RePower Alberta

RePower Edmonton issued a survey to the municipal candidates seeking their views on local improvements in energy efficiency, energy procurement and renewable energy development.

The survey found that while 69% of candidates "strongly agree" and 28% "agree" with taking strong action to make Edmonton an environmentally responsible city powered by renewable energy sources, candidates are less clear about how to achieve this goal.

On the matter of Edmonton becoming a local leader in sustainable energy and phasing out coal as a source of the municipal supply, 78% agreed with this premise, but 22% cited the potential costs, the difficulty of local control of energy sourcing, and whether alternative energy sources are feasible and practical.

On infrastructure upgrades, 59.4% support sourcing the LRT's power from renewable energy sources, while the other 40.6% are not so sure, citing issues of practicality, the need for an energy audit, the power purchase agreement with EPCOR, the lack of support from the province, and the need for more information.

However, 97% of candidates did agree with supporting a project to determine and capitalize on the solar power potential of city buildings, but also cited issues of budgetary limitations, aging infrastructure, upfront costs of solar, and the need for a review of feasibility of solar panels for hospitals.

For a full list of candidates and their responses, click here.