In partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the Province of British Columbia is extending the popular LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program, which gives homeowners up to $3,500 in rebates for energy saving improvements to their homes.

Since 2008, the LiveSmart BC Program has helped more than 100,000 homeowners in communities throughout B.C. improve the energy efficiency of their home in ways like increased insulation and/or draft proofing.

The program is extended for one year, until March 31, 2014 and BC Hydro and FortisBC will fund the rebates for their customers. The provincial government will continue to reduce the cost of the initial home energy assessment.

Effective April 1, 2013, the home energy efficiency incentives include:

• Up to $1,200 for exterior wall insulation,

• Up to $1,000 for basement insulation,

• Up to $600 to install attic insulation, and

• Up to $400 for air sealing (like weather stripping around doors) and draft proofing.

To access the rebates, homeowners must hire a certified energy advisor to conduct an energy efficiency assessment before and after making any eligible improvements. The energy advisor provides a customized report showing the home's energy efficiency (EnerGuide) rating and upgrade options. This energy assessment must be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.

Homeowners can then choose what upgrades they make from the assessment. They have until March 31, 2014 to make any eligible improvements and complete the post-retrofit assessment. The energy advisor will handle all of the paperwork in applying for incentives after the energy assessment.

Quotes:

Minister of Energy Mines and Natural Gas, Rich Coleman:

"The most important investment for most British Columbians is their home. The LiveSmart BC program has helped over 100,000 people improve their home's energy efficiency."

"Through LiveSmart BC, homeowners can easily increase the value of their home, make it more comfortable and save on monthly energy bills."

Executive director, Power Smart and customer care, Lisa Coltart:

Home improvements aimed at energy efficiency are a good long-term investment that can help you reduce your energy bills. LiveSmart BC provides a 'one-stop shop' for British Columbians, making it easier to access rebates and incentives."

Vice president, energy solutions and external relations, FortisBC, Doug Stout:

"This program has proven a valuable resource for our customers who want to complete the deep retrofits necessary to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

"We're very committed to seeing this program continue and making sure our customers have ongoing access to a centralized program for rebates."

Quick Facts:

• The new incentives are for homeowners entering the program on or after April 1, 2013.

• Homeowners who have previously participated in the LiveSmart BC program are eligible to re-enter the program.

• The program continues to pay $150 toward each initial energy assessment, lowering the cost for families to access this $325 service to $175 or less per home.

• Since its launch in 2008, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program has:

• Stimulated between $852 million and $947 million in incremental economic activity and has created 8,523 to 14,205 person years of employment.

• Helped more than 100,000 homeowners in communities throughout B.C.

Learn More:

To find out how to participate in the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program or find an energy advisor near you, visit: www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates

If your utility is FortisBC, you can find out more at, http://fortisbc.com/NaturalGas/Homes/Offers/LiveSmartBC/Pages/default.aspx or http://fortisbc.com/Electricity/PowerSense/IncentivesPrograms/Pages/LiveSmart-BC-Efficiency-Incentive-Program.aspx

If your utility is BC Hydro, you can learn more at www.bchydro.com/livesmartbc

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas
250 952-0617

BC Hydro Media Relations
604 928-6468

Nicole Bogdanovic
Communications Specialist
FortisBC
250 469-6078
nicole.bogdanovic@fortisbc.com