CleanBC — Custom-Lite Program
BC, Canada
Offer significant financial incentives to help commercial building owners reduce GHG emissions through electrification and energy efficiency measures
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
grant_single|grantors
- CleanBC
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grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is aimed at helping building owners and operators reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in existing commercial and institutional buildings through smaller electrification opportunities. The program offers capital incentives of up to $72,000 for heat pump rooftop units and other qualifying measures, as well as energy study funding covering 50% of costs up to $2,000. Eligible projects must demonstrate measurable and verifiable GHG reductions and cannot involve technologies covered by other utility DSM programs.
grant_single_labels|projects
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is available to building owners and operators located in specific geographical areas within British Columbia. The eligible regions are intended to ensure effective support for commercial utility account holders with BC Hydro.
- Buildings that have a commercial utility account with BC Hydro.
- Locations north of and including the District of 100 Mile House (latitude 51.628°N).
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the building and proposed energy measures.
- The building must be a commercial, institutional, or a multi-unit residential building.
- The project must demonstrate potential to implement measures at a single facility that will lead to at least 500 and less than 1,200 tC02e of lifetime savings.
- The project must provide a net decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
- The energy impacts of the project must be measurable and verifiable.
- The energy impacts of the project must be estimable using standard engineering calculations.
- The technology used must not be covered by other utility DSM programs (e.g., FortisBC’s Commercial Custom Program).
- Eligible buildings must have a commercial utility account with BC Hydro and be located north of and including the District of 100 Mile House (latitude 51.628°N) to receive additional incentives.
- Equipment cannot be purchased before finalizing and signing the Capital Incentive Agreement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is targeted at building owners and operators within the commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential building sectors who are looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through various electronic measures in their existing buildings.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are not explicitly stated, as the focus is on the eligibility criteria, which highlight suitable candidates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program offers incentives for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through electrification and energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Eligible activities focus on implementing advanced heating and energy systems.
- Installation of Air-to-Water Heat Pump Water Heaters.
- Deployment of Air-to-Air Rooftop Heat Pumps.
- Utilization of Sewage Heat Recovery Heat Pumps.
- Implementation of High-efficiency HRV systems (greater than 75%).
- Adoption of Electric Water Heaters.
- Installation of Air Source VRF systems.
- Switching to Electric Cooking Equipment.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program covers specific expenses directly related to energy studies and the implementation of capital incentives in commercial and institutional buildings.
- Energy study costs, covering up to 50% of the study cost, up to a maximum of $2,000.
- Capital incentives for eligible equipment, such as heat pump rooftop units, depending on the associated GHG savings ($40 or $60 per tCO2e saved), with maximum incentives of $48,000 to $72,000.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program specifies certain eligibility and performance requirements for grant applications. However, detailed evaluation and selection criteria are not explicitly mentioned beyond these requirements.
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grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Materials
- Read all materials including the Participant’s Guide and Frequently Asked Questions.
- Download the Custom-Lite Workbook.
- Step 2: Initiate Contact
- Contact the Business Help Desk, Business Account Rep or Key Account Manager for any additional questions or clarifications.
- Email smallbuildings@betterbuildingsbc.ca for information on free energy coaching services.
- Step 3: Complete Energy Study
- Conduct the energy study within 6 months from signing the Energy Study-lite Agreement.
- Step 4: Finalize Capital Incentive Agreement
- Ensure that equipment isn’t purchased before finalizing and signing the Capital Incentive Agreement.
- Step 5: Project Completion
- Complete the project within 12 months from the Capital Incentive Agreement signing date.
- Step 6: Submit Application and Documentation
- Submit the completed Custom-Lite Workbook.
- Include all invoices for payment as outlined in the sample invoice.
- Email the application details to the Energy Savings Business Help Desk at incentives@bchydro.com.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
For applicants requiring further assistance or looking for more opportunities, additional resources and recommendations are available through the program.
- Check out the incentive search tool for other energy efficiency upgrades incentives.
- Consult the glossary for any building science or energy efficiency terms that are not understood.
- Terms of Use must be accepted when using the CleanBC and the Energy Coach service.
grant_single_labels|contact
smallbuildings@betterbuildingsbc.ca
(604)-522-4713
Apply to this program
Maximize Your Building's Energy Efficiency with CleanBC Custom-Lite Program
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is designed to help commercial building owners significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions through simplified electrification measures. It offers financial incentives for adopting energy-efficient technologies in existing buildings, supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Detailed Overview of the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program Incentives and Opportunities
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is an initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in commercial and institutional buildings across British Columbia. This program focuses on encouraging the installation of efficient energy technologies, particularly in mid-sized buildings that may not benefit from larger-scale initiatives. By simplifying the process and emphasizing capital investment in electrification, the program aims to produce measurable and verifiable reductions in energy use and emissions, thereby promoting sustainability across sectors.
A core component of the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is its capital funding incentive. This offers financial rebates that are linked to the potential lifetime GHG savings of installed energy measures. Building owners can receive incentives of $60 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) savings for heat pump rooftop units, which could amount to a $72,000 incentive cap per customer. For other measures, a rebate of $40 per tCO2e is available, with a maximum potential incentive of $48,000 per project. These cap amounts cater to varying project scales and technology types, providing tailored support that can maximize environmental benefits.
Additionally, for those buildings situated north of the District of 100 Mile House, there is an extra $10 per tCO2e incentive to amplify the overall benefits, hence increasing the possible maximum benefit to $84,000 per project in such regions. This differential is particularly appealing for Northern customers, acknowledging the unique challenges and greater energy demands often faced in colder climates.
To ensure comprehensive planning and facilitate the integration of clean technologies, the program also supports energy studies by covering up to 50% of the energy study costs, up to a maximum of $2,000. This component enables decision-makers to thoroughly evaluate energy efficiency upgrades, providing actionable insights and a robust foundation for making informed investment decisions. Meanwhile, for a limited period, the offer of free energy coaching services provides an added layer of support. This service is especially useful for potential participants needing guidance on fuel-switching strategies, helping simplify the journey towards energy efficiency improvements.
In order to qualify for the incentives under the Custom-Lite Program, projects must present their ability to provide a tangible decrease in GHG emissions through measurable and calculable means. Moreover, any proposed energy measures must not be included in other utility demand-side management programs, ensuring unique participation without overlapping utility incentives.
The imperative to foster cleaner energy solutions in buildings ties back to larger provincial goals of reducing emissions and fulfilling sustainable development targets. Building operators and owners are thus encouraged to engage with programs like CleanBC that support such transitions financially and technically. This partnership between CleanBC and building sectors citizens is pivotal to mitigating climate change impacts and ensuring a sustainable environment in British Columbia.
Engaging with the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is a valuable opportunity for building operators committed to environmentally responsible operations. With the available incentives and support for energy-efficient upgrades, participants not only contribute to environmental well-being but can also achieve economic benefits through reduced operating costs. Moreover, the potential for multiple projects across various sites adds to the strategic advantage and long-term feasibility of embarking on clean energy enhancements.
To participate, interested applicants must follow the outlined procedural steps, starting with reviewing all program-related materials and ensuring compliance with all designated eligibility criteria. The step-by-step approach provided facilitates a seamless application process, ensuring that all stakeholders can access the available incentives efficiently. Considering these factors, the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program emerges as an advantageous initiative that aligns economic savings with environmental responsibilities, setting a precedent for future programs aimed at sustainable development across industries.