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COVID Community Support in Alberta

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Local Alberta Energy Marketers Making a Difference During COVID-19 Pandemic

Albertans continue to come together in many different ways to support each other and their communities during this challenging time. Last week, UTILITYnet announced its Utility Deferral Program which will assist all customers under our umbrella that are experiencing financial hardship as a direct results of COVID-19.  

In addition to the deferral program, the local Energy Marketers in our network are going above and beyond their typical community initiatives to give back to the places they live and work. 

In Part 1 of our blog series, we shared stories of how Camrose Energy was supporting other local businesses and how Mountain View Power has been coordinating efforts to 3D print face shields and ear guards for healthcare professionals in the County of Mountain View. 

In Part 2 of our blog series, we are sharing even more good news stories about how our network is supporting Albertans. Here are three more great reasons to shop locally and support businesses who are investing in Alberta.

Get Energy – A Creative Way to Stay Connected

Get Energy, owned by Malcolm and Jenelle Setter, has been operating in Fort McMurray for five years. In that time, they have established themselves as influential community members, taking part in community events and donating to several charities in the Wood Buffalo area.

“I believe we have a social responsibility as a company to try and leave things better than we found them,” said Malcolm. “This is where we work, live and play, and giving back is our way of saying thank you to our customers.”

Aside from their ongoing financial support of organizations such as the Fort McMurray Boys and Girls Club, Waypoints Community Services Associate, Fort City Church, and the McMurray Gospel Assembly, Malcolm and Jenelle have come up with a unique way to support Albertans who may be feeling isolated because of recent social distancing requirements. 

It’s called the “Ask Us Anything” campaign, where Albertans in the Wood Buffalo area and across the province can text questions to Get Energy at (780) 665-4771.

Albertans are encouraged to text Get Energy whatever they like. If they are just looking for a friendly text to brighten their day, want to chat back and forth about what’s best on Netflix, or are wondering what restaurants are still open in their neighbourhood, Get Energy is ready to help.

“We know there are lots of questions and uncertainties right now, and we are being bombarded with information from so many sources,” said Malcolm. “We thought, what if we could help get some of the information out to our community, but rather than send out another mass email, we would tailor it to just what people want to know.”

“No question is too hard, and if we can’t find an answer, we will at least point that person to someone who can.”

At a time where some Albertans are feeling socially isolated, this text line may be a small way to feel a little more connected. 

Park Power – Ongoing Financial Support for Deserving Organizations

When Kris Kasawski started Park Power in 2013, he decided to build profit sharing and community investment into his business plan. Giving back to the community had always been important to him and launching Park Power provided a great opportunity to fulfill this ideal.

So, Park Power’s Community Partner program was born. Through the program, Kasawski shares 10% of Park Power’s electricity usage profits with deserving local charities that he believes, “are carrying out important and valuable work in our community”. 

With the recent addition of Parents Empowering Parents and Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy, Park Power now has 8 Community Partners that will benefit from ongoing annual donations.

“Fundamentally, I believe in positivity and wanted the Park Power brand to be a positive business presence in the community,” said Kasawski. “Making regular structured investments into local organizations is one way for Park Power to make positive contributions to our community. It has been great having the profit-sharing program built into our business plan because as the business has grown, so have our annual profit-sharing donation amounts.”

In six years of business, Park Power has given back over $20,000 through the Community Partner Program and sponsorships of various community events.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact local economies, non-profits across the province are sure to be feeling the financial strain. Closures and layoffs have likely reduced donations, and social distancing measures have forced organizations to cancel or suspend key fundraising events. 

“Charities and non-profits of all kinds are facing challenging times currently and in the near term,” said Kasawski. “Contributions that these organizations make to our communities are so valuable. They need our help more than ever and we must continue to support them however we can. My commitment for Park Power to give back to our community remains and even strengthens in times like these.”

Vector Energy – Making a Difference While Staying Safe

An entrepreneur by nature, Dave Birkby started Vector Energy in Calgary in 2011 and has always been a proponent for supporting local companies. 

“When you support local businesses, you are ensuring that the money you spend on things like your utilities, is staying in the province,” said Birkby. “In difficult times like these, it is more important than ever that our money stays local as this could mean your favourite local company being able to pay employees and stay in business while we all work together to flatten the curve.”

At 72 years old, Birkby is included in the group of Albertans who are most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19; but self-isolation hasn’t stopped him from doing his part for his community. 

“Unfortunately, I have not been able to venture out to volunteer with any service groups,” said Birkby. “The only thing I could do is donate to local charities, so really, its financial support for the community that makes the most sense for Vector Energy.”

Since COVID-19 was announced as a global pandemic, and social distancing measures were put in place in Alberta, Birkby has made donations to eight deserving charities including:

 A Message from the Owners of UTILITYnet

As the province continues to navigate its “new normal,” we want to take a moment to thank our fellow Albertans for doing their part for their community. Whether you are getting groceries for a member of your family who is at high risk, making a point to shop locally to support small businesses, or donating to a worthy cause, you are making a difference, and we thank you.

If you need any help during the COVID-19 shutdown, we are here to help in any way we can. 

Help your neighbour, be safe, and be vigilant. 

Madeline Low & Nick Clark

Founders of Utility Network and Partners Inc.

Alberta Utility Deferral Update

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In This Together – Utility Deferrals Available to Assist Albertans

We all know someone who has been laid off, seen their work hours cut significantly, or had to shut the doors of their small business because of COVID-19. In response to this, the government has asked all energy retailers in the province to offer Albertans, who are in serious need of financial help, the option to defer all or a portion of their utility bills for up to three months. 

Under this initiative, Utility Network & Partners Inc and Park Power have implemented a COVID -19 Utility Relief Program to assist all customers under our umbrella that are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19. 

“Our government appreciates the cooperation and flexibility shown by utility providers to help their fellow Albertans through these challenging times,” said Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural gas and Electricity. “We recognize industry has also been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Safe and reliable electricity is critical to Alberta’s pandemic response, and the Utility Payment Deferral Program Act will provide temporary financial support necessary to implement the program.”

The program, which came into effect on March 18, 2020 and will run through June 18, 2020, is designed to provide temporary financial relief by allowing for a 90-day deferral of utility payments for residential, farm, and small commercial customers. 

Additionally, under this program Non-Sufficient Fund (NSF) penalty fees for outstanding charges have been waived and disconnections for non-payment have been suspended. 

“I applaud the government on the introduction of the deferral program as it provides much needed support for those in serious financial need,” said Nick Clark, Director of Utility Network & Partners Inc. “In times like these, no Albertan should have to fear being disconnected from essentials like electricity and natural gas.”

The total amount of the deferred invoices and the repayment of the full amount will be spread out over the 12-month period from July 2020 to June 2021. In total, deferred payments across Alberta are anticipated to reach approximately $337 million. 

“We have electricity and natural gas customers in more than 400 communities all over Alberta,” said Clark. “To date, about 3% of our own customers have signed up for this program.”

While this is a necessary cost to support Albertans, it is important to keep in mind and prepare for any unintended consequences that may arise from the program’s implementation. For now, the focus is on helping Albertans get through this challenging time. A deeper dive into this topic will come in a future blog.

If you lost your job, or you have had to leave work to isolate, or take care of an ill family member, you qualify for this program. The program is flexible. Since the amount deferred will eventually have to be paid back, consumers who do not need to defer their bill for the full three months can arrange for shorter deferral periods, or work with our local customer care team to set up unique payment plans.

If you would like to discuss the various options available or enroll in the COVID-19 Deferral Program, our local customer care team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm to answer any questions you may have. Call us at 780-640-2128 or email us at customercare@parkpower.ca. 

More than $30,000 earned in Cash Back Credits and Rebates by Solar Club Members in Alberta.

· · Leave a Comment Consumer Info, Electricity, Interesting, Solar Power

April 7, 2020

Did you know that Alberta is one of the sunniest places in all of Canada? It is estimated that the usable annual solar potential in Alberta is 26 exajoules (EJ) – that’s 26 BILLION gigajoules! For comparison, the average urban consumer uses 120 GJ (~272 GJ for rural consumers) of energy in natural gas each year. Interesting numbers – but what does this really mean?

What if you could take that energy potential and turn it into cold, hard, cash? That is what thousands of solar PV Micro-Generators in Alberta have been doing for years.

Micro-Generators who are members of the Solar Club, saw even more of that cash in their pockets. As part of the unique program offered by Park Power. Not only do members receive a great rate for energy exported to the grid, but they also earn cash back rebates for energy imported from the grid. This is not a government subsidy, but rather money paid out by ourselves and other Energy Marketers, in order to help support the birth of an industry.

Members earn cash back every day of the year, even in the middle of winter. During the first quarter of 2020, members across the network earned almost $4,000 in cash back credits plus green offsets. As we approach the first year anniversary of the Solar Club – more than $13,000 has been earned by members under the cash back reward program, plus another $17,000 in green offsets which were gifted to Micro-Generators by Green Alberta Energy.

At the end of March, local Energy Marketers deposited thousands of cash back dollars directly into Solar Club member’s bank accounts. Given the current downturn in the economy due to COVID-19, this is likely a welcome bonus for members.

Further Greening Alberta’s Grid

In addition to the cash back rebates, Green Alberta Energy (GAE) continued to do its part to help the province realize its goal of achieving 30% renewable energy by 2030. Rather than wait another ten years though, GAE helped our Solar Club members green 30% of their electricity imports for free in 2019! The total amount of electricity offset (known as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)), since the introduction of the program on behalf of Solar Club members totaled over 1,000,000 kWh.

We will double this amount of offsets in 2020 as green offsets are being increased from 30% to 50%! Members will now be able to green half of their electricity imports from the grid. Offsets are provided free of charge to Solar Club members and the cost of the offsets are being funded as a gift to our members. 

Even More Benefits to Membership

For those who don’t know, the original solar PV Micro-Generation program was called the Light Up Alberta program, founded in 2012. It was part of the foundation for what the Solar Club is today. The program has been 8 years in the making, and continues to get better every year.

To qualify to be a member of the Solar Club, you must be a solar PV Micro-Generator and the only cost is a promise to donate to your local food bank. 

In addition to the free green offsets and the cash back benefit, members can select from special rates designed exclusively for solar PV Micro-Generators. They can easily switch between these exclusive rates, penalty free, to accommodate seasonal generation fluctuations. 

April 1 we introduced a new low export rate of 6.7 cents per kWh and as we approach the summer solstice in June, solar club members can take advantage of our new 22 cents/kWh High Export rate. These rates are a great way for those that have solar PV systems to earn more from their investment. 

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Solar Club, we invite you to join now, become part of a unique loyalty club, and do your part to green Alberta’s energy grid.

Payment Options During COVID-19 Outbreak

· · Leave a Comment Consumer Info

Park Power is committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and customer care.

We are a small local business, and like many of you, have been closely monitoring the news on COVID-19 and the rapidly changing circumstances in which we find ourselves. We recognize that employers and workers alike will be affected by the downturn in business that has been caused by the virus.

We want our customers to know that we are here to help and support them during this difficult time and have implemented some new temporary measures for those customers that may find themselves in a tough financial position.

Effective March 19, 2020, no sites will be de-enrolled due to non-payment for the next 90 days. Additionally, all Non-Sufficient Fund (NSF) fees that are typically charged for non-payment will be waived for the next 90 days.

If you are concerned about being able to pay your electricity and/or natural gas invoice, there are a few options available for you. To take advantage of any of the below programs, please contact our Customer Care Team, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm at customercare@parkpower.ca or 780-640-2128.

Government Funded Financial Support is Available

Customers seeking additional financial assistance can contact the Alberta government for emergency financial assistance or apply to receive emergency isolation support. Additionally, the Government of Canada has announced a $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund to support employers and workers during this difficult time.

Changes to Employment Insurance, support for entrepreneurs, and details on how the Work-Sharing program is implementing special measures to support employers and employees affected by the downturn in business can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Park Power During in Covid-19 in Alberta

· · Leave a Comment Consumer Info, Electricity, Interesting

At Park Power, the health and safety of our team and extended network is of the utmost importance. As you are most likely aware, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in Alberta and across the globe, and recently the Alberta Government declared a Public State of Emergency. Because of this, we have taken some steps to help reduce the spread of the virus and reduce the risk to our staff. 

As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we have coordinated with the majority of our team in order to have them work from home. Scaling back the number of team members congregating in the office is our commitment and an effort to mitigate risk. 

Over the years we have invested heavily in technology and solutions that have given us the flexibility, in situations like this, to work remotely. It is important to note that even though our Customer Care and Billing location is closed for the time being, it is business as usual at Park Power.

While converting to a remote office format means the way we do business is changing, our commitment to exceptional customer service will not. There will be no interruptions to our operations. Our office hours of Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm will remain unchanged and our staff are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have over the phone at 780-640-2128 or via email customercare@parkpower.ca.

Park Power is committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and customer care.

We are a small local business, and like many of you, have been closely monitoring the news on COVID-19 and the rapidly changing circumstances in which we find ourselves. We recognize that employers and workers alike will be affected by the downturn in business that has been caused by the virus.

In response to this, we have implemented new temporary measures to support those customers who are affected.

For customers affected by COVID-19, we will:

  • Waive all Non-sufficient funds fees beginning March 17, 2020
  • Assist customers in arranging payment plans if needed
  • Continue to provide alternative payment options for NSF customers, including credit card and Paytm

COVID-19 Information and Resources

Customers seeking additional financial assistance can contact the Alberta Government at https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx. Additionally, the Government of Canada has announced a $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund to support employers and workers during this difficult time. 

The Alberta Government also recently announced their plan for immediate financial assistance. Included in this assistance program is the “Utility Payment Holiday” which would allow a customer to defer their bill payments for up to 90 days. As more info on this arrives we will update this post.

Changes to Employment Insurance, support for entrepreneurs, and details on how the Work-Sharing program is implementing special measures to support employers and employees affected by the downturn in business can be found on the Government of Canada website. 

If you have additional questions and concerns, our customer care team is available to answer any questions Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

It is important for Albertans to be educated on how the virus is transmitted, symptoms, and prevention methods to ensure they are doing their part to help reduce the spread of the virus. The Government of Canada website has many helpful resources which touch on these items and much more. 

Thank you in your continued support of Park Power. During this challenging time, we will continue to work hard to meet your electricity and natural gas needs.