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
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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
Several projects and activities are eligible for the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program aimed at reducing GHG emissions in commercial buildings.
- Air-to-Water Heat Pump Water Heater
- Air-to-Air Rooftop Heat Pump
- Sewage Heat Recovery Heat Pump
- High-efficiency (>75%) HRV
- Electric Water Heater
- Air Source VRF
- Electrical Cooking Equipment
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program aims to help building owners and operators reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in commercial buildings through capital incentives and energy study funding. Projects must meet specific criteria to qualify for funding and incentives.
- The building must be a commercial, institutional, or a multi-unit residential building.
- The project must demonstrate the potential to implement measures at a single facility that will lead to at least 500 and less than 1,200 tCO2e of lifetime savings.
- Projects must provide a net decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Projects must result in energy impacts that are measurable and verifiable.
- Projects must result in energy impacts that can be estimated using standard engineering calculations.
- Projects must involve a technology that is not covered by other utility DSM programs (e.g., FortisBC’s Commercial Custom Program).
- Individual Custom-Lite Projects are limited to a total of $48,000 or $72,000 in incentives depending on the equipment.
- Equipment cannot be purchased before finalizing and signing the Capital Incentive Agreement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is eligible for commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential buildings. Eligible companies can benefit from capital incentives and energy study funding to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
- Commercial buildings
- Institutional buildings
- Multi-unit residential buildings
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Cost of an energy study
- Cost of capital upgrades for qualifying energy measures
- Invoices including all items listed on the sample invoice
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include buildings located north of and including the District of 100 Mile House.
- The building must have a commercial utility account with BC Hydro
- The geographic eligibility is defined by latitude 51.628°N
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.
nothing
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- Step 1: Read all materials, including the Participant’s Guide and Frequently Asked Questions, and download the Custom-Lite Workbook. Contact the Business Help Desk, Business Account Rep, or Key Account Manager if you have any further questions.
- Step 2: Submit the completed Custom-Lite Workbook and all invoices for payment. Invoices should include all items listed on the sample invoice.
- Step 3: For energy studies, you have 6 months from the date of the signed Energy Study-lite Agreement to complete the energy study.
- Step 4: For capital projects, you have 12 months from the date of the signed Capital Incentive Agreement to complete the project.
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
Summary of the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is tailored to support commercial building owners and operators in reducing GHG emissions through simplified electrification opportunities. This program provides capital incentives and energy study funding to help achieve these goals.
Understanding the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is a targeted initiative designed to assist commercial building owners and operators in achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by facilitating smaller-scale electrification opportunities. As a streamlined version of the larger CleanBC Custom Program, the Custom-Lite variant aims to make the process of implementing energy-saving measures more accessible and manageable for a wider range of participants. This article delves into the specifics of the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program, its benefits, eligibility requirements, available incentives, and the application process.
Program Overview
The essence of the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies that lead to measurable and verifiable reductions in GHG emissions. The program offers two key incentives: capital incentives based on lifetime GHG savings and funding for energy studies that help identify potential energy-saving opportunities. By targeting commercial buildings, institutional facilities, and multi-unit residential buildings, the program aims to facilitate significant carbon footprint reductions across various sectors.
Available Incentives
Energy Study Funding
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program provides funding to cover up to 50% of the cost of an energy study, with a maximum contribution of $2,000. This funding is intended to help building owners and operators conduct thorough analyses of their facilities to identify opportunities for reducing GHG emissions and improving energy efficiency. An energy study is a crucial first step in understanding where savings can be achieved and which technologies or measures would be most effective.
Custom Capital Funding Incentives
The program offers capital incentives based on the expected lifetime GHG savings of the implemented measures. For heat pump rooftop units, the incentive rate is $60 per tonne of CO2e saved, up to a maximum of $72,000 per project. For other qualifying measures, the incentive rate is $40 per tonne of CO2e saved, with a maximum of $48,000 per project. Additionally, eligible northern customers—those located north of and including the District of 100 Mile House—are entitled to an extra $10 per tonne of CO2e saved, bringing the maximum possible incentive to $84,000 per project.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program, the following criteria must be met:
- Type of Building: The building must be a commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential facility.
- GHG Savings Potential: The proposed project must demonstrate the potential to achieve lifetime GHG savings of at least 500 tonnes but less than 1,200 tonnes of CO2e.
- Energy Measures: The proposed measures must result in a net decrease in GHG emissions, have measurable and verifiable energy impacts, and utilize standard engineering calculations for estimating those impacts.
- Technology Eligibility: The technology used in the project must not be covered by other utility Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs (e.g., FortisBC’s Commercial Custom Program).
Qualifying Measures
The CleanBC Custom-Lite Program supports a variety of energy efficiency and electrification measures, including but not limited to:
- Air-to-Water Heat Pump Water Heater
- Air-to-Air Rooftop Heat Pump
- Sewage Heat Recovery Heat Pump
- High-efficiency Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) with over 75% efficiency
- Electric Water Heater (if more efficient options are not feasible)
- Air Source Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems
- Electrical Cooking Equipment
Some measures, such as heat recovery chillers, ground source heat pumps, and electric boilers, are typically found in larger buildings and may not always fit within the Custom-Lite Program's criteria but can be addressed under the broader CleanBC Custom Program.
Non-Qualifying Technologies
Note that measures leading to a gas-dominant heating system (where gas heating equipment constitutes more than 50% of the total building heating energy consumption) should contact FortisBC for eligibility in its gas DSM program, as they do not qualify under the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program.
Application Process
To participate in the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program, interested applicants need to follow these steps:
- Review All Materials: Thoroughly read the Participant’s Guide and Frequently Asked Questions to understand the program's requirements and offerings.
- Download the Custom-Lite Workbook: Obtain the necessary forms to document your proposed measures and potential GHG savings.
- Contact Program Representatives: If you have any questions or require further clarification, reach out to the Business Help Desk, Business Account Representative, or Key Account Manager.
- Submit the Workbook: Complete and submit the Custom-Lite Workbook along with all required invoices and documentation. Ensure that the invoices include all necessary items listed on the sample invoice provided by the program.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an Energy Study-lite Agreement, giving you six months to complete the energy study. After the energy study is completed, you have 12 months from the date of the signed Capital Incentive Agreement to finish your project.
Additional Resources
For projects expected to achieve 1,200 tonnes of CO2e lifetime GHG savings or more, applicants should consider the CleanBC Custom Program, which offers a broader set of incentives and support for larger-scale projects. Additionally, CleanBC offers an incentive search tool to help identify other energy efficiency upgrades and rebates that may be applicable to your project.
Throughout the process, applicants have access to free energy coaching services that provide guidance and support in identifying and implementing the most effective GHG reduction measures. To take advantage of this service, contact the smallbuildings@betterbuildingsbc.ca email address to get started.
Contact Information
If you need assistance or have questions during the application process, you can get in touch with the Energy Savings Business Help Desk or your Key Account Manager. Here are the details:
- Energy Savings Business Help Desk: incentives@bchydro.com, 1-(866)-522-4713
- Lower Mainland Support: (604)-522-4713
Taking advantage of the CleanBC Custom-Lite Program is a valuable step in making your building more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
