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Initiatives

Terms and conditions

Pilot project

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is funding the Natural Gas for Vehicles Market Transformation Pilot Project. From April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, the pilot project will pay eligible beneficiaries up to $3,000 toward the capital cost of buying or leasing a new natural-gas vehicle (NGV) or for converting a gasoline vehicle to natural gas using an advanced natural-gas vehicle-conversion system installed by an approved conversion facility.

Eligible beneficiaries

Canadian corporations, individuals and organizations that operate vehicles that are part of a high-fuel-use fleet, including municipal and provincial fleets (police vehicles, transit buses, school buses, hauling), utilities fleets and private urban fleets (taxis, rental, courier services, delivery and pick-up services, shuttle services, owner-operator) are eligible. The pilot program does not apply to Government of Canada departments, agencies or Crown corporations other than financially independent Crown corporations as determined by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Eligible vehicles

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) NGVs are vehicles that must be registered or licensed for use in Canada. Vehicles must be of model year 2001 or newer. Off-road vehicles such as forklifts, front-end loaders and vehicles operating underground or indoors are not eligible under this program.

In the case of a leased vehicle, the contribution will be paid to the end user (beneficiary) of the vehicle. Lease periods shall be for a minimum of two years.

Eligible Conversions

For a conversion to be eligible, it must be certified through either the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board for the particular emissions test group under which the vehicle was originally certified. A list of eligible conversion facilities will be maintained by the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA), which can be reached through its Web site at www.ngvcanada.org or by calling (613) 564-0181.

Eligible Costs

NRCan will provide an incentive of up to $3,000 toward each conversion by an approved facility or new NGV sold or leased during the pilot period. The total direct Government of Canada assistance shall not exceed the maximum incentive.

Eligibility Period

The purchase or conversion must occur between April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2006. All applications must be received by CNGVA member companies no later than May 31, 2006.

Pilot Project Agents

All beneficiaries who wish to apply for an incentive must contact a pilot project agent within their geographical region. The following agents can help in completing the application forms in accordance with the pilot project's terms and conditions.

In British Columbia, contact:
Clean Energy
Sarah Smith
Tel.: (604) 293-8407

In Alberta, contact:
ATCO Gas
Kerry Van Camp
Tel.: 1 877 200-8808 (toll-free)
        (780) 440-7566

In Ontario, contact:
Enbridge Gas Distribution
Brian Maher
Tel.: (905) 238-8027, ext. 227

In Saskatchewan, contact:
SaskEnergy
Doug Hird:
Tel.: (306) 777-9468
Fax: (306)522-2217

For further information on the pilot project, contact one of the agents listed above or one of the following:

Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance
Alicia Milner
Tel.: (613) 564-0181
E-mail

Transportation Program
Office of Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Canada
Tabitha Takeda
Tel.: (613) 947-0273
E-mail