The only thing better than going green and reducing your environmental footprint is saving money at the same time. The links below will give you more information about several ways you can do just that.
Rebates & Incentives
Home Energy Rebates
Increase the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your household’s eco-footprint and save money on heating and cooling costs.
EnerGuide Existing Homes Rebate Program
Starting May 1, 2018, the CVRD has $300 rebates available for Comox Valley homeowners that complete pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations to identify options to improve the energy efficiency of their existing homes. These rebates are available on a first come, first served basis, and homeowners in all areas of the Comox Valley (including municipalities) are eligible. To apply, submit the following documentation to the CVRD:
Completed EnerGuide Home Evaluation rebate form (link)
First page of the pre-retrofit Home Energy Assessment report, showing the EnerGuide rating
A receipt for the pre-retrofit Home Energy Assessment report, showing the assessment was completed after May 1, 2018
Submissions may be by email, mail, or in person at the CVRD’s main office:
Home Energy Assessment Rebate
Comox Valley Regional District
600 Comox Road
Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6
communityservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of completing an EnerGuide home evaluation?
There are many benefits to having an energy advisor complete an evaluation of the energy efficiency of your home, including:
It can be a first step in making your home more comfortable.
It can identify upgrades that will return long-term savings on energy costs.
You can learn more about how your home works as a system.
Make energy efficiency improvements a selling point to prospective buyers of your home.
Access rebates from BC Hydro & others for specific upgrades to your home’s energy efficiency – complete three or more upgrades to be eligible for a $750 bonus offer!
What rebates are available for upgrades to my homes energy efficiency?
BC Hydro’s home renovation rebate program offers rebates for draftproofing, adding insulation, or installing a ductless heat pump. Visit bchydro.com to learn more (link)
I completed a pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation prior to April 30, 2018. Am I eligible for this rebate?
Rebates available under this program are for home evaluations completed May 1, 2018 or later. If you are completing home energy upgrades, and will be completing a post-retrofit home evaluation, you may qualify for future anticipated rebates for post-retrofit evaluations.
I’m registered for the Oil to Heat Pump program. Am I also eligible for this rebate?
The CVRD is also offering top-up incentives towards the Oil to Heat Pump program, therefore participants in the Oil to Heat Pump program are not eligible for this Home Energy Assessment Rebate program.
How long will this program be offered?
There are a limited quantity of rebates available under this program, and they will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where can I find contact information for local energy advisors?
The Home Performance Stakeholder Council’s website includes a listing of energy advisors (http://homeperformance.ca/energy-advisors/). For convenience, here also is a list of energy advisors that work on existing homes in the Comox Valley:
Darrell Eason, Focused Energy Assessments, 250-650-4661
Bruce Gray, Zero Energy Advisors, 250-740-5791
Chris Wiebe, Verdatech Energy Management & Consulting, 250-714-2274
This list is for reference only and is not intended as an endorsement by the CVRD. If your company provides energy assessments for existing homes and is not listed here, please contact 250-334-6038.
Oil to Heat Pump Program
Up to $2,100 in incentives to switch from oil heating to a heat pump, including a $400 incentive from the CVRD.
Energy Efficient Houses Rebate Program
Starting January 1, 2018, receive 25 to 100 per cent rebate on building permit fee for achieving Step 3 or higher of the BC Energy Step Code. The BC Energy Step Code is a voluntary provincial standard that aims to create more energy efficient buildings. There are five steps for houses, and each step represents different energy efficiency requirements. Steps 1 to 3 can be achieved using construction techniques and products readily understood and available in today’s market. Homes built to Steps 4 and 5 are more ambitious.
| Step | Description | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20% More Energy Efficient than BC Building Code;Comparable to Energy Star or Built Green | 25% |
| 4 | 40% More Energy Efficient than BC Building Code; Comparable to R-2000 | 50% |
| 5 | Net Zero Energy Ready | 100% |
The application form, along with the board policy on this rebate program available here.
Wood Stove Exchange Program
Rebate to upgrade a non-EPA wood stove to a new qualified heating appliance. Available rebates range from $250 for a new EPA certified wood stove to $1,000 for an electric heat pump.
BC Home Energy Coach Program
This new province-wide program provides information about the options and opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Knowledgeable program staff can help answer your questions at all stages of your home energy improvement project by phone or email.
BC Hydro & FortisBC Home Renovation Rebate Program
Multiple incentives are available for increasing your home energy efficiency. Significant changes include a 40 per cent increase to the incentives paid for improving insulation, and the addition of a $150 incentive for obtaining an EnerGuide Home Evaluation with a Qualified Energy Advisor.
BC Hydro Power Smart Program for Low-Income Households
BC Hydro offers a separate program to help offset energy costs for low-income households and families.
Water Incentives
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is committed to helping residents become more efficient with water usage and reduce their water consumption. Doing so lowers demand, reduces wasted water and, in turn, helps to keep future infrastructure costs down.
Smart Control Irrigation Rebate
$300 rebate for the purchase of a qualifying smart irrigation controller. The installation of smart control, to an irrigation system, helps residents use water more efficiently.
Water Leak Rebate
Billing adjustment for homeowners that have experienced a water leak resulting in above average consumption of water. Once the leak is located and repaired, the homeowner can complete a leak rebate application and submit it to the CVRD for review and calculation.
Building and Construction Rebates
Several green building grants, incentives and rebates are available for construction projects within the Comox Valley Regional District.
Natural Resources Canada
ecoENERGY Audit and Retrofit Programs – a comprehensive list of energy-efficiency related financial incentives for British Columbians.
Recreation Incentives
Looking for financial assistance programs for recreation activities? Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.