LiveSmart BC- Homeowners should call 1-866-381-9995 to book an energy assessment with one of Victoria City Green's Certified Energy Advisors (CEAs). This must be done BEFORE renovation work begins.
The program works in 3 stages:
- first assessment (for a cost of $150 plus tax) generates an EnerGuide reading (on a scale of 1-100) and a Retrofit Plan with a list of recommendations for efficiency improvement
- choose the recommendations you wish to follow (none are obligatory, but each carry a different points value) and remember to save receipts for work completed
- within 18 months of your first energy audit*, contact your CEA for a follow up assessment ($150 plus tax) to calculate the degree of energy efficient improvement in your home; City Green provides a new EnerGuide rating and a list of eligible grants, for which they will apply on the homeowner's behalf; LiveSmart cheques will be mailed to the homeowner; EnerGuide rating decal can be displayed on home.
*Note that this program is scheduled to stop on March 31, 2011. Though we hope the government will continue to support green building practices and homeowner utility savings, there are no guarantees of program continuation beyond this date. Homeowners are encouraged to complete this 3 step process before April, in order to secure rebate funds.
ecoENERGY program - This federal program applies to homeowners who had their first energy audit done prior to March 31, 2010; in that case, federal grants may be applied for in the same manner as for LiveSmart BC
www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
HST Rebate program - for new home construction or substantial renovations, save up to $26,250