Affordable Warmth BC

Did you know that there are over 100 rebates programs in British Columbia to help those in the affordable homes sector make their homes more energy efficient?There are:

• 18 toilet rebate programs
• 21 wood stove exchange programs
• 24 rebate programs through utilities
• 30 federal government incentive programs
• 55 local government incentive programs
• 8 programs specifically for First Nation’s housing energy efficiency initiatives

With the cost of energy high, more and more savvy people are looking for ways to cut costs. Upgrades – some simple, some more complex – could be the answer. But how one begins the process of sourcing ideas and connecting with relevant funding can be confusing.

City Green Solutions, an enterprising non-profit with a mission to excite, inspire and lead BC residents and businesses in finding innovative home and building-energy efficiency solutions, has launched its new Affordable Warmth BC (AWBC) program. This is the only non-profit provider of the ecoEnergy and LiveSmartBC homeowner grant program which serves tenants, low-to-moderate-income homeowners, and those in the affordable housing sector. AWBC provides, in one place, program descriptions, eligibility criteria, links to application forms, free information and support in accessing energy-efficiency grants, rebates and other funding.

“Housing in BC is expensive, and many people are living in homes that are costly to keep warm. Energy efficiency upgrades can help maintain housing affordability by shrinking energy bills,” says Britt Karlstrom, Affordable Warmth Program Coordinator. “We’re excited that our Affordable Warmth BC service now helps connect people to relevant funding sources for energy saving projects.”

Renters, homeowners, social housing providers, and municipal governments seeking to reduce retrofit costs, save money on energy bills, or meet climate change goals can find out more about Affordable Warmth BC by visiting http://www.affordablewarmth.ca. You can also call Britt Karlstrom at 1-866-381-9995 Ext.108 or email her at environment@citygreen,ca.

“This is a valuable resource for non-profit housing providers and others in the community who own or operate housing and are seeking affordable ways to increase their energy efficiency,” said Natasha Jategaonkar, Research Director at BC Non-Profit Housing Association. “By collating all of the existing programs and creating a convenient search tool, the AWBC website will help ensure that non-profit housing providers are able to access all available resources efficiently and effectively.”