New Incentives for Industrial Energy Efficiency
BC Hydro has sweetened its programs for industrial customers, offering new options to save money on projects today that will also help cut costs tomorrow.
The Power Smart Partner – Transmission (PSPT) program is designed for industrial customers that are billed under the transmission rate (Rate Schedule 1823, also called the Stepped Rate), including pulp and paper organizations, large sawmills, mining operators, chemical plants, oil and gas operations, transportation and large manufacturers.
Under the revised PSPT program, customers can access improved support for industrial efficiency in two ways:
- Fantastic incentives for industrial efficiency projects: Customers can now receive up to 100 per cent funding for projects under $1 million, and up to 75 per cent funding for those above $1 million (previously incentives were limited to projects of $500,000 or less). The new incentives cover or reduce the upfront cost of retrofits or new equipment purchases needed for improved efficiencies, reducing or completely eliminating payback time.
- Two-tiered financial support for an industrial energy manager: Customers who choose the “SEMP option” (Strategic Energy Management Plan) can get 75 per cent of the cost of their energy manager’s salary (up to 100 per cent for the first three months) in return for signing up for a more strategic, long-term approach to energy management.
Customers can participate in individual energy saving initiatives, through which they benefit from the new incentives, or they can commit to a more integrated and systematic approach to energy management with SEMP. The SEMP option offers sustainable savings and a trend of continuous improvement, helping customers move away from one-off projects to a place where they can reap benefits from efficiency and innovation on a continuing basis.
Whichever options customers choose, it’s a win-win for all, with energy savings and value for customers, Alliance members, BC Hydro and, most important, the environment.
For more information, please contact Bill Atamanchuk.