The Custom-Lite Program is a simplified version of the Custom Program, meant to facilitate smaller electrification opportunities across the commercial and institutional building sector. Similar to the Custom Program, the Custom-Lite Program will offer incentives for both energy studies and capital equipment replacements that result in GHG reductions from fuel-switching and other electrification measures (such as heat reclaim systems).

• Air-to-water heat pump water heater
• Air-to-air rooftop heat pump
• Sewage heat recovery pump
• High-efficiency (>75%) HRV*
• Electric water heater**
• Air source VRF
• Electrical cooking equipment

The following measures qualify but are typically found in larger buildings and as such may exceed the GHG criteria thresholds for the Custom-Lite Program:

• Heat recovery chiller*
• Ground source heat pump
• Water-to-water heat pump
• Exhaust air heat recovery heat pump
• Electric boiler**
• Water source VRF

*Proposed measures leading to a gas dominant heating system (i.e.  Gas heating equipment with greater than 50% share in total building heating energy consumption) should first contact FortisBC to inquire about eligibility in its gas DSM program.
**Electric boiler only will be accepted if all other more efficient heat pump options are not feasible.

Eligibility for retrofit incentives can be obtained by submitting a completed Custom-Lite Workbook with either 1) an already completed energy study, 2) substantive engineering documentation, or 3) an approved energy study report. Eligibility is dependent on a review of all documentation by BC Hydro’s Conservation and Efficiency Management (CEM) Engineering.

If you completed an energy study prior to applying for Custom-Lite funding, you can still access Capital Incentive funding. An energy study completed prior to the launch of the Custom-Lite Program or funded from a third-party can be eligible for Custom-Lite Capital Incentive funding provided it is approved by BC Hydro. These studies are not eligible for Energy Study-Lite funding.

Energy studies provide detailed technical information, quantified energy information, and expected implementation costs, and help determine the most effective energy efficiency measure for implementation. The Custom-Lite program offers funding supporting the completion of energy studies.

The program will support up to 50% of an energy study cost, up to a maximum of $2,000. Any remaining balance will be funded by the customer. Energy studies must be completed by a registered member of the BC Hydro Alliance of Energy Professionals.

The Custom-Lite Workbook is an Excel Spreadsheet with information on preliminary building and/or equipment information, project cost and GHG estimates, as well as relevant contact and project team information. By completing the Workbook, both customers and program administrators will be able to determine if there is a viable opportunity for Custom-Lite funding.

The Workbook is mandatory for all commercial customers wishing to apply for energy study-lite funding and capital incentive funding through the Custom-Lite program. The Workbook is a free tool that can be obtained on the CleanBC Better Buildings website.

At the parent company level, you are eligible to receive a maximum of $48,000 in Custom-Lite funding, which can be spread across multiple projects/properties. Approvals are subject to overall program funding availability.

Demonstration projects may be considered if they are innovative technologies that are commercially available but not widely used in BC or for testing emerging technologies that are relatively new to the market. These projects may be considered for Custom-Lite funding if they create ‘real life’ examples of innovation and encourage customers to adopt emerging technologies. Such projects will be approved at the discretion of program administration.

An important consideration when exploring any electrification project is understanding potential building or localized capacity issues in the surrounding area. An electrical service upgrade may be required. This should be identified and explored by the contractor in the workbook and in consultation with BC Hydro.

Equipment purchased before the finalizing of the Capital Incentive Agreement would be deemed ineligible for Custom-Lite incentive funding.

No. If you have already received Capital Incentive funding from the Custom Program, you are not eligible for further funding under the Custom-Lite program. If you received Energy Study funding under the Custom Program but were not eligible for Capital Incentives funding due to not meeting the GHG reduction threshold of 1200 tCO2e over the lifetime of a measure, you may be eligible for Capital Incentive funding through the Custom-Lite Program.

Yes. The total amount of third party funding would be subtracted from the original Incremental Cost applied to the original calculated incentive amount. This updated incremental cost would then be applied and a new Incentive amount would be calculated.

For example, if you have a project with a $25,000 incremental cost that will produce 1,000 tCO2e of lifetime GHG savings, your maximum eligible Custom-Lite Capital Incentive will be $12,500 (50% of incremental cost). If you have received $5,000 from a third-party towards that same project, the Custom-Lite Capital Incentive would be recalculated to $10,000 ($25,000-5,000= $20,000 incremental cost).

Projects will be expected to be completed within a 12-month timeframe. If an extension is required, the request must be made to your Key Account Manager or the Power of Business Help Desk if you do not have a Key Account Manager. BC Hydro will assess the request, and if approved, will issue a one-time only extension of 6 months after the original expected project completion date as per the Incentive Agreement.

If the consultant/contractor you have chosen to work with is not an approved member of BC Hydro’s Alliance of Energy Professionals, the consultant may contact BC Hydro for assistance with gaining membership. After review and consent from BC Hydro, the application may continue moving forward while membership application is being completed.