Financial support continues for home energy efficiency upgrades

Home energy upgrades can net rebates from LiveSmart BC and FortisBC

KELOWNA, BC, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - FortisBC customers planning to complete energy upgrades to their home are encouraged to take advantage of continued rebates and incentives available through the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive program and from FortisBC directly.

"We encourage customers to continue to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses," said Tom Loski, vice president, customer service, FortisBC. "FortisBC remains committed to helping all customers save energy. We do this through our continued support of the provincial LiveSmart BC program and by offering our own programs to both natural gas and electricity customers."

Although the Federal ecoEnergy program is now closed to new participants, other rebates are readily available. LiveSmart BC provides up to $7,000 in assistance to people who complete energy efficiency upgrades under the advice of a certified energy advisor. There are incentives for specific upgrades including windows and doors, insulation, heat pumps, high efficiency furnaces and more. The first step to participating is to book an energy assessment with a certified energy advisor. When a homeowner completes some or all of the recommended upgrades, a post-retrofit assessment will qualify them for refunds. The upgrades and follow-up assessment must be completed on or before March 31, 2013 when program funding is scheduled to end.

Rebates and incentives are also available directly through FortisBC. Natural gas customers can access assistance for EnerChoice fireplaces, upgrading from propane or oil to natural gas furnaces and more. FortisBC electricity customers who may not be eligible for LiveSmart BC incentives can apply for rebates directly through FortisBC PowerSense. FortisBC PowerSense incentives are also available to electricity customers of Kelowna, Summerland, Grand Forks, Penticton and Nelson Hydro. For a complete list of the rebates and incentives available, visit fortisbc.com/rebates.

"It's important to note that in addition to rebates, customers who complete energy efficient upgrades to their home may see ongoing savings to their utility bills and improve the overall comfort of their home," said Loski.

FortisBC is committed to helping customers conserve energy and get the most out of their energy dollar by providing both financial incentives and advice on energy efficient technologies and practices. For more information on energy efficiency tips, rebates and programs to help you save energy in your home or business, visit fortisbc.com/rebates.

FortisBC is an integrated energy solutions provider focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity, propane and alternative energy solutions, at the lowest reasonable cost. FortisBC employs more than 2,300 British Columbians and serves approximately 1.1 million customers in more than 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC is indirectly wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines and approximately 46,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Inc., FortisBC Energy Inc., FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc., and FortisBC Energy (Whistler) Inc. do business as FortisBC. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

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Nicole Bogdanovic
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FortisBC
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