New Plant Design Program

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With Power Smart, it's simpler and more cost-effective than ever to reap the benefits of energy-efficient plant design.

It’s no secret that energy is a major operations expense for any industrial facility. And the reality is, as energy demand increases, it’s a cost that can only continue to rise. That’s a big part of the reason why plant owners are looking toward energy-efficient design and technology to help control costs.

We’re here to help you do exactly that. It doesn’t matter whether you are just starting on the path to energy conservation or if you already have an extensive energy management plan in place. Power Smart’s New Plant Design Program provides the incentives and expertise you need to move forward with confidence when designing a new or expanded facility.

Why design new plants for efficiency? For one thing, it’s more effective than expensive retrofits down the road. More importantly, it’s about giving yourself a major head start on your fiscal, environmental and productivity goals.

Is this program for you?

Our New Plant Design Program is designed for all industrial customers who meet two basic requirements:

• You’re planning either a new greenfield facility or you are expanding an existing facility enough to increase the power load by at least 5%.
• Your facility has a savings potential of more than $9,000 annually (to be determined during your fully funded energy study).

Even if your project doesn’t meet these requirements, you may still be able to benefit from other Power Smart programs. Contact us and we’ll help you find a program tailored to your needs.

Clever incentives for clever design

We'll pay for your energy study. BC Hydro will pay the complete cost of a comprehensive energy study, which will help you make informed and confident choices about meeting your facility’s energy needs. That includes establishing the plant’s energy baseline, as well as evaluating alternative design options and key opportunities for improving efficiency.

You will have the choice to work with one of our Power Smart Alliance members or your own preferred engineering firm. In either case, you’ll have access to Power Smart engineering experts in building design, lighting, HVAC, envelope, electrical systems and process.

We'll make it simple. Your energy study is really just the beginning. By taking part, you’ll gain access to additional Power Smart resources and offers – everything from employee energy awareness training and co-funding to hire a long-term energy manager, to funding for demonstrations of advanced technology and energy innovation applications new to B.C.

If you decide to take advantage of our efficient-design incentives, we also have a streamlined application process to ensure you can participate without affecting your design schedule.

We'll reward good design. If you decide to follow through with any of the recommendations from your energy study, we have two incentives that reward you for choosing efficient design:

• Savings on your transmission rate – This option gives transmission customers long-term savings on their facility’s electricity rate as well as savings from more efficient design choices. It is ideal for customers wanting to reduce operating costs after the construction is finished.
• Up-front capital incentive – This option reduces the payback period on energy-efficient design choices. It is perfect for both transmission and distribution customers whose primary concern is managing the construction budget. (Please note that the capital incentives are capped at the amount needed to reduce the payback to two years.)

For example, let’s say that your energy study shows that you can save 500,000 kWh every year with just $150,000 worth of efficiency improvements to your plant design. Those improvements would qualify for a capital incentive of up to $70,000). Add to that energy costs saved – in this case, up to $25,000 each year – and you can see how powerful good design really is.

Of course, that’s just an example. The exact incentive levels vary depending on the individual project and whether you’re a transmission or distribution customer – we can advise you on the best option for your particular situation.

We'll recognize your commitment. We believe in giving credit where credit is due. Complete the program and we’ll be proud to recognize your commitment to conservation:

• You’ll have the option of participating in a Power Smart case study to showcase your accomplishment and promote efficient design to peers in your industry.
• Your team will be eligible for the Power Smart Excellence Awards, an annual ceremony to recognize outstanding energy leadership and commitment.
• You will be able to leverage the Power Smart brand in your marketing materials.