Demonstration Project Funding

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How to qualify

To qualify for Demonstration Project funding your project must be:

• New;
• Located at a customer location in B.C.; and
• Able to demonstrate significant energy savings potential for many customers.

Projects that have started prior to signing a Power Smart Demonstration Project Agreement will not be eligible for incentives.

Assessment and funding is available for:

• Projects that demonstrate innovative technologies or practices that are commercially available but not widely used in B.C.; or
• Testing emerging technologies or practices that are relatively new.

Demonstration Projects:

• Verify economic, environmental, and energy savings benefits of an emerging technology or practice;
• Showcase and assess the impact of a technology that is new in B.C.; or
• Provide a location where new users can view an innovative energy-efficient practice or technology in operation.

Eligibility

Technologies or practices eligible for demonstration project funding include those that:

• Promote conservation and reduce electricity use;
• Improve electrical efficiency;
• Manage peak load levels (kW or kV.A); or
• Contribute to customer generation and load displacement.

Evaluation

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a high potential for leverage (that is, they could produce a high percentage of savings among a large number of customers or on a high electrical load);
• Help overcome barriers to greater market penetration;
• Show a significant degree of innovation;
• Produce environmental, social and economic sustainability benefits;
• Include a contribution from the customer and/or a third-party, such as a manufacturer, supplier or other funding agency; and
• Are cost-effective.

Successful proponents will work with BC Hydro to produce a Demonstration Project Report, and take part in demonstration visits, seminars and advertising.

How it works

Step One: Get in contact
Contact your BC Hydro Key Account Manager to discuss opportunities for demonstrating an innovative energy saving practice or emerging technology at your location.

Your Key Account Manager can assist you with filling out a Demonstration Project application [MS WORD, 223 Kb]. If you do not have a Key Account Manager you can submit your application to the Power Smart Business Helpdesk.

Note that all demonstration projects must be conducted at a customer location in B.C.

Step Two: Internal review
BC Hydro will review your application and provide feedback based on the energy savings potential and amount of funds requested.

Step Three: Sign the Agreement
If the project is approved, you will be required to sign a Power Smart Demonstration Project Agreement. Please note that incentives are paid upon receipt of certain deliverables.

Step Four: Implementation
Begin your project and track your work. When installation is complete you will be eligible to receive the first installment of your funding.

Step Five: Verify energy savings
BC Hydro will work with you to verify the energy savings over a set period of time. Upon completion, the results must be submitted in a final report and the last installment of funding will be issued.