Power Smart New Home Program

Build a better home,
a Power Smart home

The most cost-effective way to save energy in the home is to design with energy efficiency in mind. Our New Home Program encourages builders and developers to build an energy-efficient home – a Power Smart home. Working with builders and developers, BC Hydro Power Smart wants to create homes that cost less to operate and are more comfortable places to live.

The offer

Builders who build to Power Smart New Home standards receive:

• Financial incentives* for the home’s EnerGuide rating and the installation of ENERGY STAR appliances
• Promotional opportunities and funding
• Power Smart branding for the home

*The incentive amount is subject to available funding. See a developer representative for details.

Who qualifies

The Power Smart New Home Program is designed for residential builders and developers of single family homes, town homes, or qualifying low-rise multi-family residential buildings.

Builder benefits

Set your development apart in a crowded marketplace.

In a competitive market, every distinguishing feature helps. When buying a Power Smart home, homeowners know they'll enjoy increased comfort and decreased operating costs for the lifetime of the home.

Benefits include:

• Promotion of your housing development  on our website;
• On-site energy efficiency evaluations to improve building envelope performance;
• Financial incentives to reduce your upgrade costs;
• The reputation of the Power Smart brand recognized and valued by consumers.

How it works

1. Conduct a pre-construction evaluation.
   • Get house plans evaluated by a Certified Energy Advisor who will make recommendations to increase the performance rating of the home.
2. Construct the home(s).
3. Conduct a post-construction verification.
   • After construction, a blower door test is conducted by the Certified Energy Advisor to verify the air changes per hour (ACH), which is inputted into the software program for a final performance rating.
4. Apply for incentives and a Power Smart label. The home receives a Power Smart label when an EGNH 77 rating or higher is achieved.
   • To submit to BC Hydro, download and complete the application form:
     • Single Family Dwelling and Row/Townhouse [PDF, 363 Kb]
     • Apartments and Condominiums [PDF, 388 Kb]
   • Application forms can be mailed to:
     Power Smart New Home Program
     900-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4T8
   • After processing the application form, incentives will be paid to the builder.

Contact us

A Power Smart New Home representative can discuss energy-efficient design and products with you. Contact us for more information. Our representatives will provide you with all the information you need to participate.