Save on solar hot water in the City of Vancouver

$4,300 incentive from the City, SolarBC, Offsetters and Terasen Gas available until December 31, 2010

SURREY, BC, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Terasen Gas is reminding residents in the City of Vancouver to take advantage of a limited time incentive of $4,300 available for solar hot water installations in both new and existing homes.

The $4,300 incentive is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to 30 Vancouver homeowners who install a solar hot water system before December 31, 2010, and is made possible through a collaborative pilot program between Terasen Gas, the City of Vancouver, Solar BC and Offsetters.

"Terasen Gas is always looking for ways to help customers conserve energy and save on their gas bill," says Doug Stout, Vice President, Energy Solutions and External Relations, Terasen Gas and FortisBC. "This is an important pilot initiative that will allow us to gather real data on the performance and energy savings of solar hot water systems within B.C."

Solar thermal power is becoming a very real and attractive option for many people to heat their home's water. Energy-efficient and reliable, solar hot water systems are well suited for B.C.'s climate. While the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days, a conventional natural gas hot water heating system operates as a back-up to ensure hot water can be supplied when needed.

"This is a fantastic savings for homeowners interested in installing solar hot water," says Liz Kelly, SolarBC Project Manager. "We've had a 30 per cent uptake in the program, and we encourage homeowners to take advantage of the incentive before December 31. This limited time offer should help tip the scales in favour of installing solar hot water for those homeowners who've only been thinking about it at this point."

"The City of Vancouver, Terasen Gas, SolarBC and Offsetters are providing this limited time offer in order to accelerate uptake of solar technology in Vancouver's residential market," says Rachel Moscovich, Sustainable Development Planner with the City. "This pilot program will make solar more accessible to homeowners in Vancouver, prove the viability of solar in our climate, build capacity and create new green jobs."

For more information about the program, or to find a list of qualified installers, call toll free 1-866-650-6527 or visit www.solarbc.ca

Terasen Gas is composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. Terasen Gas is a leading integrated energy solutions provider, focused on the safe and reliable provision of natural gas, propane and alternative energy solutions. Terasen Gas serves approximately 939,000 residential and commercial customers in more than 125 B.C. communities. Terasen Gas employs more than 1,280 people in British Columbia and is indirectly wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. 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.

Partner information
City of Vancouver: Find out what Vancouver is doing as a solar community at: vancouver.ca/solar

SolarBC: For more information about the SolarBC program, call toll free: 1-866-650-6527, email: [email protected] or visit the website at: solarbc.ca

Offsetters: Provides high quality solutions for individuals and organizations seeking to reduce their climate impact. For more information: offsetters.ca

For further information:

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Walker
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Emily Kendy
Solar BC
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Email: [email protected]

City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]