As a business owner or operator, you know that energy expenses are part of the cost of doing business. But did you know that there are proven low-cost steps you can take right now to save energy? Some don't even cost you a penny. By choosing energy-efficient measures that fit your situation, you can easily save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually in energy costs. To us that is a win win situation so we have complied a number of resources to assist you in reducing your energy consuption.
Businesses implementing energy-saving technologies and programs often qualify for BC Hydro incentives through the Product Incentive Program. You can also contact the Power Smart Business Helpdesk by email or at 604 522 4713 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free 1 866 522 4713 elsewhere in the province. Rechent changes as og June 1, 2010 include improved incentives for select energy efficient upgrades are offered, and a faster application process is implemented. Check out the updated incentives sheets.
Shirtland Drycleaners is the Strathcona PIP poster child. Read more.
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Owners of small and medium-sized buildings in the commercial and institutional sectors often lack the financial and technical resources to make energy improvements. The Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) is offering a retrofit incentive for commercial/ institutional buildings and industrial processes. If you have not yet started a new energy efficiency project, you could receive up to 25 percent of eligible project costs or $50,000 per project.
You will need to provide a pre-project energy audit of your buildings. The program ends on March 31, 2012 or when all funds are committed, so act today! Applications are reviewed as soon as they are received. Note that a retrofit project cannot be started until you receive written approval from Natural Resources Canada.
For more information check out http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca, or call the InfoServices Line toll-free at 1-877-360-5500
More information on the ecoEnerfy Retrofits
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The Strathcona BIA has partnered with BC Hydro to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation with the goal of reducing consumption and profiling Vancouver as a leader in sustainable business.
2. Product Incentive Program (PIP)
3. Power Smart Tips for All Businesses
4. Power Smart Tips for Your Industry
7. How to Launch a BC Hydro Challenge
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Right now, BC Hydro Power Smart and LiveSmart BC are offering free walkthroughs with experts who can help you identify significant energy-saving opportunities for your business. It works like this:
1. You register for a walkthrough.
2. A Power Smart representative visits your business at a time that’s convenient for you. The rep completes a comprehensive tour of your facility, and you and the rep discuss your business’s current equipment and requirements, including what you need to maintain or enhance your work environment and/or customer experience.
3. The Power Smart representative prepares a detailed report customized to your business and your needs, with suggestions for making your business more energy efficient. The report will include estimates of what you can expect to save with each upgrade.
4. To help with the costs of the upgrades, you take advantage of our Product Incentive Program (PIP) and receive rebates on a range of products, including energy-efficient lighting and controls.
End result: You save money short-term by getting rebates on energy-efficient products, and even more long-term by making changes that will reduce your energy costs for many years to come.
The SBIA has already registered for a free office walkthrough, and committed to making reasonable changes based on the recommendations. Now it’s your turn. Register today at bchydro.com/save.
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Read more about the challenge in this BC Hydro article on their partnership with the SBIA.
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Metro Vancouver's BuildSmart service provides a comprehensive list of funding and incentive resources for businesses or homeowners who are interested in constructing, retrofitting, or renovating buildings. Learn more about the funding available to you here.
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