Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)
What is CEIP?
- Financing for up to 100% of project costs.
- Competitive interest rates (rate for 2024 is 3.25%).
- Long repayment terms (up to 20 years).
- The option to repay in full at any time without penalty.
- An incentive of up to 10% of total project costs.
- Repayment collected through your property tax bill.
Learn more about the interest rate and repayment.
CEIP financing is attached to the property, not the property owner. When you decide to sell your property, you have the option to either repay the balance (without penalty) or disclose and transfer the balance to the new owner who will take on the repayment and enjoy the benefits of the improvements.
The program is administered by Alberta Municipalities. Visit Calgary’s CEIP page now to read the full terms and conditions, review the eligibility criteria, view eligible upgrades, and learn about the repayment terms for your specific project.
Prepare to apply
Applications are submitted to Alberta Municipalities. Review this offline application to prepare all the information you will need to have ready on the morning your application round opens.
There are a number of steps you can take right now to prepare for your CEIP application:
Step 1: Make sure all property owners are aware of the program and your intention to apply.
- All property owners listed on title for the home will be required to sign the program forms and agreements when you apply.
Step 2: Make sure your property is eligible.
- Residential properties must be one of the following:
- single or semi-detached house;
- row house;
- townhome; or
- the residential portion of a mixed-use building or a multi-unit residential building, provided that such buildings are both under three storeys and have a footprint of 600 meters squared (6,458 feet squared) or less.
Step 3: Make sure you meet the financial and property tax requirements:
- You are not in tax arrears, now or in the last five years.
- You do not have late tax payments on your home, now or in the past five years.
- Your home is not in foreclosure.
- You are not in bankruptcy or receivership.
- You are not participating in The City’s Property Tax Assistance Program or the Government of Alberta’s Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program.
- You are in good standing with respect to payment of all property-secured debt for the property (e.g., mortgage).
Step 4: Review mortgage agreements, insurance policies, and building policies applicable to your property.
- Check in with your mortgage lender; some lenders require that they provide consent for participation in this type of program. Failure to obtain consent (if required) could result in a breach of a mortgage obligation.
- Your property’s insurance policy must include coverage for the full value of the property and a minimum of $1.0 million in personal liability insurance.
- If your property is within a building that includes shared facilities or common property (e.g., condominium) and your project will impact shared facilities/property, you need to include an approval letter from your condominium board or building owner with your application.
Step 5: Gather information about your property.
- Review your most recent property assessment notice or property tax bill to identify your property description and roll number.
- Review the application form and prepare the information required for each field.
Step 6: Review the eligible improvements and eligibility requirements on
Visit ceip.abmunis.ca/residential/upgrades to review
- The following are the eligible improvements in The City of Calgary’s program:
- Air source heat pump
- Attic or roof insulation
- Drain water heat recovery
- ECM motor for residential furnace
- Foundation insulation
- Ground source heat pump
- Heat or energy recovery ventilation
- Heat pump water heater
- High-efficiency central air conditioner
- Energy-efficient door
- High-efficiency gas boiler
- High-efficiency gas furnace
- High-efficiency storage water heater
- Energy-efficient window
- Indoor lighting control
- Lighting fixture
- Solar PV systems & battery energy storage
- Pipe and duct insulation
- Rim joist insulation
- Smart thermostat
- Solar thermal water heating
- Tankless gas water heater
- Wall insulation
IMPORTANT: Projects that begin prior to application approval will not be eligible for financing. An application will need to be submitted and approved and a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement entered into prior to any work being started on the project.
How does CEIP work?
Completing a clean energy improvement through CEIP follows these eight steps:
- Pre-Qualification – Read the CEIP Terms and Conditions and complete the Pre-Qualification Form at ceip.abmunis.ca to confirm you and your property meet the basic program eligibility criteria.
- EnerGuide Home Evaluation – Once pre-qualified, schedule an EnerGuide Home Evaluation to learn about your home’s energy performance and understand your best options for home improvements.
- Project Application – Select a Qualified Contractor at ceip.abmunis.ca/directory, plan your project, and submit your Project Application to Alberta Municipalities.
- Agreements – Once your proposed project is approved, you will enter into a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement and Project Agreement.
- Project Installation – After program agreements are signed, work with your Qualified Contractor to have your improvements completed.
- Upgrade Completion – Submit your Upgrade Completion Forms as your improvements are completed.
- Post-project EnerGuide Home Evaluation – After your project is fully completed, a post-project EnerGuide Home Evaluation will provide you a new EnerGuide rating and label based on your upgraded home performance.
- Repayment – You will repay the cost of the project through your property’s tax bill based on the terms of your Clean Energy Improvement Agreement.
Receive email updates
Sign up to receive email updates and we will keep you informed on when the program will reopen, and how you can participate. We will only contact you about the Clean Energy Improvement Program.
Application intake
| Intake Round | Opening Date | Pre-qualification Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 31, 2023 (Complete) | 240 |
| 2 |
July 26, 2023 (Complete) |
150 |
| 3 |
November 14, 2023 (Complete) |
150 |
| 4 |
April 9, 2024 |
150 |
| 5 |
Summer/Fall 2024* |
50-100 |
|
Total |
740-790 |
*Dependent on availability after actual financing dollars are committed through the first three rounds.
Resources
-
Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
October 25, 2022Watch our recorded Q&A on everything you need to know about making your home more energy efficient.
Hear from the Development, Business and Building Services team who will provide tips and share resources for improving and maintaining your homes energy efficiency.
CEIP Energy Savers video series
Frequently asked questions
CEIP Eligibility & Application Process
Can I start on my project now and access CEIP financing later?
No, an application will need to be submitted and approved, and a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement signed between the property owners and The City of Calgary prior to any work being started on the project.
What types of properties are eligible for CEIP financing?
The program is targeted to residential properties completing retrofits, new builds are ineligible at this time. Properties eligible for the program include single and semi-detached houses, row houses, townhomes, and some units in multi-unit residential buildings. The eligibility criteria are listed in the CEIP Terms and Conditions found at ceip.abmunis.ca/calgary.
Why is the program application form not on the City of Calgary website?
Alberta Municipalities is the designated program administrator for Clean Energy Improvement Programs across Alberta. The first point of contact for your application is Alberta Municipalities. More information on the program administrator can be found at ceip.abmunis.ca.
My name is not on the Certificate of Title for my property – can I still apply?
Applicants to CEIP must be listed as owners on the property’s Certificate of Title in order to be eligible. All property owners listed on the Certificate of Title must sign the Clean Energy Improvement Agreement.
How do I find my property description and roll number for my Pre-Qualification Application?
Review your most recent property assessment notice or property tax bill to identify your property description and roll number.
Why do I need to do an EnerGuide Home Evaluation?
An EnerGuide Home Evaluation can help you understand how your home uses energy now – and identify retrofits to help improve energy efficiency. This will give you an EnerGuide rating for your home and an energy efficiency report to help you make decisions about possible upgrades. Learn more about EnerGuide Home Evaluations by visiting Natural Resources Canada.
I had an EnerGuide Home Evaluation completed recently – do I need to do another one?
Version 15 EnerGuide Home Evaluations completed after April 1 2020, can be used for your CEIP application. Please review the CEIP Terms and Conditions found at ceip.abmunis.ca/calgary for more information.
Can I complete a do-it-yourself (DIY) project?
No, all work must be completed by a CEIP Qualified Contractor. You can find the list of eligible CEIP Qualified Contractors at ceip.abmunis.ca/directory and filter for Calgary and the services you require for your project.
What types of home upgrades are eligible for the program?
A number of energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades are eligible for the program. A list of upgrades and the applicable eligibility criteria can be found at ceip.abmunis.ca/residential/upgrades.
Can I participate in CEIP and similar programs offered by other organizations (e.g., Canada Greener Homes Initiative)?
Residential property owners can participate in the Clean Energy Improvement Program and other programs like the federal government’s Canada Greener Homes Initiative. Property owners are encouraged to review the terms and conditions for all programs to ensure their project meets all eligibility criteria.
CEIP Financing
Will CEIP increase my property tax?
Only the property owners participating in the program would see an increase on their property tax bill. If you don’t participate in the program, it will not impact your property taxes.
What is the interest rate? And what will my annual payment be?
The current interest rate for pre-qualification applications received in 2024 is 3.25%. This rate will be reassessed annually. Pre-qualification applications received in 2023 will remain at the 2023 interest rate of 2.95%.
The interest rate is fixed, which means that the interest rate in effect when you enter into your Clean Energy Improvement Agreement will apply for your property for the duration of the payment term. Please see the Program Terms and Conditions at ceip.abmunis.ca/calgary for more information.
The annual Clean Energy Improvement Tax payment is based on your project costs and length of repayment terms. Use the following table to estimate your annual repayment.
2024 interest rate: 3.25%
| Project Costs | Repayment Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 years | 15 years | 18 years | 20 years | |
| $3,000 | $306 | $256 | $223 | $206 |
| $5,000 | $510 | $426 | $371 | $344 |
| $10,000 | $1,020 | $853 | $743 | $688 |
| $15,000 | $1,530 | $1,279 | $1,114 | $1,032 |
| $20,000 | $2,039 | $1,706 | $1,485 | $1,376 |
| $25,000 | $2,549 | $2,132 | $1,856 | $1,719 |
| $30,000 | $3,059 | $2,559 | $2,228 | $2,063 |
| $35,000 | $3,569 | $2,985 | $2,599 | $2,407 |
| $40,000 | $4,079 | $3,412 | $2,970 | $2,751 |
| $45,000 | $4,589 | $3,838 | $3,341 | $3,095 |
| $50,000 | $5,098 | $4,264 | $3,713 | $3,439 |
2023 interest rate: 2.95%
| Project Costs | Repayment Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 years | 15 years | 18 years | 20 years | |
| $3,000 | $300 | $250 | $217 | $201 |
| $5,000 | $501 | $417 | $362 | $335 |
| $10,000 | $1,002 | $835 | $724 | $669 |
| $15,000 | $1,502 | $1,252 | $1,086 | $1,004 |
| $20,000 | $2,003 | $1,669 | $1,448 | $1,338 |
| $25,000 | $2,504 | $2,087 | $1,810 | $1,673 |
| $30,000 | $3,005 | $2,504 | $2,172 | $2,007 |
| $35,000 | $3,506 | $2,921 | $2,534 | $2,342 |
| $40,000 | $4,006 | $3,339 | $2,896 | $2,676 |
| $45,000 | $4,507 | $3,756 | $3,258 | $3,011 |
| $50,000 | $5,008 | $4,173 | $3,620 | $3,345 |
Important: CEIP participants will receive a detailed breakdown of their repayment obligations in their Clean Energy Improvement Agreement. This table is provided for illustrative purposes only. Accrued interest and incentives that may be applicable to the project are not considered in the table above.
When will I start repaying the financing?
The payment start date for Clean Energy Improvement Taxes corresponds with the property tax payment due date (June 30). More information on property taxes and deadlines can be found here.
To accommodate processing times for adding the Clean Energy Improvement Tax onto the property tax bill and all property tax documentation, a cut-off of December 15 has been put in place.
For example:
- Projects completed between December 16, 2023 and December 15, 2024 will be added to the 2025 property tax bill and the payment start date will be June 30, 2025.
- Projects completed between December 16, 2024 and December 15, 2025 will be added to the 2026 property tax bill and the payment start date will be June 30, 2026.
Can I make an early repayment? Is there a penalty or fee?
There is no penalty or discharge fee associated with making a lump sum payment to fully pay off the Clean Energy Improvement Tax.
Lump sum payments can only be requested once you receive either your Clean Energy Improvement Tax payout notice or the first property tax bill that includes the Clean Energy Improvement Tax. You may contact 311 at any time during the repayment term of the Clean Energy Improvement Tax to make a full lump sum payment and avoid further interest charges. Please note that only payments of the full principal will be accepted – partial payments are not accepted.
How will I know what my payment is?
You will be able to see your annual Clean Energy Improvement Tax payment in a number of ways:
- The annual payment for your Clean Energy Improvement Tax will be outlined in your Clean Energy Improvement Agreement.
- You will receive a payout notice in the spring of the first year the Clean Energy Improvement Tax is added to your property tax bill.
- You will see the Clean Energy Improvement Tax as a separate line item on your property tax bill that is mailed to you each May.
- Once the Clean Energy Improvement Tax is placed on the property’s tax bill it will show up on a Tax Certificate for the property. A Tax Certificate is a summary of all tax-related charges applied to a specific property.
CEIP Basics
Is CEIP a rebate program?
CEIP is not exclusively a rebate or incentive program. Homeowners participating in CEIP will receive financing for their approved clean energy improvements and will be required to pay the cost back plus interest through their property tax bill.
For a limited time, The City of Calgary is offering an incentive for completed CEIP projects. The incentive will be applied directly to the Clean Energy Improvement Tax reducing the project financing by up to 10%. Availability is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much funding is available?
The City has up to $15 million in financing available for Calgary homeowners through CEIP.
Is CEIP different than PACE programs?
PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy. It’s a financial instrument that allows property owners to finance energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades through their municipal property taxes. CEIP stands for the Clean Energy Improvement Program and is Alberta’s version of PACE.
Although a similar financing mechanism to PACE, CEIP has its own unique guidelines and requirements that are specific to the Alberta context and designed to support the local economy while also protecting property owners.
I am a contractor working in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Calgary – how can I participate?
Only CEIP Qualified Contractors are eligible to work on Clean Energy Improvement Program projects. Visit ceip.abmunis.ca/contractor now to learn more and apply to become a CEIP Qualified Contractor.
What is the Clean Energy Improvement Bylaw?
In order to participate in the program, municipalities need to first pass a CEIP bylaw. That bylaw authorizes a municipality to borrow money for the purpose of financing clean energy improvements, and use the property tax system to facilitate repayment from property owners.
On December 6, 2021, Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Bylaw was passed by Calgary’s City Council. The Bylaw enables The City to offer CEIP in Calgary and provides guidelines for how the program should operate in Calgary.
Can I access CEIP for upgrades to commercial properties?
The City is launching CEIP first to residential properties and expansion of the program to a commercial offering is expected in the next few years.
Why is CEIP good for Calgary?
In Calgary, we track the amount of greenhouse gas emissions added to the atmosphere every year through activities that happen within our city boundaries. Buildings account for almost 65 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Calgary. A significant portion of the buildings that will exist in Calgary in 2050 have already been built today, making it necessary to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements as we move to a low carbon future. CEIP is one of many tools that we need to support greenhouse gas reductions.
Programs like CEIP also support our local economy. The home improvement projects that qualify for CEIP will create work for local energy efficiency and renewable energy contractors.
This program is carried out with assistance from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada.
