The BC government has introduced significant incentives for implementing energy efficiency measures in the home. The Livesmart program complements Natural Resource of Canada’s ecoEnergy program. Visit http://www.energyexperts.ca/ecoenergy/livesmart.php for more details.

The province of BC will be offering an incentive of $150 towards having an initial D evaluation completed on your home as part of their new LiveSmart program. The program was announced today (February 20th 2008), and is expected to run until 2011. The incentive will be tied into the current federal ecoENERGY program (a program that offers government grants for improving the energy efficiency of your home) to encourage home owners to reduce their energy consumption.

There are three main steps for getting involved in the program:

• Contact a local certified energy adviser to setup an appointment
• Complete the renovations you would like to complete (after the evaluation has taken place)
• Contact a local certified energy adviser to setup a follow-up appointment to apply for available government grants.

For complete details about the program, please view the Frequently Asked Questions below.

LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive program?

The LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program is a new $60 million program that will provide rebates and incentives to help British Columbian homeowners make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes.

When does it start and end?

Beginning in spring 2008, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program will give homeowners access to rebates for audits and energy efficiency incentives. However, you can start the process right now and book a home energy evaluation with an energy advisor.

Funding for this program runs until March 31, 2011.

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 online: www.EnergyExperts.ca

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 completed.

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 (or specified?) 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

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. (Grant Table)

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

To help finance the improvements, some homeowners may qualify for a CMHC mortgage insurance refund (hotlinked http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_008.cfm

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.

The second audit must be done after April 1, 2008.

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.

(Note: The B.C. Government reserves the right to update program information, including grant amounts, as required.)

Will I be taxed on the efficiency incentives I receive for my upgrades?

No.

Do I get an energy rating of my house as part of the energy evaluation?

Yes. In addition to the suggested efficiency improvements, the energy advisor provides the homeowner with an EnerGuide rating and label for the house, before and after renovations. Any personal information that owners provide is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

If I don’t make any improvements, I won’t be refunded for what I paid for the first energy evaluation?

That is correct. You must make energy efficient improvements and have a second energy evaluation done in order to get the refund for the first energy evaluation.

Are the incentives based on how much I spend for upgrades?

No. The amount of incentives you receive is based on the individual upgrades completed. A flat incentive amount has been calculated for each qualifying upgrade, so the grant is based on the total of upgrades completed.

How do I know what it will cost me to make efficiency improvements, for example to replace my windows, or buy a new furnace?

You are encouraged to research energy efficiency products by talking to retailers, your contractor, and the energy evaluator who does your home energy evaluation.

Does it matter how old my house is?

There is no restriction as to the age of an existing house. Houses built before 1985 will benefit the most as they have the potential for more energy improvements.

Can I do the work myself and receive a grant?

Yes, but have an energy evaluation done by a qualified energy advisor before you make any improvements. To receive a grant, you must obtain a post-retrofit assessment after the improvements. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that they obtain all necessary permits and meet all municipal and provincial requirements.

I already started my renovations, can I still apply for a grant?

No, all renovations started before you have an energy evaluation done, are not eligible for a grant.

I own a cottage / four-season recreational property, is this eligible?

No. Recreational properties are not eligible..

Are mobile homes eligible for the incentive program?

Yes, mobile homes are eligible if they are situated on a permanent foundation and that the property tax roll is in the name of the homeowner.

I rent a house, can I participate?

Yes, any rental property that meets the eligibility criteria can participate. But it is the property owner who is eligible for the grant; therefore, we suggest that you speak with your landlord.

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 (hotlinked to http://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/newhomes/newhomes8635.html) has an incentive program for new housing.

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

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Consumer_Taxes/Provincial_Sales_Tax/energy_conservation_exemptions.htm

I own rental properties - are these eligible?

Yes, both single family homes and multiple-unit low-rise residential buildings held by rental property owners are eligible.

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

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

Why is BC Hydro increasing their rates again?

For all your BC Hydro questions, please contact them at xxx

Useful Links

ecoENERGY Program Information

www.EnergyExperts.ca

Provincial Sales Tax exemptions for materials and equipment used to conserve energy

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Consumer_Taxes/Provincial_Sales_Tax/energy_conservation_exemptions.htm

ecoENERGY retrofit incentives

BC Hydro PowerSmart http://www.bchydro.com/

FortisBC http://www.fortisbc.com

During a throne speech there was discussion of directing BC to become more involved in improving the energy efficiency within the province . More details to be released on the 20th of February.

More information can be found by reviewing CBC’s website by clicking here.