LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program

  
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Homes account for one third of British Columbia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

A new three-year, $60 million LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program will help British Columbians reduce their carbon footprint through energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. Beginning in spring 2008, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program will give homeowners access to rebates for audits and energy efficiency incentives.

Funding for this program runs until March 31, 2011.

The LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program also includes energy audits for small businesses, and low income housing. These components will be launched in the coming months.

The program will help British Columbia achieve its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 33 per cent below current levels by 2020 and 80 per cent below current levels by 2050.

This website gives directions to obtain an energy audit, get work done and receive a rebate.  As the LiveSmart BC program expands, so will this website to provide a wide range of information on carbon-neutral lifestyles.

The Province reserves the right to update program information including grant amounts, as required.

 I am a homeowner. How can I get started?

Step One

Any time after February 19, 2008, arrange an appointment with a certified Energy Advisor to perform an energy evaluation.

Go to Schedule an appointment button on home page and fill out form

 Or phone: 604-777-7741 or 1-877-787-4328 and say you are looking for an energy advisor for your area.

Step Two

The energy advisor will come into your home and evaluate its energy consumption by looking at your windows, doors, insulation, heating and cooling equipment. The advisor will also give you a package of information on programs and opportunities for cutting household energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

For energy evaluations done on or after Feb. 19, 2008, you will pay the energy advisor up to $150. The Efficiency Incentive program will pay the energy advisor for the remaining portion of the cost.

You will receive a refund of up to $150 for the costs you paid to the advisor once you have made energy efficiency upgrades to your home, and you have completed a second energy evaluation.

Step Three

You will receive a report from the energy advisor which includes your home’s energy efficiency rating, and suggested improvements to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You can choose the improvements you wish to undertake. Homeowners need to complete improvements within 18 months after the first audit.

There are provincial and federal incentives available for qualifying energy efficient equipment in the following categories:

       Heating System: Energy Star gas/propane/oil  furnace, ground or water-source heat pump and Energy Star Air-source heat pump

       Ventilation System: certified heat recovery ventilator

       Domestic Hot Water System: specified water heaters, solar hot water systems, drain-water heat recovery systems

       Insulation: attic, exterior wall, basement and basement header, crawl space, air sealing, floors above unheated spaces (under development)

       Windows and Doors: Energy Star doors and windows in applicable climate zones

       Water Conservation: low-flush or dual-flush toilets

Your Efficiency Incentive Program evaluation completed on or after February 19, 2008 will qualify you for all provincial, utility and federal incentives.

A complete list of provincial and utility incentives will be released at the program launch in spring 2008. 

Federal ecoENERGY retrofit incentives are available now.

To help finance the improvements, some homeowners may qualify for a CMHC mortgage insurance refund.

Step Four

After the efficiency improvements are completed, you must arrange for a second evaluation to verify your home’s energy savings and emission reductions. This is a necessary step in order to qualify for the efficiency incentives.

You are responsible for paying the second audit. The average cost is approximately $150.

Step Five

The energy advisor will process your incentive application for you. You will sign it and keep a copy.

Step Six

You will receive two cheques in the mail, reflecting provincial, utilities and federal incentives: one from LiveSmart BC and one from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

The LiveSmart BC cheques will be sent out once the program is launched in spring 2008.

The NRCan cheque will be mailed within 60 days from the time the application is received.

 I own a small business. How do I get started?

The small business incentive program will be announced soon. Watch this website for updates.

I am building a new house. Am I eligible for incentives and audits under this new program?

No. The Efficiency Incentive program only targets existing housing.

However, BC Hydro has an incentive program for new housing.

There are also PST exemptions in place on equipment and materials used to conserve energy.

Contact :

Alternative Energy Policy Branch
Phone: 250 952-0665
E-mail

 LiveSmart BC – Reducing our Carbon Footprint

By living smarter, we can save on energy, water and fuel consumption. We can reduce waste and get better value from our land, our limited natural resources and our tax dollars.

This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation that will create new jobs and opportunities. It will conserve water and energy, and save us money.

Incentives are available from the province and other jurisdictions to help you purchase more energy efficient products and cut emissions from transportation.

 Useful Links

BC Hydro PowerSmart

FortisBC

BC Public Transit

Ministry of Environment's Product Stewardship

The Scrap-It Program

BC Climate Action Secretariat

Natural Resources Canada ecoAuto Program

Canada Revenue Agency Tax Credit for Transit Passes