At BES, we assist residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients in securing energy savings through FortisBC’s Custom Efficiency Program, which funds energy conservation upgrades. This program provides funding for both energy studies and project implementation, helping reduce:

  • energy consumption,

  • operating costs, and

  • greenhouse gas emissions across British Columbia.

As a FortisBC-approved consultant, BES manages the entire process from energy assessment to application, supporting British Columbia’s energy transition strategy, the Province’s Roadmap to 2030 and beyond, and long-term goals for decarbonization and sustainable energy management.

WHAT IS THE FORTIS BC CUSTOM EFFICIENCY PROGRAM?

The Custom Efficiency Program provides funding for energy-saving solutions that are tailored to your facility’s specific energy profile and operational needs. Whether you're looking to reduce FortisBC natural gas or FortisBC electricity use, the program supports a broad range of upgrades, including:

  • Heat Recovery Solutions

  • High-Performance HVAC Systems

  • Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy Integration

  • Domestic Hot Water and Process Load Efficiency

  • Lighting and Electrical Upgrades

  • Innovative Operational Strategies

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the program emphasizes customization. Every facility is unique, with different processes, equipment, and usage patterns. That’s why the program begins with a detailed energy study that identifies the most cost-effective opportunities for your building. This ensures that the upgrades are not only energy-efficient but also aligned with your business goals and financial return expectations.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Decreased energy usage and reduced monthly utility expenses.

  • Improved performance and lifespan of mechanical and electrical systems.

  • Reduced carbon footprint, aligning with CleanBC and decarbonization / Net Zero goals.

  • Access to expert guidance with Fortis-BC-approved BES engineers.

  • Financial incentives that lower upgrade risk and improve return on investment.

PROGRAM INCENTIVES

The Custom Efficiency Program offers three forms of funding assistance:

1. ENERGY STUDY FUNDING 

  • Covers up to 75% of the cost for a detailed energy study, up to a maximum of $37,500.

  • This study helps identify cost-effective energy-saving opportunities for the facility.

2. IMPLEMENTATION INCENTIVES 
Rebate amounts are based on energy saved and are calculated as the lesser of:

  • $6 per GJ (natural gas projects).

  • $0.03 per kWh (electric projects).

  • 75% of the invoiced cost.

  • Up to $500,000 for commercial/agricultural projects or $1.5 million for industrial projects.

3. IMPLEMENTATION BONUS

If you go ahead and complete one or more of the approved energy-saving upgrades from your study, you can get a bonus rebate. This incentive can be as high as 25% of the expense for your energy study, not exceeding $12,500.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a FortisBC natural gas customer (any rate class except Rate 1).

  • Be a FortisBC or municipal electricity customer in Grand Forks, Penticton, Summerland, or Nelson Hydro.

Be the owner or long-term leaseholder of:

  • A commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential building.

  • An industrial or agricultural facility (new or existing).

Project-specific requirements include:

  • Natural gas projects: minimum 1,000 GJ/year savings.

  • Electricity projects: minimum 50,000 kWh/year savings.
    (Indoor lighting is only eligible for agricultural facilities)

APPLY FOR THE CUSTOM EFFICIENCY PROGRAM WITH BES

BES and our team of engineers will guide you through every step of the FortisBC Custom Efficiency Program, from checking your eligibility and coordinating your energy study to submitting your application and securing rebates.

Lower your energy costs, improve performance, and access funding for long-term savings.
Contact us today to start your application.