Thanks to federal and provincial investments, Island businesses will now be able to save energy through a new energy efficiency program introduced today.

On hand for the announcement were the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Richard Brown, PEI Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry and Mr. Fred O’Brien, CEO of Maritime Electric.

“Our government continues to work with partners in new and innovative ways,” said Minister Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister of the Atlantic Gateway. “This program will provide small and medium-sized businesses with the information and tools they require to enhance their energy efficiency and reduce their operating costs.” The Business Energy Savings Program will provide Island businesses with valuable information on programs and financial assistance for energy upgrades. It will also provide an opportunity for businesses to upgrade to high-performance lighting which will reduce their lighting energy consumption.

“The biggest energy savings is in conservation,” said Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown. “Helping PEI businesses save money through energy efficiency strengthens our economy and benefits our environment.”

ACOA has invested $90,000 through the Business Development Program. The Province of Prince Edward Island invested a total of $90,000 and Maritime Electric invested an additional $90,000 to the program.

“We are pleased to be a part of this program that delivers value to customers,” said Fred O’Brien CEO of Maritime Electric, “Customers can make a difference with lighting solutions in their business, and this program combined with education will give business the tools to help them reduce their energy usage.”

The Business Energy Savings Program is a two-year awareness program managed by the PEI Office of Energy Efficiency. This program will give Island businesses the tools they need to reduce energy consumption and increase profitability and competitiveness.

For more information please contact the PEI Office of Energy Efficiency at 620-3690 or 1-877-734-6336, www.gov.pe.ca/oee.