CleanBC — Custom Program
BC, Canada
Offer substantial energy study funding and capital incentives to support commercial electrification and fuel-switching projects in British Columbia
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- grant_single|maxCount
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
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- CleanBC
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grant_card_status|open
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The CleanBC Custom Program, funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, offers energy study funding and capital incentives for electrification measures and fuel switching within BC Hydro's service territory. It provides up to 50% of energy study costs (maximum $20,000) and capital incentives based on lifetime GHG savings, supporting up to $200,000 per customer and up to $250,000 for eligible northern customers. Eligible projects include various heat pump systems, electric boilers, and heat recovery technologies that lead to measurable and verifiable energy impacts.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant program supports projects located in areas specified by the province of British Columbia and BC Hydro service regions. In order to ensure effectiveness, eligible projects must be in designated geographical regions offering utility services under BC Hydro.
- BC Hydro service territory, including New Westminster.
- North of and including the District of 100 Mile House (latitude 51.628°N).
- Excludes areas serviced exclusively by FortisBC including the City of Grand Forks, City of Penticton, District of Summerland, and Nelson Hydro.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's status and project capabilities.
- You must have a BC Hydro Key Account Manager.
- The building(s) must be in the BC Hydro service territory, including New Westminster.
- The project must demonstrate at the pre-screening phase the potential to implement measures at a single facility that will lead to at least 1,200 tC02e of lifetime GHG savings.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The CleanBC Custom Program targets commercial utility account holders within the BC Hydro service territory, including New Westminster, aiming to implement energy measures for GHG savings and electrification.
- Commercial buildings north of, and including, 100 Mile House are eligible for additional incentives.
- Projects must demonstrate potential for at least 1,200 tCO2e of lifetime GHG savings.
- Measures should involve technologies not covered by other utility DSM programs.
- Projects should illustrate measurable and verifiable energy impacts through standard engineering calculations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant details provided do not specify exact exclusions based on company type or industry. Instead, the focus is on specific eligibility criteria related to the company's utility account and project outcomes.
- Non-BC Hydro customers are directed to FortisBC if they are in specific geographic areas.
- Projects not demonstrating the minimum GHG savings required are directed to a different program variant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The CleanBC Custom Program offers incentives for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through electrification measures. Eligible activities involve implementing advanced technology solutions for energy efficiency.
- Installation of Heat Recovery Chiller systems.
- Deployment of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps.
- Integration of Air-to-Water Heat Pump Water Heaters.
- Use of Ground Source Heat Pumps.
- Implementation of Air-to-Air Rooftop Heat Pumps.
- Utilization of Water-to-Water Heat Pumps.
- Exhaust Air Heat Recovery Heat Pump systems.
- Sewage Heat Recovery Heat Pump installations.
- Electric Boiler installations (only if more efficient options are not feasible).
- Electric Water Heater systems.
- Installation of High-efficiency HRV systems (if combined with an electric heating system).
- Air Source VRF systems.
- Water Source VRF systems.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses directly related to energy studies and capital incentives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Costs associated with conducting an energy study, supported up to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum of $20,000.
- Expenses for eligible capital equipment and installations that contribute to greenhouse gas reductions, supported up to $200,000 per customer or $250,000 for eligible Northern customers.
- Costs related to the installation of specific clean energy technologies, such as heat pumps (e.g., air-to-water, exhaust air heat recovery), electric boilers, and high-efficiency HRVs.
- Energy study fees if completed prior to the program launch, subject to approval by BC Hydro.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the CleanBC Custom Program focus on specific criteria aimed at achieving greenhouse gas reductions and enhancing energy efficiency through innovative projects.
- Demonstration of potential to achieve at least 1,200 tCO2e of lifetime greenhouse gas savings.
- Involvement of energy measures that provide a net decrease in GHGs.
- Focus on measurable and verifiable energy impacts using standard engineering calculations.
- Utilization of technologies not covered by other utility DSM programs.
- Technological solutions that contribute to net electrical load growth.
- Completion and BC Hydro's approval of a preliminary energy study.
- Feasibility within the specified timeline for study and project implementation (6 months for the energy study and 18 months for the project implementation).
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Materials
- Read the Participant's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions.
- Download the Custom Workbook.
- Step 2: Pre-Screen Discussion
- Contact your BC Hydro Key Account Manager to discuss your project.
- Complete the 'Pre-Screen' tab of the Custom Workbook.
- Step 3: Eligibility Review
- BC Hydro reviews the Pre-Screen.
- If eligible, a kick-off meeting is held with all relevant parties.
- Step 4: Conduct Energy Study
- Complete the energy study with your selected consultant.
- Step 5: Submit Energy Study for Funding
- Submit all invoices related to the energy study for payment.
- Step 6: Submit for Capital Funding
- Ensure your completed energy study is approved by BC Hydro CEM Engineering.
- Your Key Account Manager will submit the incentive application.
- Step 7: Complete Installation
- Install the equipment as specified.
- Make the final payment to the equipment provider.
- Step 8: Submit Final Invoices
- Submit all final invoices for payment ensuring they include all required items.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The CleanBC Custom Program provides funding and incentives to improve energy efficiency in British Columbia's commercial buildings. It encourages the transition to electrification and provides a range of potential equipment upgrades eligible for incentives.
- Eligible buildings must have a commercial utility account with BC Hydro and be located north of and including the District of 100 Mile House.
- Applicants must have a BC Hydro Key Account Manager.
- The program includes Energy Study Funding covering up to 50% of study costs, capped at $20,000.
- Custom Capital Funding Incentives are based on greenhouse gas savings, with potential funding up to $200,000 per customer.
- Specific heat pump and heating technologies are prioritized for incentives, depending on their feasibility and potential GHG savings.
- Energy studies should lead to at least 1,200 tCO2e of lifetime GHG savings to be eligible for full program incentives.
- A customer can receive incentives across multiple projects up to a combined cap of $750,000.
- All equipment purchases must occur after the Capital Incentive Agreement is finalized.
- The program is administered by BC Hydro, with deadlines for completing energy studies and implementing projects being six months and eighteen months, respectively, from agreement signing.
- Contact information for BC Hydro is provided for those lacking a Key Account Manager.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-(866)-522-4713
Apply to this program
Unlocking Energy Efficiency with the CleanBC Custom Program
The CleanBC Custom Program is a strategic initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing financial support for energy studies and capital incentives for electrification measures. Sponsored by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, and administered by BC Hydro, this program is designed to assist businesses in transitioning to more sustainable energy practices.
In-Depth Look at the CleanBC Custom Program and Its Benefits
The CleanBC Custom Program represents a significant effort by the Canadian government to facilitate energy-efficient innovations within British Columbia's commercial sector. Targeted at businesses looking to switch from traditional fuels to electricity and implement other energy-saving measures, the program offers a comprehensive package of financial incentives. These incentives are structured to support both the initial assessment of potential energy projects and the capital investments necessary to bring these projects to fruition.
The program's framework is built around two core components—the Energy Study Funding and Custom Capital Funding Incentives. The Energy Study Funding component supports up to 50% of the costs associated with conducting detailed energy assessments, up to a maximum of $20,000. This initiative encourages businesses to explore various energy-saving measures thoroughly before committing substantial resources. Successful energy studies are crucial as they form the basis for the subsequent capital investment stage, ensuring that projects are both feasible and targeted towards maximum energy efficiency savings.
Furthermore, the Custom Capital Funding Incentives provide substantial support to help businesses actualize their energy efficiency plans. The program offers funding based on a rate tied to the potential greenhouse gas savings of a project, with the potential for businesses to receive up to $200,000. Notably, for heat pump rooftop units, the incentive rate is adjustable, offering a higher rate at $60 per ton of CO2e reduced, reflecting the program's emphasis on adopting advanced heating technologies. Additional incentives are available to Northern customers, which encourages broader geographic participation in cleaner practices.
Eligibility for this program is contingent on several requirements aimed at ensuring projects contribute significantly to the province's overarching environmental goals. Projects must promise substantial lifetime greenhouse gas reductions, specifically targeting reductions of at least 1,200 tCO2e. The program’s eligibility criteria ensure that only projects with measurable impacts on energy savings and carbon emissions are funded, thereby optimizing the use of public resources for environmental benefits.
The CleanBC Custom Program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, requiring participants to work closely with BC Hydro Key Account Managers. This partnership facilitates the efficient planning and execution of projects, ensuring that the objectives of energy conservation and emission reductions are met effectively. The program guides businesses through each stage of project implementation, from initial assessment to project execution, making it a valuable resource for enterprises committed to sustainable practices.
Importantly, the program's focus extends beyond just financial incentives; it is committed to enhancing the overall awareness and capability of businesses to adopt and benefit from energy-efficient technologies. By fostering an environment of innovation and sustainability, the program supports the participants in becoming leaders in the energy transition movement. This not only contributes to the reduction of the carbon footprint at a provincial level but also aligns with global initiatives for climate change mitigation.
In conclusion, the CleanBC Custom Program is not just about providing financial assistance; it’s a comprehensive approach to driving meaningful changes in how businesses consume energy in British Columbia. By encouraging thorough planning and partnership with experts, the program ensures the projects supported will have lasting impacts both in terms of ecological benefits and operational efficiencies for participating businesses. This initiative not only paves the way for a greener future but also positions businesses to be at the forefront of sustainable energy practices. Through such efforts, the program secures a robust path towards meeting provincial and national environmental objectives, while also fostering economic growth within the region.