Geothermal technology is moving to the forefront as a clean energy alternative for heating and cooling in Saskatchewan thanks to a robust loan and rebate program announced today by the provincial government.

Radisson, SASK - Geothermal technology is moving to the forefront as a clean energy alternative for heating and cooling in Saskatchewan thanks to a robust loan and rebate program announced today by the provincial government.

Loans of up to $50,000 are now available through SaskPower Eneraction while the province's Energy Efficiency Rebate for New Homes program has been bolstered offering rebates of up to $3,500 to residents who install a geothermal system in a new energy efficient home. The government has also added a ten percent incentive to its net metering program for residents who want to power their homes using green sources like wind or solar.

"This announcement places Saskatchewan at the forefront in progressive policy on renewable green energy," says David Anderson, Alternative Energy Engineer, Solar Outpost Inc. "The loan and rebate program will make it economically viable for residents to switch to clean energy, and that's great news for the environment and for people seeking cost effective, energy efficient alternatives."

The Saskatoon-based GeoSmart Energy dealer, dedicated to public education and the promotion of environmentally conscious living, was at the heart of today's announcement. His company is in the midst of installing eight geothermal units in a schoolhouse that has recently been converted into a 20,000 square foot home. The geothermal technology will be powered by a 40 kilowatt wind turbine.

"Solar Outpost excels at delivering clean energy solutions that include combining geothermal, wind and solar technology, and GeoSmart is pleased to support their leadership efforts by supplying them with the most efficient and cost effective geothermal products on the market today," says Chad Brezynskie, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, GeoSmart Energy.

For more information about the Saskatchewan loan and rebate program, please visit saskpower.com. For more information about Solar Outpost, please visit www.solaroutpost.ca.