ATCO’S Community Energy Fund Supports 12 Alberta Organizations Navigating Their Energy Future

ATCO announced the recipients of the 2024 Community Energy Fund. Now in its second year, this program supports Alberta’s schools, non-profits and municipalities in their energy transition journeys.

This year, 12 deserving projects have been selected to receive funding. The funded projects include feasibility audits, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, solar panel installations and the development of an innovative hydrogen learning tool.

One of the recipients is the Lac Bellevue and District Recreation & Agricultural Society in St. Paul. Their ATCO grant means the society can install solar panels and LED lighting and host energy workshops for campground visitors.  

“Through ATCO’s support we’re able to transform the Lac Bellevue Ag Society Campground into a sustainable, energy-efficient community hub,” said Darren Tymofichuk, Director of Community Engagement for the Lac Bellevue Recreation and Agricultural Society. “By harnessing renewable energy sources, we will reduce our environmental impact and energy costs that will help achieve a net-zero energy facility and leave a positive legacy for future generations.”

This project aligns with ATCO’s broader sustainability objectives and our commitment to empowering communities through renewable energy projects. 

“Whether you’re an individual consumer, a community group, or a school, navigating today’s complex energy world requires us to look at the reliability, affordability and sustainability of our energy decisions,” said Wayne Stensby, Chief Operating Officer, ATCO Energy Systems.  “We’re pleased to provide financial support to these communities and community groups implementing their great energy ideas and programs. There were many more qualified applications than we could support, and we encourage groups to apply or re-apply in 2025.”

 The ATCO Community Energy Fund will support the following projects in 2024:

Organization	Community	Project
Demmitt Cultural Society	Demmitt	Solar battery storage
Municipal District of Big Lakes	High Prairie	LED light conversion for fire service facilities
Student Energy	Calgary	Solar photovoltaic system for a 3D-printed home on the Siksika Nation Reserve
Sustainable Red Deer Society	Red Deer	Feasibility study to determine how youths can work with Indigenous Elders to explore energy careers
The Buffalo Trail School Division – Dewberry School	Dewberry	Land-based learning program focused on sustainability and renewable energy
The King’s University	Edmonton	Interactive digital learning tool for educators and students on the colours of hydrogen
The Lac Bellevue and District Recreation & Agricultural Society	St. Paul	Install ground-mounted solar panels, replace outdated lights with LEDs, and run workshops to teach campground visitors about solar energy and conservation
Town of Okotoks	Okotoks	Community education program focused on reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions
Town of Sexsmith	Sexsmith	LED conversion for their Public Works office
Town of Stony Plain	Stony Plain	Install two Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers
Town of Swan Hills	Swan Hills	LED conversion for community facility
Village of Standard	Standard	Install a solar photovoltaic system to offset the Village’s electricity consumption

To learn more about these projects, click here.

About ATCO’s Community Energy Fund

Launched in June 2023, the Community Energy Fund awards grants of up to $15,000 each to municipalities, non-profits and schools across Alberta. To qualify, applicants must reside or operate within an ATCO Gas or ATCO Electric service area in Alberta.

About ATCO

As a global enterprise ATCO Ltd. and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 20,000 employees and assets of $25 billion. ATCO is committed to future prosperity by working to meet the world’s essential energy, housing, security and transportation challenges. ATCO Structures designs, builds and delivers products to service the essential need for housing and shelter around the globe. ATCO Frontec provides operational support services to government, defence and commercial clients. ATCO Energy Systems delivers essential energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international operations. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of renewables, energy storage, industrial water and clean fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. ATCOenergy and Rümi provide retail electricity and natural gas services, home maintenance services and professional home advice that bring exceptional comfort, peace of mind and freedom to homeowners and customers. ATCO also has investments in ports and transportation logistics, the processing and marketing of fly ash, retail food services and commercial real estate. More information can be found at www.ATCO.com.

Contact:

Colin Jackson – Senior Vice President, Finance, Treasury & Sustainability – Colin.Jackson@atco.com – (403) 808-2636

Source: ATCO Ltd.