Indigenous Communities Conservation Program
The BC Hydro Indigenous Communities Conservation Program and the FortisBC Indigenous Communities Conversation Program are for Indigenous communities (Bands) and provides free energy-saving products including LED light bulbs, showerheads, faucet aerators, and weatherstripping from BC Hydro and FortisBC. The program is also providing the training needed to upgrade homes in these communities for local contractors and installers. BC Hydro and FortisBC offer rebates on home efficiency upgrades including: insulation, ventilation, windows, doors, furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters, and new appliances.
Overview
Rebate amount
Rebates vary depending on program stream and selected upgradesWho can apply
Indigenous communities located in BC Hydro’s or FortisBC’s service territory
Deadline
Currently there is no deadline for the Indigenous Communities Conservation Program.
Funding provided by
BC Hydro, FortisBC
Rebate amount
The Indigenous Community Conservation Program is offering two options to assist Bands in completing home upgrades.
Support
Bands can choose one or both options depending on the renovations they are planning on completing.
Offers
Rebate
Free energy-savings products, salary support and installation training to complete upgrades such as energy efficient lighting, high performance faucets and showerheads, and basic draftproofing.
Free energy efficient upgrade training.
Bands and their contractors can receive training to complete larger upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and heat pumps and apply for rebates to support the costs.
Eligibility requirements
In order to qualify for this rebate, all of the following requirements must be met. Please read them carefully. Contact an Energy Coach if you have questions.
You must live in an Indigenous community (Band) located in BC Hydro’s or FortisBC’s service territory
This program is ideal for Bands that have:
- Plans to complete energy efficiency upgrades (or have already started renovations) and are looking for support to improve energy efficiency
- Job readiness programs or trades training that provide local skilled labour
- Previously participated in the Energy Conservation Assistance Program but are interested in completing additional home efficiency upgrades
Deadlines
Currently there is no deadline for the Indigenous Communities Conservation Program.
How to apply
- BC Hydro and FortisBC work directly with communities to assist with the application process. To get started:
- Contact BC Hydro at 1-866-266-6366 or email indigenousconservation@bchydro.com or FortisBC at 1-866-884-8833 (Press 4) or email conservationassistance@fortisbc.com.
- The Program works with a designated Project Lead in your community to coordinate and deliver one or both options of the program.
- The Project Lead will be responsible for:
- Ordering free energy-saving products for homes through BC Hydro.
- Hiring individuals to install free energy-saving products (with salary support from BC Hydro and FortisBC).
- Coordinating training for Band staff as well as local contractors/installers.
- Coordinating home visits where trained individuals will assess the potential for energy upgrades and install free energy-saving products in homes.
- Applying to BC Hydro and FortisBC for rebates on eligible upgrades that have been installed.
- Training will be provided to all Project Leads, corresponding Band staff and local contractors/installers for:
- Assessing homes for relevant energy efficiency upgrades.
- Installing free energy-saving products in homes.
- Best practices for Air Sealing and Insulation Retrofits.
Who to contact
FAQs and more
