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City Green Solutions is an enterprising non-profit organization providing tools, resources, services and inspiration to improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in BC. Kootenay
FortisBC PowerSense Home Improvement Program
FortisBC offers incentives to help you choose more energy efficient products when renovating.
Sponsoring agency:
FortisBC
Type of agency:
Utility company
Program offerings
FortisBC offers rebates for:
- Insulation
- Residential heating & cooling
- Residential hot water systems
- ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances
- ENERGY STAR qualififed lighting
- ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors
Eligibility
Rebates are available to FortisBC Inc. electric customers and those serviced by Grand Forks, Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton and Nelson Hydro.
Application procedure
See FortisBC's Home Improvement Program webpage for details.
Contact information
Telephone:
1.866.436.7847
Email:
Central Kootenay Regional District Wood Stove Exchange Program
The Woodstove Exchange Program is designed to encourage residents to exchange their old, inefficient, non-EPA certified wood burning appliances for low emissions appliances, including new CSA/EPA certified clean burning wood stoves and other qualified appliances. (The program is operated at a community level through grants provided by the province).
New technology appliances are proven to burn 1/3 less wood, to reduce emissions by up to 70%, and to significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires. See program brochure for further information.
New technology appliances are proven to burn 1/3 less wood, to reduce emissions by up to 70%, and to significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires. See program brochure for further information.
Sponsoring agency:
Central Kootenay Regional District
Type of agency:
Local government
Program offerings
RDCK residents who exchange their old, non-EPA certified wood burning appliance for a qualified CSA/EPA approved one, are eligible to receive a $250 rebate (from the province) and another $100 rebate from the RDCK, providing that the old wood stove has been rendered non-reusable and has been recycled at a Regional Disctrict facility.
Rebates are LIMITED, and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Rebates are LIMITED, and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Eligibility
Residents living within the RDCK electoral areas can participate in the program. To be eligible for the $250 + $100 rebate you MUST both live within the RDCK, AND the wood stove exchange must take place within the RDCK. Please fill out an application form before brining in your old toilet to one of the RDCK's regional recycling centres.
Contact information
Telephone:
1-800-268-7325
Website:
RDCK Wood Stove Exchange Program
Revenue Canada Capital Cost Allowance
You might acquire a depreciable property such as a building, furniture, or equipment to use in your business or professional activities.
You cannot deduct the cost of the property when you calculate your net business or professional income for the year.
However, since these properties wear out or become obsolete over time, you can deduct their cost over a period of several years. The deduction for this is called capital cost allowance (CCA)
For more information please see the Claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) webpage.
Sponsoring agency:
Revenue Canada
Type of agency:
Federal government
Contact information
Website:
Claiming Capital Cost (CCA)
EnerChoice Fireplace Program
Replace your existing natural gas fireplace or convert your wood hearth to an EnerChoice natural gas fireplace before March 31st, 2011 you may qualify for a $150 rebate from Terasen gas.
Applicants can apply directly through Terasen Gas for the rebate (application form).
Sponsoring agency:
Terasen Gas
Type of agency:
Utility company
FortisBC Switch 'n' Shrink Program
Change your oil or propane heating system to natural gas, and install a new ENERGY STAR rated high efficiency heating system and you may qualify for a $1,000 cash rebate.
Sponsoring agency:
Terasen Gas
Type of agency:
Utility company
Program offerings
Includes 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.
Restrictions
The rebate is not applicable when switching from wood or electric space heating systems. Not available in Whistler. See Terms and Conditions page for complete information.
Application deadline
Offer expires December 31st, 2010.
Application procedure
Applicants can apply directly through Terasen Gas for the rebate (see Switch 'n Shrink Rebate Application) or access the rebate through the provincial LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive program.
Contact information
Telephone:
1-800-663-8400
Email:
Website:
Switch 'n' Shrink Program
BC Hydro PowerSmart Energy Saving Kit Bulk Distribution Program
Each energy saving kit contains compact fluorescent light bulbs, weather stripping, window insulator film, electrical outlet and switch sealers, fridge and freezer thermometers, a low-flow showerhead, tap aerators, and an energy–saving nightlight. Read More.
Sponsoring agency:
BC Hydro
Type of agency:
Utility company
Program offerings
Kits can be distributed through a general process or by direct install.
Eligibility
This program is available for Not-For-Profit Housing Providers that manage their own stock of Housing
Restrictions
Total household income must be at or below the thresholds in Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-offs (LICO). Participants in the program must have a BC Hydro residential rate account, or non-profit housing providers with a commercial build meter.
Application procedure
Contact Carly Fryer, BC Hydro Product Delivery Specialist.
Contact information
Telephone:
604 453 6230
Email:
In addition to the Energy Saving Kit program, some housing providers may be eligible for BC Hydro’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP), which provides low-income residential customers with a free energy efficiency evaluation, energy education and free installation of basic and extended energy conservation measures.
LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program
LiveSmart BC offers grants for energy efficiency upgrades for heating, hot water, insulation, windows and doors, ventilation, and draft proofing for your home.
For more details, see the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Grant Chart.
Sponsoring agency:
LiveSmart BC
Type of agency:
Provincial government
Program offerings
To access grants, homeowners must have a Home Energy Assessment with a Certified Energy Advisor before and after renovations.
The Energy Assessment includes:
- a detailed energy evaluation of your home carried out by a Certified Energy Advisor
- a "blower door" test to find air leaks
- a customized report that shows where your energy dollars are being spent and what you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency
- an energy efficiency rating label that shows you how energy efficient your home is compared with others in your region
Eligibility
For single family homes, row houses, and mobile homes on permanent foundations.
Application deadline
Must complete follow-up assessment by March 31, 2011
Application procedure
To book an Energy Assessment with City Green, the only non-profit provider of the LiveSmart BC incentive, call 1.866.381.9995 or book online.
Contact information
Telephone:
1.866.381.9995
Email:
RBC Energy Saver Loan
If you've recently purchased-or are planning to purchase-an energy efficient product or service for your home, you could qualify for the RBC Energy Saver Loan.
This innovative and "green" financing solution can help you create a more energy efficient home faster while saving on your borrowing costs.
Sponsoring agency:
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Type of agency:
Financial institution
Program offerings
Receive 1% off the interest rate for your fixed rate instalment loan over $5,000
ORReceive a $100 rebate on a home energy audit on a fixed rate instalment loan over $5,000.
Eligibility
The following products and services are eligible for Energy Saver Loans:
- Environmentally-friendly products and services recommended as a result of a home energy audit
- Products and services that qualify for a government grant as outlined by the Office of Energy Efficiency
- ENERGY STAR qualified products, which could save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs over time
- Hybrid cars
Application procedure
A home energy audit is a report generated by a licensed professional who is specially trained to examine your home's major heating and cooling systems. They will make recommendations to help you improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy costs. You can then decide what you want to do and how much you want to spend.
Simply follow these steps to arrange for your home energy audit.
Choose a licensed home auditor through the Natural Resources Canada website at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca . Obtain quotes from a few auditors and choose one that you feel offers the best overall value.
Note: To qualify for the $100 rebate, your audit must be completed sometime within the 90 days prior to being approved for your loan or within 90 days after receiving your loan.
- Once your audit is complete, obtain a receipt or invoice from the auditor for a refund from RBC
Receiving Your RBC Energy Audit Rebate
- Submit your audit receipt or invoice to your branch within 120 days of receiving your RBC Energy Saver Loan.
- Your home energy audit rebate will be credited to your RBC account. The amount will be the actual invoiced amount of the home energy audit, up to a maximum amount of $100.
Contact information
Telephone:
1-866-719-2880
Website:
RBC Energy Saver Loan
Other Ways to Turn Energy Saving Efforts into Cash
To receive additional government rebates and incentives that you may be entitled to, be sure to follow these steps:
- Complete some or all of the suggested renovations and improvements within 18 months and have your auditor return to verify the work. Your auditor will submit an application on your behalf to both the federal and provincial governments.
- Ask your municipal government if similar incentives and rebates are available in your community.
Fortis BC Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate
$1,000 rebate for solar hot water retrofits done on a bulk scale in existing stratified communities, row housing and neighbourhoods. For bulk buys of over 20 systems, an additional $375 discount is available through select certified installers, resulting in significant savings
Sponsoring agency:
Fortis BC
Type of agency:
Utility company
Program offerings
Advantages of Solar Hot Water Retrofits
- Reduced monthly operating costs for homeowner
- Extended life over traditional water heaters
- Increased resale value
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduced carbon footprint
- Protection from rising energy prices
Eligibility
To install a solar hot water system in your home, the home must be a single-family residence or small multi-unit residence (row townhouse) with a separate exterior entrance. There must be at least six square feet of south facing roof space. It must also have full or partially full sun from 10am to 4pm on the south facing part of the roof.
Application procedure
- Get an energy audit. For a new home, contact FortisBC PowerSense to schedule an evaluation or audit.
- Choose a registered contractor. Check www.solarbc.com for a current list.
- Install the solar panels.
- Contact FortisBC PowerSense and SolarBC to apply for your rebates.
Contact information
Telephone:
1-866-4FORTIS
Email:
Website:
Fortis BC Solar Hot Water Incentive
Renovation and Retrofit of Existing Social Housing
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.
As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for year two. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.
Sponsoring agency:
CMHC
Type of agency:
Federal government
Application deadline
February 22, 2010
Application procedure
Apply online or download the application here.
Contact information
Website:
Renovation and Retrofit of Existing Social Housing — Projects Funded and Administered by CMHC
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Incentives Map
Did you know?
- Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree Celsius and save up to 10% off your heating bills.