Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)
What is CEIP?
CEIP offers flexible financing to residential property owners to help with the upfront costs of energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. CEIP offers homeowners:
- 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 for terms and conditions, qualification criteria, eligible upgrades and repayment details.
Prepare to apply
Applications are submitted to Alberta Municipalities. Review this offline application to gather the necessary information before your application round opens.
Prepare for your CEIP application:
Step 1: Make sure all property owners are aware of the program and your intention to apply.
- All listed property owners must sign the 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;
- town home; or
- the residential portion of a mixed-use building or a multi-unit residential building. This applies to buildings under three storeys with a footprint of 600 square meters (6,458 square feet) 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 enrolled in The City’s Property Tax Assistance Program or the Government of Alberta’s Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program.
- You are current on all property-secured debt payments (e.g., mortgage).
- Your total property-secured debt does not exceed your home’s assessed value.
Step 4: Review your property's mortgage agreements, insurance policies, and building policies applicable to your property.
- Check with your mortgage lender; some require consent for program enrolment. Not obtaining required consent could breach your mortgage.
- Your insurance must cover the property’s full value and at least $1 million in personal liability insurance.
- If your property is within a building that includes shared facilities or common property (e.g., condo, row house, town house) and your project will impact shared facilities/property:
- Include an approval letter from your condo board or building owner with your application.
- If your upgrade is expected to increase or change your electricity usage (e.g., solar PV, heat pump), you need to have an electrician, designer or engineer provide a calculation. This calculation should confirm the expected increase in electricity usage. It should also ensure the current shared electricity between units can accept the additional load. Learn more at row house electrical advisory.
Step 5: Gather information about your property.
- Check your latest property assessment or tax bill for your property description and roll number.
- Review the application form and gather the required information.
Step 6: Review eligible improvements and qualification requirements on Alberta Municipalities’ website.
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 started before application approval are not eligible for financing. Before any work starts on the project, you must submit an application, receive approval of your application and enter a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement.
How does CEIP work?
Completing a clean energy improvement through CEIP follows these eight steps:
- Pre-Qualification
Read the CEIP Terms and Conditions. Complete the Pre-Qualification Form at ceip.abmunis.ca. This confirms you and your property meet the basic program qualification criteria. - EnerGuide home evaluation
Once pre-qualified, schedule an EnerGuide home evaluation to learn about your home’s energy performance. This will help you understand your priority options for home improvements. - Project application
Choose a Qualified Contractor at ceip.abmunis.ca/directory and plan your project. Then, submit your Project Application to Alberta Municipalities.
- Agreements
Once approved, you’ll enter into a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement and Project Agreement.
- Project installation
After signing agreements, work with your Qualified Contractor to complete the improvements. - Upgrade completion
Submit your upgrade completion forms as your improvements are completed. - Post-project EnerGuide home evaluation
After your project is complete, a post-project EnerGuide evaluation will provide a new rating and label based on your home’s upgrades. - Repayment
You’ll repay the project cost through your property tax bill as per your Clean Energy Improvement Agreement.
Receive email updates
Sign up for email updates to learn when the program reopens 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 |
Jan. 31, 2023 (Complete) |
240 |
| 2 |
July 26, 2023 (Complete) |
150 |
| 3 |
Nov. 14, 2023 (Complete) |
150 |
| 4 |
April 9, 2024 (Complete) |
150 |
|
5 |
Nov. 5, 2024 |
100 |
|
6 |
Jan. - Mar., 2025* |
TBD |
|
Total |
790-840 |
*Dependent on availability of funding
Resources
-
Making your home more energy efficient
Oct. 25, 2022Watch our Q&A on making your home more energy efficient. Get tips and resources from the Development, Business, and Building Services team.
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. Property owners must sign a Clean Energy Improvement Agreement with The City before starting any work.
What types of properties are eligible for CEIP financing?
The program is targeted to residential properties completing retrofits. New builds do not qualify. Properties eligible for the program include:
- single and semi-detached houses,
- row houses,
- town homes, and
- some units in multi-unit residential buildings.
Criteria are in the CEIP Terms and Conditions 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 CEIP 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?
CEIP applicants must be listed as property owners on the Certificate of Title. 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?
Check your latest property assessment or tax bill for your property description and roll number.
Why do I need to do an EnerGuide Home Evaluation?
An evaluation shows how your home uses energy and identifies efficiency improvements. This provides an EnerGuide rating and an energy efficiency report to help you make decisions about possible upgrades. Learn more 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 contractors at ceip.abmunis.ca/directory.
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 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 CEIP and other programs like the federal government’s Canada Greener Homes Initiative. Property owners should review program terms and conditions to ensure eligibility.
I own a condo/row home/town house. Do I need to consult my condo board or homeowners’ association (HOA) before applying?
Yes. Your condo board or HOA must approve your changes and provide an approval letter for your application.
Increased electricity use affects the supply conductor for all condos/town houses. If your upgrade changes electricity use, an electrician, designer or engineer must confirm the system can handle the additional load. Learn more at row house electrical advisory.
Why do I need an electrical capacity calculation for my townhouse, row house or condo?
It’s required as part of the row house electrical advisory which came into effect July 24, 2024.
The calculation confirms the system can handle the increased electricity load. Increased use affects the supply conductor for all condos/townhouses.
The condo board must be informed and grant permission to add the extra electrical load. This permission is a required part of the electrical permitting and inspection process.
CEIP Financing
Will CEIP increase my property tax?
Only the property owners enrolled 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 fixed interest rate at the start of your Clean Energy Improvement Agreement will apply throughout 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. 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 are not included 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.
A Dec. 15 cut-off accommodates processing times for adding the Clean Energy Improvement Tax to the property tax bill and documentation.
For example:
- Projects completed between Dec. 16, 2023 and Dec. 15, 2024 will be added to the 2025 property tax bill and the payment start date will be June 30, 2025.
- Projects completed between Dec. 16, 2024 and Dec. 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 for 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 to make a full lump sum payment. This will help you avoid further interest charges. Only full principal payments are accepted – no partial payments.
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:
- Your Clean Energy Improvement Agreement will outline the annual payment.
- You’ll receive a payout notice in the spring of the first year the tax is added to your property bill.
- The Clean Energy Improvement Tax will appear as a separate line item on your property tax bill mailed each May.
- Once added to the property tax bill, the Clean Energy Improvement Tax will appear on the Tax Certificate. 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. They will be required to pay the cost back plus interest through their property tax bill.
For a limited time, The City is offering an incentive for completed CEIP projects. The incentive will be applied directly to reduce project financing by up to 10% through the Clean Energy Improvement Tax. Supply 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 allows property owners to finance energy upgrades through their municipal property taxes. CEIP stands for the Clean Energy Improvement Program and is Alberta’s version of PACE.
While similar to PACE, CEIP has unique guidelines and requirements for Alberta. These are designed to support the local economy while also protecting property owners.
I’m a contractor 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?
Municipalities need to pass a CEIP bylaw that authorizes them to:
(1) borrow money for the purpose of financing clean energy improvements, and
(2) use the property tax system to facilitate repayment from property owners.
On Dec. 6, 2021, Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Bylaw was passed by Calgary’s City Council. The Bylaw allows The City to offer CEIP in Calgary and sets guidelines for its operation.
Can I access CEIP for upgrades to commercial properties?
The City is launching CEIP for residential properties first, with commercial expansion expected in a few years.
Why is CEIP good for Calgary?
The City tracks greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, homes, other buildings and waste to get Calgary’s total emissions.
In 2023, buildings accounted for about 60 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. This necessitates investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy to progress toward net zero emissions. CEIP is one of many tools that we need to support greenhouse gas reductions.
Programs like CEIP also support our local economy. CEIP projects have the potential to create jobs for local energy and renewable energy contractors.
This program is supported by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment from the Government of Canada.
