canada to provide a standard measure of a home's energy performance. The home's energy efficiency level is rated on a scale of 0 to 100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption. A home energy evaluation also provides a homeowner with detailed list of potential upgrades to reduce energy consumption. 2.1 ERS Program Administration ERS evaluations are performed by Certified Energy Advisors (CEA) on staff, and AEA is responsible for their ongoing training and certification. AEA also maintains an ACCESS database of all ERS work completed. The CEA s also update the reports and other templates to ensure they are userfriendly and can be well understood by their audience. Material and equipment purchases included standard items like batteries, and a new camera for the documentation of ERS evaluation work. 2.2 Home Energy Evaluations The Energy Rating Services Support Program provides NWT homeowners with affordable access to a home energy evaluation, wherever they are. The target fixed for FY was 75 ERS evaluations. AEA completed a total of 101 evaluations of existing homes. AEA hosted a Level I Infrared Thermography course, and subsequent to AEA staff completing it, they have started using the infrared camera, thus providing an even better service to clients. The AEA offers four types of ERS service. They are: 1. D Files (pre-retrofit evaluation) 2. E Files (post-retrofit evaluation) 3. P Files (plan evaluation) 4. N Files (new home evaluations) In AEA provided ERS to 240 homes; 101 existing homes, and 139 for new homes. Table 2 on the following page summaries ERS service by type and location. 12

15 Table 2 ERS Stat FY All Files Existing % Local 40 40% Remote 61 60% New % Local % Remote 28 80% Existing Homes Pre-retrofit Evaluation D Files - 98 Files (Local - 39, Community 59) Dettah - 1 File Fort Providence - 6 Files Fort Simpson - 14 Files Fort Smith - 1 File Hay River - 13 Files Inuvik - 6 Files Norman Wells - 1 File Sachs Harbour - 3 Files Tulita - 12 Files Whati - 3 Files Yellowknife - 38 Files Post-retrofit Evaluation E Files - 3 Files (Local - 1, Community 2) Fort Smith - 1 File Hay River - 1 File Yellowknife - 1 File New Home Construction Plan Evaluation P Files - 76 Files (Local - 61, Community 15) Behchoko - 9 Files Hay River - 4 Files Inuvik - 2 Files Yellowknife - 61 Files New Home As-Built Evaluation N Files - 63 Files (Local - 50, Community 13) Behchoko - 9 Files Inuvik - 4 Files Yellowknife - 50 Files * Local includes Yellowknife, Dettah and N Dilo. 13

16 2.3 Quality Assurance The AEA complies with all NRCan Quality Assurance requirements as requisite of being a Service Organization (SO) in the delivery of the NRCan ERS program. Quality Assurance Level I (phone survey to assess overall client satisfaction), II (re-creation of a HOT2000 file from field notes), and III (full audit completed again and compared with the initial audit) took place. Files of AEA s four Certified Energy Advisors have been randomly selected. This year, as in previous years, the feedback has been extremely positive and no area requiring improvement has been identified. 2.4 Advice Free, unbiased home energy efficiency advice to all NWT homeowners. Advice is provided in person, via the phone or by . More than 150 enquiries for residential advice from all of the NWT s administrative regions were recorded by AEA. In the absence of funding from the Federal Government to support the provision of energy efficiency advice to new home builders, AEA used funds from this Contribution Agreement to provide advice to builders and owners of new homes as well. 2.5 Habitat for Humanity Duplex The AEA provided the Yellowknife Habitat for Humanity Duplex its typical ERS for new home service at no cost. The EnerGuide Rating System for New Houses is a 3-Stage process: 1. The Arctic Energy Alliance evaluated the Habitat for Humanity duplex based on the original building plans, determined the EnerGuide Rating the duplex would receive (based on an assumed air leakage rate). AEA also provided recommendations for building envelope construction design, various air tightness target levels, and mechanical system options that could enhance the EnerGuide Rating. 2. AEA performed a pre-drywall blower door test on each side of the duplex to determine the air tightness of the building envelope at the vapour barrier stage. Air leaks identified were then sealed before the drywall was installed. 3. At the completion of the construction, the Arctic Energy Alliance performed a final asbuilt assessment of the houses, documenting the final construction design and dimensions. All of this information is then assembled into the final as built data file with Natural Resources Canada to determine the final EnerGuide Rating for each side of the duplex. In addition to the above 3 steps, the Arctic Energy Alliance also provided some staff work parties to join the volunteers during construction (primarily the wall insulation & vapour barrier stages). The 3 steps listed above are generally worth $900 for each house; however, the Arctic Energy Alliance committed $2,000 towards the Habitat for Humanity project. By the time we include Staff time on-site, we are pleased to have exceeded our planned contribution towards this community service. 14

17 3 Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP) The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources provided the Arctic Energy Alliance $580,000 for the delivery of the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP). Of note, the original Contribution Agreement was set with an initial maximum budget of $400,000. By December 2013 the program funding was exhausted and an additional $180,000 was made available by ENR. 3.1 EEIP Rebates EEIP provides NWT residents, non-profit organizations and businesses with rebates aimed at encouraging them to purchase energy efficient products for the purpose of improving their energy efficiency. As of March 31, 2014, a total of $378,751 was paid in rebates for purchases of qualifying energy efficient products. 1,007 rebates for energy efficient items were given to the public (compared to 1,033 in FY , 1,231 in FY , and 791 in FY ) among 22 communities: Aklavik (7), Behchoko (9), Colville Lake (3), Deline (6), Enterprise (8), Fort Liard (1), Fort McPherson (15), Fort Providence (8), Fort Resolution (2), Fort Simpson (39), Fort Smith (25), Gameti (2), Hay River (61), Inuvik (45), Lutselk e (1), Norman Wells (16), Sachs Harbour (1), Trout Lake (1), Tsiigehtchic (2), Tuktoyaktuk (1), Tulita (1), Wekweeti (2), Whati (14), and Yellowknife (737). Table 3 provides a summary of EEIP rebates by NWT region. Similar to precedent years, washing machines, refrigerators, toilets, wood stoves and pellet stoves were the most popular rebates in FY Table 3 EEIP Rebates by Region FY FY FY FY No. Amount $ No. Amount $ No. Amount $ No. Amount $ Inuvik Region 79 33, , , ,161 Sahtu Region 37 17, , , ,592 Dehcho Region , , , ,362 North Slave Region South Slave Region Total , , , , , , , , ,715 1, , , ,751 15

18 3.2 EEIP Promotion In the fall of 2010, the GNWT put in place Government Services Officers (GSOs) in some NWT communities. The GSO's are a valuable local resource to promote this program and regularly assist clients in following the steps to obtain their rebates. The GSO's receive EEIP training sessions in Yellowknife and maintain communication with AEA. All AEA staff promotes the EEIP during community visits by talking to individuals, putting up posters at public places, leaving application forms at the local store, etc. Figure 2 EEIP Branding. Source AEA Vendor Outreach The EEIP program is focused on the public. Each year funds are available to promote a specific EEIP-qualifying product. This year fuel-fired water heaters were promoted across the NWT. AEA undertook a marketing campaign targeted at the Dehcho region. 10 advertisements outlining the benefits of fuel-fired water heaters were designed by a local graphic designer and advertised in the Dehcho Drum in the fall and winter. Two articles about fuel-fired water heaters and their benefits were published in the Dehcho Drum. The AEA also purchased and donated one propane-fired water heater and one oil-fired water heater to the Thebacha Campus of Aurora College, which offers a trades program. The brand and models donated are the same as those used by AEA in its electric water heater replacement project. The AEA also partnered with Williams Engineering to donate a special copy of the engineered standard details pertaining to these units to the College for educational purposes. It is expected that by training on these units the future northern oil burner mechanics will be 16

19 comfortable with these units when they encounter them in houses, and more familiar with installation and maintenance best practices. The EEIP is promoted to vendors in all of the NWT s major centres. Information and promotional packages are sent each year to the northern stores that carry EEIP qualifying products. The main stores are visited several times each year by AEA staff in person. These relationships have proven to be very beneficial on both sides over the years Tailored Advice about the EEIP program The AEA continues to provide free, unbiased advice for individuals, businesses, communities or any other stakeholder when it comes to the EEIP, or EEIP-qualifying products. A considerable portion of this advice is provided to homeowners considering the insulation rebate, which requires pre-approval by AEA staff. Through this advice, AEA staff ensures that homeowners undertake the measures that make the most sense for their situation. Fuel Fired Hot Water Heater Donation to Aurora College. Source AEA. 17

20 4 Electric Hot-Water Heaters Replacement Program The Arctic Energy Alliance was provided $400,000 for the delivery of the Electric Water Heater Replacement Program by the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 4.1 Fort Providence Six oil-fired water heaters have been installed in private homes of Fort Providence. All replacements have been inspected on site by Williams Engineering of Yellowknife. All replacements passed the inspection. All six homeowners attended an evening session in which AEA staff provided specific information about safety, warranty and maintenance of their new oil-fired water heaters. All six homeowners completed the anonymous survey and all six expressed complete satisfaction with the process and the project. All participating homeowners signed a waiver so that AEA can access their electrical consumption for the 12 months before the project, and for a maximum of 12 months following the replacement. Participating homeowners also received a low flow shower head to maximize savings and a carbon monoxide detector, which is aligned with AEA s belief that every single home in the North should have one. The Hamlet of Fort Providence was involved in the project from the outset. This included the planning and the advertising of the Community Liaison Worker position, and providing a free venue for the maintenance and safety workshop. Fort Providence Council have been kept regularly informed of all the project milestones. This project in Fort Providence has been a great success. It has Philip Bonnetrouge with New Fuel Fired Hot Water Heater. Source AEA generated hours of direct employment in Fort Providence, is expected to create annual savings of $1,985 for the homeowners ($331 each); and, save 12.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas, $8,220 in TPSP, and 4,698 litres of diesel oil in the community generator. 18

21 Typical Fuel Fired Hot Water Heater Installation. Source AEA 4.2 Tulita Five hot water tank replacements happened in Tulita. Northbound Contracting was commissioned to do this work. All homes signed up and paid for a home energy evaluation - all were safe and suitable. All units have been inspected on site by Williams Engineering of Yellowknife to ensure complete compliance. A representative of all five households completed the post-install survey and all homeowners expressed complete satisfaction with the process and the project. All households received a low flow shower head to maximize savings as well as a carbon monoxide detector. The AEA will host a Warranty, Safety and Maintenance Workshop in Tulita and answer specific questions from the homeowners and provide them with important information. 4.3 Deline The process in Deline was similar to Fort Providence and Tulita. Northbound Contracting was hired to complete the work in Deline and replaced 11 hot water tanks in privately-owned homes in Deline. The Charter Community of Deline put forward Jonas Kenny as their candidate for the Community Liaison Worker in Deline. He was hired as an AEA employee, came to AEA in Yellowknife for his orientation, and proved to be a great local asset. The AEA will host a Warranty, Safety and Maintenance Workshop in Deline as well. All 11 units have been inspected on site by Williams. 4.4 Fort Simpson The target for Fort Simpson was to replace 30 electric water heaters by either oil or propanefired water heaters. Only four propane water heaters have been successfully installed. Major 19

22 issues faced were contractor availability and misinformation about the receipt of all units in Fort Simpson. The AEA had been told by the supplier that all the water heaters ordered were in Fort Simpson. This was inaccurate information and there were only four propane water heaters in Fort Simpson at the time. The contractor was only able to install these four. All four units have been inspected on site by Williams Engineering. The remaining replacements will happen in Overall Savings 1 The project will generate total annual savings of $5,480 to the TPSP, $1,523 to homeowners, and save 2,303 litres of fuel. The savings by community are detailed in Table 4. Table 4 Annual Savings Resulting from the Electric Water Heater Replacement Program Annual Cost of TPSP Net Annual Fuel Savings per unit (Litres) GHG Annual Savings per unit (tonnes) Annual Savings to Community Fuel Homeowner Deline Oil $1,370 $ Fort Providence Oil $1,370 $ Fort Simpson Prop. $1,370 $676 nil 2.3 Tulita Oil $1,370 $ Total $5,480 $1,523 2, Nu bers b sed o E E er e e t peci ist s c cu tio s, d c e o ce d t o ctu consumption has been received. 20

23 5 Biomass Program The AEA received $175,000 in funding from the GNWT Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the delivery of the Biomass Program. Funding supported work identified in the NWT Biomass Energy Strategy Biomass Project Development and Implementation AEA supported communities with their biomass scoping and feasibility work and delivered information sessions on the effective and save burning of wood for heating purposes. Projects funded through the Biomass Program include: 1. Delivered Burn it Smart workshops in all of the Sahtu communities, as well as information on other AEA services in collaboration with Sahtu AEA office March-April Helped the community of Ka agee tu First Nation (Kakisa) work through final details about the installation of a wood/pellet boiler which will heat the office complex, a motel and a store. The AEA also presented information regarding the development of a community wood harvest management plan and a FireSmart plan April to November The AEA supported representatives from Fort McPherson in their presentation of the economic and social benefits of using biomass energy at the National Aboriginal Economic Development Symposium 2013, in Victoria. May The AEA completed yardstick energy audits and recommended an initial biomass district heating option in support of the Fort Providence Biomass district heating project. 5. Delivered practical wood and pellet stove install training and Burn it Smart workshop to residents of Fort Simpson. September October Delivered the Yellowknife Burn it Smart October Burn it Smart Sessions held during the fiscal year Burn it Smart continues to draw interest and attendance from NWT residents. The community education program, originally developed by NRCan, is designed to promote safe and efficient wood stove heating practices, stimulate discussion on local wood harvesting and storage, and review chimney and stove maintenance. Two Burn it Smart sessions were held in the Dehcho. One session was delivered in conjunction with the wood stove project and WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) training held in Fort Simpson. The other session was offered in Kakisa in response to community interest. Burn it Smart training was held in Fort Good Hope as part of the anticipated wood stove project being organized by the First Nation. During the fiscal year, four Burn it Smart sessions were held with a total of 54 people attending the sessions. 21

24 North Slave Community Date # people attending Yellowknife Oct. 8, Dehcho Region Community Date # people attending Fort Simpson Sept. 30, Kakisa Jan. 20, Sahtu Region Community Date # people attending Fort Good Hope Feb 18, Arctic and Remote Regional Biomass Energy Conference Business Plan The Arctic Energy Alliance prepared an NWT Biomass Energy Conference and Expo business plan for the purpose of scoping the viability and prerequisites for its delivery in the late fall of The Conference and Expo is intended to inform, promote and educate biomass energy consumers, suppliers and contractors. Depending on the type of conference delivered, total costs range from $87,000 to about $175,000; attract 85 to 125 paying guests, and up to 20 product and service exhibitors. 5.3 Supporting the Formation of the NWT Biomass Energy Association The AEA facilitated some of the businesses involved in the NWT wood pellet delivery, pellet boiler sales and installation to establish the NWT Biomass Energy Association (NWTBEA). The creation of the NWTBEA (which is Action 14 in the NWT Biomass Energy Strategy ), recognizes the need for businesses to pool resources and knowledge to promote, support and develop biomass markets, products and services. The NWTBEA has made significant progress and continues to address identified barriers to the biomass energy sector s growth and maturation Biomass Education Videos People in Fort McPherson agreed that they should get away from being dependent on fossil fuels. They got behind installing a system that uses chipped willows to produce heat for the Band office and the nursing station. These are important buildings for the community and they both 22

25 had high heating costs. This system is now operating and the AEA managed the preparation of two videos to showcase them. The first, shorter video, introduces the Tetlit Gwich in of Fort McPherson and their initiative to cut their energy costs and reduce their use of fossil fuels using locally sourced biomass. The second, longer video goes into more detail and provides a more fulsome picture of biomass in the community and how it affects different aspects of life including economic and environmental stability and sustainability. Source AEA. 23

26 6 Regional Offices Program The Arctic Energy Alliance was provided $713,000 for its Regional Pathfinder Program by the GNWT Department of ENR. 6.1 Community Visits As in previous years, the AEA made its work and presence in the regions its highest priority. AEA staff visited every NWT community at least once, except for Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk. AEA partnered with local organizations and built on its capacity to remain connected, be significantly involved, prompt and lead a variety of meaningful projects outside of Yellowknife. There is no doubt that AEA s presence in the regions has significantly increased over the last years, a trend that will only continue. Mackenzie Rest Inn Pellet Boiler. Source AEA. 24

27 6.2 Tradeshows & Events AEA staff attended tradeshows in Fort Smith, Hay River, and Inuvik. AEA also hosted energy fairs in Norman Wells and Tulita, and participated in a workshop on housing repair in Deline. AEA also attended the annual Dehcho First Nation Assembly in Fort Providence and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC) Annual General Meeting in Hay River. Hay River Business Home and Leisure Show, September Source AEA. 6.3 Special projects AEA organized and hosted the Dehcho Community Renewable Energy workshop in Fort Providence and a Terminology Development workshop in which English terms related to energy efficiency and renewable energy were translated into Dogrib. Other special projects included: 1. WETT training combined with a wood/pellet stove replacement project in Fort Simpson. 2. A solar PV maintenance workshop in Behchoko. 3. A comprehensive solar course including two installations in Inuvik. 4. A chimney replacement project in Tsiigehtchic. 5. The purchase of solar demonstration units. 25

28 The program also funded Energy Rating Services travel to Whati, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, Norman Wells, Tulita and Sachs Harbour. The AEA has started to actively partner with the Thebacha Campus of Aurora College, where future northern trades people are trained. Twice during the year, AEA staff travelled to Fort Smith to deliver a workshop on energy-efficiency and renewable energy technologies to future electricians, oil-burner mechanics and carpenters. Insurance companies generally require WETT Certified Technicians to install and inspect wood stove and connected chimney systems installations prior to issuing insurance. The lack of WETT technicians in the NWT negatively impacts homeowners and businesses that want to utilize biomass systems. They are challenged by the lack of expertise to install biomass systems and meet code compliance standards and insurance requirements. The AEA through its sponsored WETT training and wood / pellet stove installation projects is increasing the number of people to obtain WETT Certification. AEA also produced and updated resources to be used in communities, and provided in-depth advice for several community projects, one example being the Our Lady of Victory Church in Inuvik through their renovations. Our Lady of Victory Church Blow Door Test, Inuvik. Source AEA. 26

29 7 Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency Program The GNWT Department of ENR provided the AEA $200,000 for the delivery of the Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency (CECEP) Program. The CECEP Program is a commitment made in the GNWT Electricity Review and in response to the elimination of the commercial component of the Territorial Power Subsidy Program. The CECEP provides eligible clients with capital funding in the amount of 25 per cent of the total cost of the energy conservation and efficiency measures (up to a maximum of $10,000), or five times the annual payback period (up to a maximum of $10,000) whichever is lower. Eligible projects include energy conservation or efficiency upgrades in existing buildings that are connected to the local electrical grid. PolarTech Yellowknife Receiving CECEP Rebate. Source AEA 27

30 7.1 General information AEA provided advice and information about the CECEP program to numerous clients throughout the NWT. Information was mostly delivered by AEA staff while delivering community information sessions. Technical staff also visited businesses to provide advice. Technical staff answered inquiries and all staff promoted the program to local businesses while doing community visits. AEA also undertook some marketing activities to promote the program. 7.2 Yardstick Audits When clients contact the AEA regarding CECEP, some already have a specific initiative(s) in mind and have a good idea of the estimated savings that would result from their implementation. Clients without this knowledge are provided a yardstick audit to identify, using utility data from previous years, the areas that indicate optimum improvement, and the estimated yearly savings that would potentially result from the implementation of suggested measures. 7.3 Site Audits After identifying the areas where the most likely savings exist through a yardstick audit, AEA completes a site audit to provide the best advice to the client in terms of the specific options available and their respective value and limitations. The following list includes the clients for which AEA completed a yardstick audit and/ or a site audit but have not applied for a rebate yet: Table 5 Completed Yardstick Audit and/ Or a Site Audit Client Name Yellowknife Inn (site audit) Two Rivers Hotel (site audits of 11 buildings) Range Lake Developments Ltd. Arctic Co-op Kuptana s PolarGrizz Ent. Ltd. (PolarGrizz Lodge) Landmark Grocery Dancing Moose B&B & Restaurant CasCom Location Yellowknife Tulita Yellowknife Sachs Harbour Sachs Harbour Fort Simpson Yellowknife Yellowknife 7.4 CECEP Rebates Once a site energy audit is completed, AEA communicates the results of the audit report and its recommendations that identify the optimum energy savings measures to the client. AEA then pre-approves the client for the amount corresponding to the estimated CECEP rebate if the client implements the recommended measures. After the client completes the work and submits proof of expenditures by way of receipts, the AEA issues their rebate. 28

31 The following list includes all the clients that obtained a rebate, either after a yardstick audit and site audit, or by going directly to the pre-approval if they already knew the optimum measures and expected savings: Table 6 CECEP Rebates Issued Client Name Location Rebate granted by AEA Paul Bros Nextreme Inc. Yellowknife $10,000 Fiberglass North Yellowknife $4,003 Perron Services Hay River $415 Polar Tech Yellowknife $10,000 Hunter s B & B Tuktoyaktuk $3,513 Super A Foods Hay River $9, NWT Inc. (Janor Guest House) Fort Simpson $1, NWT Inc. (The Willows Inn) Fort Simpson $6,546 Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op Yellowknife $10,000 Total $55,272 29

32 SPECIAL PROJECTS 1 Fort Simpson Wood / Pellet Stove Installation and WETT Training Project AEA recruited participants, advertised and organized the logistics of the Fort Simpson WETT course. The WETT course and installs took place in Fort Simpson between September 24 and October 3, Three WETT modules were taught by WETT BC trainer Zigi Gadomski: Code Compliance, Wood Burning Systems, and SITE Inspection. Four private homeowners of Fort Simpson are now using approved wood pellet stoves, and two, a new EPA approved wood stoves. A series of basic inspections were also completed by the WETT students in homes contemplating the purchase of a wood stove. Seven additional people are now WETT trained in the NWT. A Burn it Smart workshop took place to educate the participating homeowners and the general public about safety and maintenance of wood and wood pellet burning appliances. It is expected that all six (6) homeowners which installed a new wood stove or pellet stove will jointly save $5,412 per annum in energy costs, and tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. 2 Whati Wood Stove Installation Project In late May 2013, a WETT instructor, an Arctic Energy Alliance Project Coordinator and 4-6 Behchoko WETT trained students went to Whati to complete 10 code compliant wood stove and chimney installations. The Tlicho Government secured $30,000 from ENR to complete this project. ENR funds were used to reduce the cost of the WETT Installations Part II. The Tlicho Government partnered with the Community Government of Whati by way of a financial contribution for the purchase of all the required materials. The Community Government of Whati and Council selected the homeowners who received the wood stoves, chimneys packages and the free installation. The Community Government of Whati purchased the wood stoves and chimneys and coordinated their shipment to Whati. The Tlicho Government s Programs and Services Manager in partnership with Arctic Energy Alliance s Project Coordinators organized and coordinated the project s logistics. 30

33 3 Tsiigehtchic Chimney Replacement Project The Arctic Energy Alliance replaced seven chimneys in Tsiigehtchic. The Project was a follow-up to a 2009 AEA initiative whereby seven older inefficient wood stoves were replaced with high efficient wood stoves. Of note, the chimneys were not replaced 2009, only the wood stoves. Before starting the Project, AEA conducted an assessment of the existing chimneys in the homes that participated in the 2009 wood stove exchange project. All seven chimneys did not meet code standards and required replacement of the entire chimney system. The replacement of the old chimney systems with new ones was completed by a resident of Tsiigehtchic that successfully completed WETT training offered by the AEA; and, the project advanced his practical training towards obtaining WETT Technician certification. As a result of this Project and other similar projects delivered by the AEA, local suppliers continue to carry certified solid fuel chimney components necessary to meet code compliance standards and manufacturer instructions of solid fuel chimney installations. The AEA successfully initiated, undertook and completed the project and accomplished the objectives it 4 Aurora Research Institute Solar Wall installation in Inuvik, NWT AEA undertook onsite work on the Aurora Research Institute s Solar Wall installation in Inuvik. Staff from AEA Yellowknife lead the project and were present when Gary Philips of Siemens was in Inuvik from April 23 rd and 24 th for the install. At the conclusion of the installation, AEA documented the installation and provided recommended actions in response to anticipated challenges, and suggested data points to be logged. 5 Continuation of Monitoring of Northern Sustainable House, Inuvik NT. The AEA was retained by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) to provide monitoring, analysis, and a summative reporting of the Northern Sustainable House (NSH) in Inuvik in The original scope of work envisioned one year of monitoring. Adaptive project management resulted in the NWTHC s desire for an additional year s monitoring. The AEA will continue its ongoing monitoring of the NSH heat recovery ventilator (HRV), heating system, solar thermal, solar electric system, electricity and water usage. 31

34 Figure 3 Inuvik Northern Sustainable House. Source AEA 6 Scoping of the monitoring data available in the NSH in Dawson City (Yukon) In the spring of 2013, CMHC asked the AEA to build on the work undertaken on Inuvik s NSH by way of delivering a monitoring and reporting program for the Dawson City NSH, (Yukon), and the Arviat NSH (Nunavut). AEA staff did a site visit of the Dawson City NSH, assessed the existing monitoring equipment and collected data from the monitoring equipment already in place. The overall goal of the project is to compare the NSH with a standard house in terms of energy and occupant comfort. The results of this scoping visit identified the monitoring required in order to complete a report on the energy performance of the NSH in Dawson City. 32

35 7 Design & Construction Report of the Arviat Northern Sustainable House The Arctic Energy Alliance worked with the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) and the CMHC to document the information regarding the design and construction of the NHC Arviat Northern Sustainable House. This project will be published by CMHC in AEA has completed a similar design and construction report for the Inuvik NSH. 8 Performance Evaluation of the Arviat Northern Sustainable House The Arctic Energy Alliance worked with the NHC and the CMHC to document the performance of the NHC Arviat Northern NSH. A comparison was done looking at the Arviat NSH compared with a modeled 1997 Model National Energy Code for Houses (MNECH) standard. Upon the request of the NHC, a comparison will also be conducted between the NSH and two other newly built NHC houses; a structurally insulated panel (SIP) house, and a hybrid insulated panel (IP) house. This project is currently ongoing but will be published by CMHC in AEA has completed a similar performance evaluation report for the Dawson City E/9 NSH. Arviat Northern Sustainable House. Source AEA. 33

36 9 Tłi cho Solar Array Maintenance Workshop AEA recruited participants and organized a one-day workshop on the maintenance and winterization of solar array trackers. The workshop occurred on June 12, 2013 at the T cho Construction office in Behchoko. The workshop focused on addressing specific maintenance and winterization issues for the solar arrays in Behchoko, Edzo and Whati; with an emphasis on solar trackers. This was followed by a hands-on familiarization and demonstration on the T cho Construction solar array and tracker. 10 Inuvik PV Design & Installation of Grid-Connected and Battery-Based Systems AEA partnered with Soleil Power Canada Inc. and Canadian Solar Institute to deliver a customized course in Inuvik. The course and installs took place in Inuvik between July 8 and July 17, In order to provide the participants of the Inuvik workshop with hands-on experience, two installs of solar PV systems took place as part of the training one grid-tied (an 1275 Watt DC expansion to an existing grid-tied 875 Watt DC system on the roof of the Western Arctic Research Centre installed on July 15, 2013), and one off-grid (765 Watt DC system at East-Three Elementary School Camp on the Mackenzie Delta installed on July 13-14, 2013). The workshop included both theoretical and practical sessions ending with an examination, and is targeted to solar system installers of the Inuvik region. The theoretical portion of the course includes a focus on the importance of good design and installation practices. Solar PV Installed as Part of the Inuvik PV Design & Installation Course and Training. Source AEA. 34