Frequently Asked Questions

New Westminster is taking significant strides toward a sustainable future. Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the City has committed to aggressive greenhouse gas reduction strategies to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C. The Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action outline a comprehensive approach to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

In 2022, the updated Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP 2050) was endorsed, detailing a clear pathway to net-zero emissions, including specific interim targets. The City’s recent amendments to the Building Bylaw align with the updated B.C. Energy Step Code requirements in B.C. Building Code. Additionally, the City has also introduced timeline to implement the highest steps of the B.C. Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code.

Energy Save New West program, established in 2013, continues to support local residents and businesses in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. These local efforts complement Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which aims for a 40-45% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels, alongside British Columbia’s target of an 80% reduction below 2007 levels by 2050.

With these ambitious initiatives, New Westminster envisions a carbon-free future, leading the way in climate action at the local level.

Our goal is to enhance the experience for local residents and businesses in saving energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving health and comfort. Key services include:

Rebates & Incentives
We offer a comprehensive suite of financial aids and services, including discounted energy assessments and access to federal, provincial, and utility rebates, along with municipal top-ups.

Industry Training
We engage with local builders, architects, and designers by providing training and professional development sessions. This initiative promotes the construction of high-quality, energy-efficient homes in New Westminster.

Energy Efficiency Workshops
Our educational webinars and workshops help residents understand energy efficiency and its implementation. Programs like Empower Me helps the City effectively communicate its initiatives to diverse multicultural and hard-to-reach communities, promoting equity in participation.

Participant Support
We prioritize a seamless customer experience, offering comprehensive support throughout the program. This end-to-end assistance makes it easier for participants to engage and have a better overall energy efficiency experience with Energy Save New West.

There are several rebate and incentive programs available from utilities and governments to financially assist homeowners undertaking energy efficiency upgrades. These programs can significantly offset costs, but eligibility requirements and rebate amounts can vary and change over time. Therefore, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest offerings.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking the details regularly. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding an energy upgrade, please contact Energy Save New West.

As of September 30, 2024, the following programs are available to assist homeowners with energy efficiency upgrades. Please note that the details and links may change over time: 

Canada Greener Homes Loan (Federal Program):

• Interest-free loans up to $40,000 with a 10-year repayment term

CleanBC Better Homes (Provincial Program):

• Offers rebates for various energy upgrade measures, which include, but are not limited to the following: 
• Heat Pump (Central Ducted, Ductless, and Air-to-Water) 
• Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Electric service Upgrade
• CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program (Previously Income Qualified Program): Provides enhanced rebates for those who meet income eligibility requirements, including rebates for health and safety upgrades.

BC Hydro Residential Rebates and Free Programs:

• Offers various rebate and incentives outside of the CleanBC Better Homes program, such as Energy-Efficient Products Rebates, and the EV Charger Rebate. Check the website for the latest offer information.

FortisBC Rebates and Offers:

• Offers various rebate and incentives outside of the CleanBC Better Homes program, such as Appliance Maintenance Rebates, and the Connected Thermostat Rebate, throughout the year. Check the website for the latest offer information.

In September 2024, the two new programs were launched to support whole-building retrofits for apartments, condominiums and co-ops, helping make homes more comfortable and reducing energy bills.

CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program
Provides rebates and energy coaching to building owners, strata councils, and equity co-op boards to help them adopt more energy-efficient and cleaner technologies. Additionally, it offers funding for the electrical upgrades required to shift buildings from fossil fuels to clean electricity.

BC Retrofit Accelerator
Provides expert advice and support services to strata councils and the owners and managers of larger commercial and residential properties, including rental, non-market, and off-reserve Indigenous housing. This coaching covers all stages of a retrofit project, including identifying technology and financing options, as well as assistance with procurement and implementation.

• Market Rental Building
• Non-Profit Housing
• Strata-Owned Residential Buildings

Currently, several programs are available for renters and social housing providers in New Westminster to assess and improve energy efficiency. These initiatives include:

• Energy Assessments: Programs that evaluate a home’s energy efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
• Free Energy-Saving Kits: Kits provided to help residents implement energy-saving measures in their homes.
• Energy Coaching: Personalized support to guide participants on how to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.
• Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Opportunities for income-qualified participants to receive assistance with upgrades that improve energy efficiency.
• Funding for Non-Profit Housing Providers: Access to forgivable and low-interest loans for non-profit housing providers to finance building retrofits and meet climate goals.

As of September 30, 2024, the following programs are available to assist homeowners with energy efficiency upgrades. Please note that details and links may change over time. For the latest information and to explore available options, contact Energy Save New West:

Canada Greener Affordable Housing
Helps affordable housing providers complete deep energy retrofits on existing multi-unit residential buildings.

BC Retrofit Accelerator Non-Profit Housing:
Provides incentives for incremental consultant, capital, retrofit, and resilient replacement costs.

Energy Conservation Assistance Program:
Provides an in-home visit with free energy-saving product installation including LED light bulbs, high efficiency showerheads and more.

Free Energy Saving Kits:
Offers free energy saving kits for income qualified households. The kits include water-efficient showerhead, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, whether-stripping, outlet and switch plate sealers, and more.

Social Housing Retrofit Support Program:
Provides energy study funding, implementation support funding, and incentives on a variety of high-efficiency natural gas and electric upgrades to charities and non-profit housing providers.

CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program (Previously Income Qualified Program):
Provides enhanced rebates for those who meet income eligibility requirements, including rebates for health and safety upgrades.

New Westminster Electrical Utility customers qualify for most BC Hydro rebate programs. However, the solar panel/battery storage rebates are currently not available to customers of New West Electrical Utility.

Please contact Energy Save New West or BC Hydro to confirm the latest information on available programs for New West residents. 

To support local residents with heat pump upgrades, we’ve introduced new infosheets to guide homeowners in selecting the right-sized equipment and making informed decisions for quality installations.

The two new infosheets on Central Ducted and Ductless Heat Pumps are designed to help homeowners make informed decisions before selecting and installing heat pump systems. Key considerations covered in these infosheets include:

• Installation Costs: Factors that can potentially affect the costs.
• Equipment Sizing: Guidance on selecting the right size for optimal efficiency and comfort.
• Existing Ductwork: Considerations regarding the suitability of current ductwork for central systems (for ducted system only).
• Multi-Zone vs. Single Zone Systems: Differences between multi-zone and single-zone systems and determining factors (for ductless system only).
• Electrical Panel/Service Capacity: Potential need for upgrading the existing electrical panel and service.
• Indoor/Outdoor Units: Key factors to evaluate when choosing the placement and type of units.

Additionally, the infosheets provide useful links for available rebates and incentives to help offset costs.

We also offer a comprehensive Homeowner Heat Pump Checklist, which outlines a step-by-step list of considerations for different stages of heat pump installation. This checklist helps homeowners ensure they address all important factors while working with an HVAC contractor to achieve a quality installation.

For more information and access to these resources, please contact Energy Save New West.

The EnerGuide Home Evaluations program is developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)and designed to help homeowners understand their home’s energy efficiency. Conducted by certified Energy Advisors, the assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of the home, identifying areas where energy is being wasted and suggesting improvements.

Benefits of an EnerGuide Home Evaluation include:

• Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your home’s overall energy efficiency.
• Receiving a detailed written report outlining the findings from the evaluation.
• Obtaining personalized recommendations from a certified energy advisor on the most impactful upgrades for your home.
• Enjoying increased comfort and reduced utility bills after implementing the suggested improvements.
• Recognizing that energy efficiency upgrades can potentially enhance your home’s market value.

Key components of the EnerGuide Evaluation Reports include:

Home Owner Information Sheet (HOIS):
Provides a summary of the assessment findings and includes key details such as:

• Energy Rating: A score that indicates the overall energy efficiency of the home.
• House Details: Current status and information on the home’s existing energy measures, including insulation, windows and doors, airtightness, mechanical systems, and heated floor area. 

Renovation Upgrade Report (RUR):
Provides a summary of recommendations for energy upgrades along with a roadmap for implementation.

• Energy Performance: Estimated annual energy consumption in GJ that reflects the home’s energy efficiency.
• Recommendations and Energy Efficiency Roadmap: Tailored suggestions for energy upgrades and improvements, such as insulation, windows, heating systems, and more.
• Energy Efficiency Forecast: Information on your home’s energy saving and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential for recommended improvements, along with expected energy savings by measure.

Performance Label
An official record of your home’s energy performance, which may help increase its resale value.

Energy Save New West provides subsidies to existing homeowners to receive a pre-retrofit EnerGuide Home Evaluation through the Existing Homes Program. Please contact us for more information.