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.

Indigenous Communities Conservation Program

Overview

Rebate amount

Rebates vary depending on program stream and selected upgrades

Who 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.

Qualifying products

Training, free energy-saving products and rebates to implement home energy upgrades for Indigenous community members

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

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.

Free

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:
  • 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:

Who to contact

FAQs and more