Frequently Asked Questions

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Program-related

Why are you providing Energy Saving Kits only to low income households?
There are many Power Smart programs that offer customers rebate incentives but rebate programs may not be accessible for customers that have limited disposable income. The Power Smart Energy Saving Kit program for Low Income Households addresses this issue by providing energy saving products free of charge.

I'm not low-income household but I want the kit. What can I do?
ECO-FITT is BC Hydro's supplier for the energy saving kit. Their products can be purchased online at https://www.eco-fitt.com/powersmart/ or by phone 1 877 ECO-FITT (1 877 326 3488). A list of the items included in the kit is offered online. You can also purchase a number of the items from local hardware stores (Home Depot, Revy). Other general retailers also carry some of the basic products (CFL bulbs, door and window insulators) such as Canadian Superstore, London Drugs, Canadian Tire, even select dollar stores!

I don't have a BC Hydro account number because I'm a student living in residence/live in a basement suite/don't pay for electricity directly. How do I get a kit?
The energy saving kit is only available to BC Hydro account holders and City of New Westminister account holders. The energy efficient products can be purchased from a variety of local retail outlets. There are also a number of no-cost alternatives to saving energy.

Why are only BC Hydro account holders eligible for this kit?
The intent of the program is to directly help low income customers save energy and save money on their utility bills. The people who need the program and will benefit the most are those customers that are directly responsible for paying their bills, since the energy savings from the kits will result in lowered utility bills.

What if my income (or any qualifying information) changes in the future?
You are welcome to apply again after 30 days of your last application.

Can I apply with my commercial account number?
No, the ESK program is only for residential customers paying the residential rate (1101).

Installation-related

What do you do with the items that come with the kit?
An installation guide is provided with each kit. Please follow all instructions carefully including safety measures. You may also contact ECO-FITT directly for help over the phone 1 877 ECO-FITT (1 877 326 3488). If you live in an apartment or other dwelling managed by a landlord, ask for permission and/or assistance before installing any products.

Can BC Hydro send someone to help me install the kit?
BC Hydro currently does not offer this service. If you are uncertain about installing certain products, please consult someone you know for help. If you live in an apartment or other dwelling managed by a landlord, ask for permission and/or assistance before installing any products. (When appropriate, refer customer to the Energy Conservation Assistance Program).

Do CFLs contain mercury? Should I be concerned?
Most CFLs contain less than 4mg of mercury (about one-fifth of what’s in an average watch battery and less than one-hundredth that found in a typical amalgam dental filling). The mercury in CFLs can be released in to the environment if the glass is broken. In the unlikely event the glass is broken, it is important to dispose of CFLs properly. If you break a CFL, ventilate the area, and wipe up any fragments with a wet cloth. Place the broken CFL and glass in a sealed bag and bring it to your local recycling centre.

Do CFLs cause skin disorders or headaches?
There is no scientific evidence that CFL usage causes skin disorders or headaches. Fluorescent lights (such as CFLs) do emit a small amount of UV (Ultraviolet Light), but the exposure from a CFL is a fraction of what you can be exposed to when walking outside on a sunny day. UV exposure from CFLs should not be a concern for most people under normal use, but those with light sensitivities or lupus may want to refrain from direct exposure to CFLs for extended periods of time.