Scott Simpson
Sun
LiveSmart BC‘s household energy conservation program is getting a $35 million extension.
British Columbia Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Blair Lekstrom said on Friday that the program, which offers financial support for household energy assessments as well as rebates up to $1,450 for installing energy efficient appliances, has been a huge success.
The government took heat last year from New Democrat John Horgan after funding for the original LiveSmart initiative ran out, with the NDP energy critic suggesting that the government was not placing a priority on conservation initiatives.
Lekstrom said the closure of the original project was indicative of its popularity — all the funding was used up.
“Many people had a misconception that it was cancelled. Well no, it was so good actually that we consumed all of the revenue we budgeted and decided we would do our best come next budget to find additional money.”
The incentives are being provided in partnership with gas and electricity utilities BC Hydro, Terasen and FortisBC, and Lekstrom said he’s hoping that Pacific Northern Gas, which serves customers in west-central B.C., will also participate in the new offerings.
Homeowners can contract certified energy advisers to audit their energy habits and recommend the most efficient upgrades to save energy and reduce costs.
Rebates run as high as $1,450 for air source heat pump installations that meet specified efficiency targets, while gas furnace replacements can earn rebates as high as $1,130 in interior and northern B.C. and up to $770 on the south coast.
Insulation, window replacements and draft-proofing can net lesser amounts.
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Hi
I have a heat pump and old oil furnace as by backup.
I would like to know – what is the rebate for getting a high efficient gaz furnace as my backup?
Thanks
LG
250-756-2309
Hello. I am a certified EcoEnergy advisor in Terrace. 95% efficience gas furnaces have a rebate of $1130 in Interior and Northern regions, $770 in Southern and Coastal regions. But since your furnace is used as a backup, you would probably be better off to install a 92% efficiency. The rebates are smaller – $860 and $580 – but your cost should be about $1000 less.
Further to my previous reply, the new furnace will save on your electricity bill as well because they usually have high-efficiency variable speed blower motors that use only about 1/2 of the electricity of the old motors. Since the blower motor is used to distribute the heat from your heat pump, your electricity savings will likely be more than your gas savings for the backup furnace.