There are lots of grant and rebate programs that residents of Prince George can take advantage of to reduce their energy consumption, save money and be less vulnerable to energy rate increases.
BC Hydro, FortisBC and the BC Government offer several incentives to reduce your energy usage at home.
This information is provided for your convenience, and is up to date as of February 29, 2012. For the most up to date info on energy efficiency offers, please visit BC Hydro's Power Smart and FortisBC's Offers.
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.
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.
Note: This list was prepared for the City of Prince George and is intended as an information service only. The City of Prince George does not endorse any business or group. It is based on a list available through Natural Resources Canada, and confirmed with the service organizations (as of April 20, 2011) that they continue to provide energy audits.
AmeriSpec Of Canada
1-888-693-2647
Hometech Energy Solutions Inc.
(250) 596-4547
1-866-561-0708
Mr. Home Inspector (service offered in Prince George by Diversified Inspections)
1-877-837-3603
(250) 961-0030 |
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ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program
The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provides grants up to $5,000 to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and reduce the burden of high energy costs. The Government of Canada renewed the program starting on June 6, 2011. In order to be eligible, you must have registered with the program by January 28, 2012, and retrofits must occur by March 31, 2012. You'll then have to submit a post-retrofit evaluation with your grant application by June 30, 2012.
To be eligible for upcoming retrofits, new participants and past participants must first obtain a registration number. If you are not sure which form to complete or if you need assistance, follow the instructions at the register page.
All participants require a pre-retrofit evaluation (since April 2007) before starting renovations, a post-retrofit evaluation and a signed grant application form by March 31, 2012. Participants must present all retrofit receipts at the post-retrofit evaluation. New participants are only eligible for product purchased after June 6, 2011, and installed after a pre-retrofit evaluation. Past participants are only eligible for products purchased and installed after June 6, 2011.
The Grant Table offers an overview of the program and a breakdown of eligible upgrades. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more details and contact information.
See the LiveSmart BC box for a list of Certified Energy Advisors. |
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LiveSmart at Home
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. |
Fridge Buy-Back Program
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. |
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Mail In Rebates (Coupons)
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. |
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Appliance Rebates
The most efficient ENERGY STAR® labelled appliances* purchased and ordered before June 30, 2012 are eligible for the following rebates, until program funding is exhausted.
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Appliance |
Rebate Amount |
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Select ENERGY STAR labelled clothes washers** |
$75 |
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Select ENERGY STAR labelled refrigerators. |
$50 |
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Select ENERGY STAR labelled dishwashers*** |
$25 |
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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. |
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Lighting Rebates
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. |
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Switch 'n' Shrink Program
Change your oil* 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.
** A forced air furnace with an annualized fuel utilizations efficiency (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), also known as variable drive motors, 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 from BC Hydro. |
| EnerChoice Fireplace Program
The EnerChoice label is on the of fireplaces available in BC that perform in the top 25% in energy efficiency. If you install an EnerChoice fireplace by May 31, 2012 (you can find where to buy them a list of retailers at enerchoice.org), you’re eligible for a $300 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:
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62.4 per cent or higher for fireplaces
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61 per cent or higher for inserts
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66 per cent or higher for free-standing stoves
For any questions, contact FortisBC at 1-800-663-8400 or at rebates@fortisbc.com. |
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Find a Contractor Program
When building a new home or renovating an existing home, you will need the services of a professionally trained and licensed heating contractor to install your natural gas equipment. FortisBC developed the Contractor Program to give customers confidence that they are receiving the highest level of service and a comprehensive selection of natural gas products. You can search for a certified contractor here.
A certified contractor is an independent heating contractor who meets the defined performance criteria of FortisBC and who is licensed by the British Columbia Safety Authority.
Deciding who should install your equipment
Comparing quotes can be confusing. You may choose to receive several estimates from contractors before deciding on a heating contractor. While this is a good idea, it is important to consider that the contractor offering the lowest price may not necessarily be the best.
A good company will provide you with a written quotation and a clear outline of the costs and work involved.
Selecting the right natural gas equipment
FortisBC suggests that you consult a certified professional before making your final decision about what natural gas equipment you require. Talking about your lifestyle and daily routines will help your contractor recommend the right equipment for your home and family. Making the right decisions now could help you save money and time in the future. |
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Energy Saving Kit
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.
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| 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.
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