Energy Efficiency Features News
FortisBC marks $155-million milestone for energy efficiency programs

April 14, 2023 – FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc. (“FortisBC”) received approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission to invest more than $155 million into conservation and energy efficiency programs in 2023.

According to FortisBC, this marks the highest annual investment by the energy utility to date.

“We’re always looking for innovative solutions to help lower energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sustainable and affordable ways for our customers,” said Joe Mazza, vice-president, Energy Supply and Resource Development. “This record investment allows for more focus on new technologies and pilot programs so we can lay the groundwork for advancing energy reductions in the future.”

In addition to directly supporting customers with energy efficiency upgrades, the funding will allow increased investment in “the next generation of high-efficiency technologies and programs” such as dual-fuel hybrid systems, gas heat pumps and deep energy retrofits.

The majority of the funds ($141 million) are earmarked to support gas efficiency programs, and are expected to result in the annual energy reductions of more than 1.6 million GJ.

Roughly $14.5 million in funding targets electric efficiency programs for FortisBC’s customers in the southern interior. This is expected to support annual energy savings of more than 27 GWh.

Over the next five years, FortisBC plans to invest more than $82 million in electric efficiency programs, and expects to achieve collective energy savings of close to 140 GWh.

More funding will also be available to advance energy efficiency with Indigenous communities, and to support customers on fixed incomes.