In September 2024 BC Hydro partnered with the BC Government and launched the multi-unit residential building retrofit program. The aim of the program was to update and improve the energy efficiency of multi-unit residential buildings. It provides owners with a chance to upgrade their buildings with more energy-efficient technology, move away from fossil fueled power and reduce their energy consumption.  

is your building eligible?

We’ve included some of the criteria for the program below: 

• Purpose-built rental buildings, condominiums and equity co-op buildings. 

• Located in BC Hydro’s service territory. 

• Low-rise/high-rise and stacked townhome buildings, three stories or higher. 

• Common area lighting and central mechanical systems. 

A full list of eligibility criteria can be found on BC Hydro’s website here. 

What’s Included? 

There are a number of offerings included in the retrofit program, some of which are detailed further below.  

At BES, our team of specialists are here to guide you through the program offerings and provide the information you need on the rebates that best suit your efficiency journey. As proud members of the alliance of energy professionals, you can feel confident that we meet all the necessary qualifications to serve as your trusted consultants. 

If you’d like further help in finding the right offers for you, BC Hydro have a great search tool available to simplify the right offerings for you, which you can access by clicking here.  

Opportunity Assessment 

This assessment is a way to identify projects that can improve energy efficiency across your building. 

Included in the high-level assessment that we conduct will be: 

• High-efficiency heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system upgrades 

• Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting 

• Implementing smart controls systems for HVAC and Lighting systems 

• Integrating solar PV panels and battery energy storage 

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging  

Funding covers up to 100% of the assessment cost to a maximum of $5,000 meaning our services will be free of charge to you. 

Feasibility Study 

Funding covers up to $30,000 for us to complete a feasibility study that provides a detailed engineering analysis and business case for retrofitting a specific HVAC / Electrical system in your building. 

The study will provide the following, for retrofitting a specific system: 

·         Option Analysis (baseline plus 2 retrofit options) 

·         Supply & Install Cost Estimates (Class C) 

·         Energy Savings (Electricity & Fossil Fuels) 

·         GhG Emissions Reduction 

·         Detailed business case / cost benefit analysis to make an informed decision 

·         Impact and risk assessment 

Rebates 

The multi-unit residential building retrofit program opens the gateway for a number of rebates/extra-funding for: 

• Heat Pump & Controls Upgrades (for buildings currently heated by electricity). 

• Heat Pump & Controls Upgrades (for buildings currently heated by natural gas, oil or  
  propane). 

• Pump & Fan Motor Controls Upgrade. 

• Parkade Carbon Monoxide (CO) Controls Upgrade. 

• LED Lighting & Controls Upgrade. 

Funding for custom projects is also available, including envelope upgrades, other central heat pump systems, and heat recovery ventilation system upgrades, without pre-determined rebate amounts.