Green Grants & Rebates
Save Money – Save Energy!
Your electricity and gas bills are high. And they’re probably going to go up. How can you make yourself less vulnerable to the likely cost increases?
There are lots of grant and rebate programs that allow residents of the Sunshine Coast to reduce their energy consumption.
| Home Energy Assessment CLICK HERE for a list of Certified Energy Advisors |
The Provincial and Federal Governments, as well as BC Hydro and FortisBC, all offer incentives to reduce energy usage.
The Sunshine Coast has set a community-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 19% of a Business as Usual case from 2007 levels by 2031. That means we will lower our total emissions from 355,000 to 332,000 tonnes per year by 2031. We’re on our way, and with your help we can make it!
Home Renovation & Retrofits and New Home Construction rebates are shown when you click on the poster below. Additional programs appear in the larger table.
| PROGRAM (Click on name for description) |
AGENCY | CATEGORY | WEB LINK | DEADLINE |
| Homeowners | ||||
| ecoEnergy Programs | Government of Canada | Home | LINK | January 31, 2012 |
| LiveSmart BC – Efficiency Incentive Program | Province of BC, partnering with FortisBC and BC Hydro | Home | LINK | March 31, 2013 |
| Energy Rebate Program | SCRD and Fortis BC | Home | LINK | Closed to new applicants |
| PowerSmart New Home Program | BC Hydro - Power Smart | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) | Province of BC | Home | LINK | March 31, 2013 (or until funding runs out) |
| LiveSmart BC – LiveSmart at Home | Province of BC | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Fridge Buy-Back Program | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Mail In Rebates (Coupons) | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Appliance Rebates | BC Hydro – Power Smart and FortisBC | Home | BC Hydro Link; FortisBC Link |
December 31, 2011 |
| Lighting Rebates | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Switch and Shrink (oil to natural gas) | FortisBC | Home | LINK | Purchased by December 31, 2011; Installed by February 29, 2012 |
| Efficient residential storage tank water heater program | FortisBC | Home | LINK | December 31, 2011 |
| EnerChoice Fireplace Program | FortisBC | Home | LINK | December 31, 2011 |
| TLC Furnace Service Program | FortisBC | Home | LINK | May 1 to October 31, 2011 |
| Energy Saving Kit | BC Hydro – Power Smart and Fortis BC | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Energy Conservation Assistance Program | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Home | LINK | N/A |
| Commercial & Industrial Building Owners | ||||
| Efficient Commercial Water Heater Program | FortisBC | Commercial Developers (targeted towards kitchens – hotels, restaurants, motels, hospitals, cafeterias) | LINK | N/A |
| Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) | Province of BC | Commercial | March 31, 2013 (or until funding runs out) | |
| Efficient Boiler Program | FortisBC | Commercial and Multi-Unit Residential Developers | LINK | N/A |
| PowerSmart New Home Program | BC Hydro - Power Smart | Builder/ Developer | LINK | N/A |
| Commercial, Industrial and Institutional | ||||
| ecoEnergy Programs | Government of Canada | Business/Industry | LINK | January 31, 2012 |
| Government of Canada and Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) | Federal Government | Business/Industry | LINK | |
| Biofuels Initiative | Federal Government | Business/Industry | LINK | |
| LiveSmart BC – LiveSmart at Work | Province of BC | Business/Industry | LINK | |
| Product Incentive Program | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Business/Industry | LINK | |
| PowerSmart New Home Program | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Business/Industry | LINK | |
| Building and Property Managers | ||||
| Efficient Commercial Water Heater Program | FortisBC | Commercial Developers | LINK | N/A |
| Efficient Boiler Program | FortisBC | Commercial and Multi-Unit Residential Developers | LINK | N/A |
| Transportation/Auto | ||||
| ecoEnergy Programs | Government of Canada | Transportation/Auto | LINK | January 31, 2012 |
| Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) | Province of BC | Transportation/Auto | LINK | March 31, 2013 (or until funding runs out) |
| Energy Saving Kit | BC Hydro – Power Smart and FortisBC | Residential – low-income |
LINK | N/A |
| Energy Conservation Assistance Program | BC Hydro – Power Smart | Residential – low-income | LINK | N/A |
| LiveSmart BC – LiveSmart on the Road | Province of BC | Auto | LINK | |
Some of the programs listed may require a HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT to qualify.
The following are Certified Energy Advisors through LiveSmart BC or Qualified NRCan-Licensed Energy Advisors. All those listed are recognized by LiveSmart BC for qualification.
This list was prepared for the Sunshine Coast Regional District and is intended as an information service only. The Sunshine Coast Regional District does not endorse any business or group. It is based on a list available through Natural Resources Canada.
Hometech Energy Solutions (specializing in providing clients with affordable 'energy-efficient and environment-first' solutions) serves the Sunshine Coast through Certified Energy Advisor Ron Jensen. You can book your energy assessment through Hometech Energy Solutions at 1-866-561-0708 or (250) 596-4545.
AmeriSpec Inspection Services (the industry standard for quality, service and value, with over 75 franchise licences from coast to coast) serves the Sunshine Coast through Qualified NRCan-Licensed Energy Advisor, Guy Tremblay. You can book your energy assessment directly at 604-741-0844.
More Certified Energy Advisors will be listed here as they become available. If your company provides this service and you are not listed please contact us and provide your information.
Home
ecoENERGY Programs PROGRAM ENDED JANUARY 31, 2012
A range of Federal programs and incentives that support businesses and residents to save energy and emissions in buildings and transportation.
LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program
Tens of thousands of British Columbians are saving energy and money because of their participation in the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program. Because of the resounding success of the program, the Province has extended the incentives to March 2013, in partnership with provincial utility providers BC Hydro and FortisBC. Now, you can join your neighbours across B.C. who are saving money and reducing energy use by accessing these incentives.
If you are building a home to EnerGuide 80 or higher OR renovating/ making an addition to your home that involves items like upgraded insulation or energy efficient technologies you may be eligible for a rebate of $50 to $150 off your building permit. This program supplements existing LiveSmart and EcoEnergy incentive programs. Check our bulletin for details.
**UPDATE: Program was terminated for new applicants on January 31st, 2012 by Federal government, ahead of schedule. Residents who have initiated their renovations and received an EcoEnergy house inspection number from a certified energy advisor still have until March 31st, 2012 to make energy upgrades to their home. Final inspections by certified energy advisors must be completed on or before June 30, 2012.
Up to $5,000 per eligible clean energy vehicle will be available to B.C. residents, business, non-profits and local governments. This covers Fuel Cell, Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug-In Hybrids and Compressed Natural Gas vehicles. Electric cars can reduce lifetime GHG emissions by 80% compared to fossil fuel vehicles. Transportation represents the largest residential contribution to climate change. Electric vehicles can help get us much closer to carbon neutral. An additional $500 is also available per eligible electric vehicle charging station.
Rebates rates will be updated and approved and are as follows:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) – $5,000
- Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) – $5,000
- Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles / Extended Range Electric Vehicles:
- Battery capacity of 4.0 - 9.9 kWh – $2,500
- Battery capacity of 10.0 - 14.9 kWh – $3,500
- Battery capacity of 15.0 kWh and greater – $5,000
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles (not heavy duty) – $2,500
LiveSmart at Home lets you know about changes to the standards for energy efficient light bulbs and free actions that will save you money on your energy bills. They also offer you a Lifestyle Carbon Calculator.
If you have a fridge that measures between 10-24 cubic feet and is still in working condition, BC Hydro will pick it up, recycle it, and give you $30 for it. Your energy guzzling spare fridge could be costing you up to $100 a year to operate. Save yourself the expense: call BC Hydro at 1-866-516-4357 and they will pick it up for you. Refrigerators are one of the biggest electricity users in your home. If all spare operating fridges were recycled in British Columbia, enough electricity would be saved to power all the homes in the City of Chilliwack for an entire year.
Through Power Smart, BC Hydro works with retail partners to offer new money-saving coupons on a variety of energy-efficient products. Cut your energy use, save money and help British Columbia to our BC Energy Plan goal of electricity self-sufficiency by 2016.
View an up-to-date list (with links) for detailed information on each product offered, including instructions on how to mail in coupons to receive rebates.
All coupons listed are valid for limited periods of time.
Save on select ENERGY STAR® appliances
The most efficient ENERGY STAR® labelled appliances* purchased and ordered between April 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 are eligible for the following rebates, until program funding is exhausted.
| Appliance | Rebate Amount |
| Select ENERGY STAR labelled clothes washers** | $75 |
| Select ENERGY STAR labelled refrigerators. | $50 |
| Select ENERGY STAR labelled dishwashers*** | $25 |
| ENERGY STAR labelled freezers. | $25 |
*All eligible models are represented on the Qualifying Products Lists.
**This rebate has been made possible with a partnership between BC Hydro and FortisBC.
***At this time, there are no rebates available for compact dishwashers.
Appliance must be a model included on the "Qualifying Product List" found above. Signed mail-in rebate forms must be submitted within 90 days of purchase along with a proof of purchase.
BC Hydro has partnered with several retail partners to offer in-store instant discounts on ENERGY STAR® light fixtures and Energy Star Specialty CFL bulbs. Visit participating retailers for discounts on ENERGY STAR® light fixtures and CFLs, and look for the Power Smart label at shelf level. Product selection for fixtures and bulbs vary by store and retailer.
Change your oil or propane* heating system to natural gas**, install a new ENERGY STAR rated high-efficiency heating system*** and you may qualify for a $1,000 cash rebate.
* Rebate is not applicable when switching from wood or electric space heating systems.
** Oil to propane conversion only available in propane service areas.
*** A forced air furnace with an AFUE rating of 90 per cent or higher, a boiler with an AFUE rating of 85 per cent or higher, or a condensing combination system used for both space and water heating.
Electronically commutated motors (ECM) last longer, use less energy and are quieter than conventional electric motors. If your new furnace has an ECM motor, you'll get an additional $50 rebate supplied by either BC Hydro or FortisBC PowerSense.
Efficient residential storage tank water heater program
If you upgrade your water tank to an efficient storage tank by December 31, 2011, FortisBC will give you $50.
Heating water takes between 20 and 35 per cent of your home's total energy use. A water heater is part of your everyday life; you won't be able to go long without your tank. The Province of BC has created a new minimum energy efficiency standard requiring all storage tank water heaters manufactured after September 1, 2010 to have an EF of at least 0.62. To qualify for the rebate, the storage tank water heater must be on the FortisBC list or be ENERGY STAR rated.
If you install an EnerChoice fireplace by December 31, 2011, you’re eligible for a $150 rebate from FortisBC. Add to your home's warmth and ambience and help the environment by upgrading to an EnerChoice natural gas fireplace.
To qualify for EnerChoice status, fireplaces/stoves must have minimum efficiency ratings of:
- 62.4 per cent or higher for fireplaces
- 61 per cent or higher for inserts
- 66 per cent or higher for free-standing stoves
Have your fireplace, boiler and/or furnace serviced by October 31, 2011, complete the application form, return it along with a copy of the invoice, and we’ll send you a $25 Save-On-Foods™ gift card for each eligible appliance serviced. This offer is limited to one fireplace and one furnace/boiler service per FortisBC account for a total of two gift cards per household.
BC Hydro and FortisBC have partnered to provide free energy saving kits for low income households (see the table at the bottom of this page to determine if you qualify). The kit offers a variety of simple ways to help you save energy and save money, while increasing the comfort of your home and helping to reduce our overall impact on the environment.
The kit contains a number of simple, easy-to-install energy saving products including:
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. They can also last up to 10 years.
- Weatherstripping to put around your windows and doors and help keep out drafts. (You can find videos on draft proofing on our tips page.)
- Fridge and freezer thermometers to help you set your refrigerator and freezer at an ideal temperature where your food stays cold, but you're not wasting any extra energy.
- A low-flow showerhead that uses significantly less water than a standard showerhead.
Energy Conservation Assistance Program
If you’re a BC Hydro customer with high electricity consumption and living in a low-income household (see the table at the bottom of this page to determine if you qualify), you may qualify for the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP).
Under ECAP, qualified low-income BC Hydro residential account holders receive a home energy evaluation, the installation of energy saving products, and personalized energy efficiency advice, free of charge to the participant.
Energy saving products that may be installed include:
- Energy saving light bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) indoor and outdoor,
- Faucet aerators for the kitchen and bathroom,
- Low-flow showerhead,
- Water heater pipe wrap and blanket,
- Draft proofing, such as weatherstripping, caulking and outlet gaskets,
- Insulation for attics, walls and crawlspaces,
- Low-wattage night light,
- ENERGY STAR® refrigerator.
Builders and Developers
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional
ecoENERGY Programs PROGRAM ENDED JANUARY 31, 2012
A range of Federal programs and incentives that support businesses and residents to save energy and emissions in buildings and transportation.
Government of Canada and Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC)
Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) ecoENERGY for Industry and ecoENERGY Retrofit initiatives are designed to improve industrial energy intensity and reduce energy-related industrial greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollution.
This initiative will provide operating incentives to producers of renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel based on production levels and other factors. It will make investment in production facilities more attractive by partially offsetting the risk associated with fluctuating feedstock and fuel prices.
Choose to take advantage of new ways to make your business more energy efficient. Choose to have a walk-through done that will identify opportunities for you to save money and energy. Choose to go green with your business and your building and receive up to $50,000. Choose to build your business's vehicle fleet with fuel-efficient vehicles. Save on power bills. Save on heating and cooling costs. Save on sales tax. Save hundreds to thousands of dollars in cash rebates
To be eligible for the Product Incentive Program, you must be a BC Hydro business customer or a BC Hydro residential strata applying for a project in its common areas. Your project must meet the minimum criteria of $50 total financial incentives per application; only use approved products identified in BC Hydro's e.catalog; be installed by qualified installers.
Installations in new construction projects are not eligible for incentives under this program.
Encourages builders and developers to build energy-efficient homes through financial incentives and marketing support for new residential home construction.
Up to $1,500 incentives on EnerGuide ratings of 80 or higher on single family detached, Row/ Townhouse/ Duplex spaces. Energy Star Appliance packages provide up to $200 additional savings in these types of residences and also in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings. Follow link above for further details.
Transportation/Auto
ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles Initiative PROGRAM ENDED JANUARY 31, 2012
This program offers easy access to information, including fuel consumption guides and other tools, to help Canadians choose the cleanest, most efficient car or truck for their particular needs.
It provides Canadian motorists with helpful tips on buying, driving and maintaining their vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Reducing fuel consumption means saving money and, more importantly, helping the environment.
BC Hydro Power Smart offers a bulk delivery program for the Energy Saving Kit (ESK). This program will allow qualified subsidized Housing Providers to easily distribute ESKs to their clients.
BC Hydro will provide simple application forms for the Organization to distribute and subsequently collect from each Account Holder participating in the program. The bulk order of ESKs will be sent to the Organization to distribute to the participants on BC Hydro’s behalf.
Depending on funding availability, BC Hydro is also offering the option for the Organization to receive Direct Installation Funding (approximately $30 per kit to cover the labour and administrative costs associated with installing the kits for clients).
Energy Conservation Assistance Program
BC Hydro Power Smart offers bulk delivery of the Energy Conservation Assistance Program for housing organizations with multiple units. Eligibility for bulk projects is calculated using the average electric consumption for the entire housing complex as well as evaluating the organization’s low income criteria.
Housing providers will work with BC Hydro's Program Delivery Agents to coordinate the project with their tenants. This might include notifying tenants, holding a community meeting, and helping set-up appointment schedules.
To express your interest in Bulk ECAP offer and obtain the appropriate application documents, please complete the registration form and a representative from BC Hydro will contact you.
Choose to buy a fuel-efficient vehicle. Choose to scrap your older existing car instead of re-selling it. Save on fuel. Save on sales tax. Save hundreds to thousands of dollars in cash rebates.
Fuel-efficient vehicles, public transportation, carpooling and walking or cycling will reduce your fuel bills, help the environment and save you money.
Smart Driving program (in development)
To help support driving habits that ensure good fuel savings, a Smart Driving program is under development for the Sunshine Coast. More information will be available late summer 2011 on this program. A resource in Ottawa is currently available here.
Webcontent developed by SCRD Infrastructure Services Department,
with collaboration from staff in the City of Prince George
