OTTAWA, (Feb. 2, 2005) — Natural Resources Canada is extending its rebate program for fleets that purchase and install qualifying anti-idling equipment on trucks.

The Commercial Transportation Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, administered by NRCan’s FleetSmart in cooperation with equipment suppliers, will continue from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. All program parameters remain the same at this time.

The government offers rebates of up to 19 per cent between $350 and $1,400 on cab heater and air conditioning units or auxiliary power generators as alternatives to idling. The program also promises investment in biodiesel projects and a plan to explore AC power at truck stops.

Customers who purchase qualifying anti-idling equipment are eligible for the rebate. They must record the reduction in emissions over a period of 12 to18 months through a chip that the supplier must install in the devices. Suppliers will then be able to precisely measure the difference in the amount of fuel used before and after.