Active innovation demonstrations

Overview

We're exploring thermal energy storage solutions that help industrial applications reduce power consumption impacts during peak demand times.

What we're testing

We're evaluating two advanced energy storage technologies:

• FeX-based systems: Store energy for heat recovery and reuse.
• e Zinc systems: Store energy electrochemically and delivers electricity when needed.

What we're measuring

We're assessing how effectively these technologies support:

• Load-shifting capability and power consumption during peak demand periods
• Energy savings and system efficiency
• Integration with existing processes
• Operational reliability and scalability

Recruitment status

We're seeking industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings with:

• High thermal energy demand and electricity constraints (for thermochemical iron-based energy storage).
• Peak load profiles (for long-duration battery energy storage).
• Available space and a willingness to test energy storage solutions. Priority will be given to industrial sites with high heat demand.

Sign up today on our Partnership Opportunities page.

Overview

We're testing a digital home energy assessment tool that helps homeowners understand how their home uses energy and identify possible efficiency upgrades. The tool builds a home energy model and provides a personalized report, without requiring a traditional in-home assessment as a first step.

What we're testing

Participants use a smartphone app to scan rooms and enter information about their home, including heating equipment, windows, insulation, and approximate floor area. The app uses this information to build an energy model and identify renovation opportunities that may be eligible for BC Hydro rebates.

What we're measuring

• Accuracy of the digital home energy model
• How well the report improves homeowner understanding of energy use
• Whether personalized recommendations help homeowners identify suitable upgrades
• Customer experience and the practicality of completing the assessment by smartphone

Recruitment status

We're looking for homeowners to try the digital assessment tool and share feedback on their experience. Sign up today on our Partnership Opportunities page.

Overview

We're exploring how artificial intelligence can improve the operation of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in commercial buildings. The technology uses indoor conditions, weather forecasts, and a building's ability to retain heat to continuously adjust equipment settings.

What we're testing

We're assessing software that connects to an existing building management system and automatically adjusts heating, cooling, and ventilation setpoints. The demonstration compares its operation with standard building optimization practices in working buildings.

What we're measuring

• Changes in building energy use
• Power consumption during peak demand periods
• Indoor comfort and equipment performance
• Incremental benefits compared with conventional building optimization

Recruitment status

We're looking for commercial or institutional buildings with an existing building management system to participate. Sign up today on our Partnership Opportunities page.

Overview

We're exploring how ductless heat pumps perform in real homes and whether they're delivering the energy savings customers expect. We want to understand how installation, settings, and the use of other heating systems can affect performance.

What we're testing

We're installing monitoring equipment in selected homes on Vancouver Island with recently installed ductless heat pumps, in partnership with Dawn Energy. The equipment will collect information on heat pump electricity use, indoor temperature, equipment operation, and local weather conditions.

What we're measuring

• Heat pump electricity use and operating patterns
• How much of the home's heating is provided by the heat pump
• Differences between expected and actual energy savings
• Use of electric baseboard or other backup heating
• Potential performance issues related to equipment sizing, installation, and settings
• Customer experience participating in the demonstration

Recruitment status

We're inviting selected homeowners on Vancouver Island with recently installed ductless heat pumps to participate. Eligible customers will be contacted directly by BC Hydro.

Overview

We're exploring energy savings from smart radiant heaters in residential buildings, using far-infrared technology to warm occupants and room surfaces directly, rather than traditional baseboard convection.

What we're testing

We're installing multiple Kelvin infrared radiant heat panels, made by Boldr, in four to six apartments to evaluate thermal comfort and energy savings.

What we're measuring

• Whether radiant panels can effectively serve as a primary heat source
• Energy savings and overall heating efficiency
• Power consumption and load profiles during peak demand periods
• Room climate dynamics, surface temperature, ambient air temperature, and temperature consistency
• Occupant comfort levels, using a daily thermal survey

Recruitment status

We're looking for buildings, stratas, and residents to participate in site assessments and the demonstration. Sign up today on our Partnership Opportunities page.

Overview

We're exploring a cooling technology that releases heat from buildings directly into the sky. Installed on rooftops, SkyCool panels use infrared energy to naturally send heat into space, cooling a fluid without using compressors or refrigerants. This cooled fluid can then help existing air conditioning or refrigeration systems work more efficiently.

What we're testing

We're installing a SkyCool system at a selected site and integrating it with existing HVAC and refrigeration systems. The demonstration will evaluate how well the system pre-cools condenser loops, reduces compressor workload, and performs across different conditions.

What we're measuring

We're measuring energy savings, peak demand reduction, and overall efficiency improvements compared to pre-installation performance.

Recruitment status

A demonstration partner has been selected, and we're currently completing feasibility analysis and implementation planning.

Overview

We're exploring small-scale, building-integrated wind technologies to assess how well they perform in urban and municipal environments.

What we're testing

We're assessing the installation of up to four different micro-wind technologies across selected municipal buildings, with a focus on identifying suitable building types, structural considerations, and optimal placement.

What we're measuring

• Energy generation (kWh)
• Performance variability
• Impact of building aerodynamics and wind conditions
• Operational reliability and maintenance needs
• Potential contribution to on-site energy use

Recruitment status

Partner sites have been identified on Vancouver Island, in the Lower Mainland, and in the Squamish area. Feasibility assessments are currently underway.

Overview

We're evaluating advanced window retrofit solutions, including Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) and secondary window inserts, to improve building performance, reduce energy use, and enhance occupant comfort.

What we're testing

We're installing and assessing VIG units and secondary window insert retrofit systems in selected buildings. The demonstration focuses on upgrading existing glazing with minimal disruption, while improving thermal performance across different building types.

What we're measuring

• Reduction in energy use
• Power consumption impact during peak demand periods
• Indoor thermal comfort improvements
• Installation feasibility, constructability, and cost-effectiveness

Recruitment status

Demonstration sites have been identified. Engineering design and implementation planning are underway in collaboration with project partners.

Overview

We're exploring the safety, performance, and grid interaction of plug-in solar systems as a new distributed energy resource. Connecting directly into standard household outlets, these systems could offer a more affordable option for people to generate solar power at home.

What we're testing

We're testing these commercially available plug-in solar systems to understand how they interact with home electrical systems and the grid in real-world conditions. This includes how they handle power outages, how they perform in apartments and multi-residential settings, and what happens in everyday scenarios like unplugging the device while it's running.

What we're measuring

We're measuring system performance, power quality, and energy efficiency across a range of operating conditions. This includes how quickly the system shuts down during a power outage. Testing also evaluates real-world risks such as breaker masking and unintended backfeed.

Recruitment status

This work is being conducted in a controlled lab environment at Powertech using commercially available plug-in photovoltaic units.

Overview

We're exploring whether independent energy coaching can help strata councils make informed decisions about electric vehicle charging and other building electrification opportunities. Murbly guides stratas through technical options, costs, contractor involvement, resident communication, and approval processes.

What we're testing

We're observing Murbly's support from the first strata discussion through building analysis, recommended charging approaches, council and annual general meeting presentations, and contractor engagement. The demonstration also looks at how electric water heating, space heating and cooling, and electrical capacity management can be included in longer-term plans.

What we're measuring

• Changes in strata knowledge and confidence
• Progress from planning to an approved and implemented project
• Quality and clarity of technical recommendations and contractor selection
• Project timelines, costs, and opportunities to avoid unnecessary electrical capacity upgrades
• Participant experience with the coaching process

Recruitment status

Participants have been selected and recruitment is closed. Coaching and project planning are underway with participating stratas.

Overview

We aim to demonstrate how upgrading HVAC filtration systems can improve indoor air quality, enhance airflow, and reduce maintenance and operating costs in schools.

Using electromagnetic filtration to clean air and cut energy use

The Blade Air Pro filters use electromagnetic fields to capture particles 40 times smaller than traditional filters with the same Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating, outperforming HEPA filters in filtering viral particles. These filters also reduce airflow resistance, allowing fans to operate at lower speeds and save energy. Powered by just 2W from a 24 volts AC source, they promise significant energy and maintenance savings. 

We plan to install these filters in one school in School District 43, with a possible second site to be determined. Airflow measurements will be taken before and after installation to quantify fan speed reductions and energy savings. Replacement media costs will be compared against historical schedules to estimate maintenance savings.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

This project explores how phase change materials (PCMs) can store energy more efficiently to support the electrification of domestic space and water heating while reducing peak electricity demand.

Storing heat to shift energy use and reduce peak demand

Electrifying space and water heating often triggers the need for costly electrical service upgrades and increases peak grid loads. PCMs store latent heat energy more densely than conventional materials, enabling energy use to shift to off-peak hours. Coordinating heating schedules across suites in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) can optimize site-wide energy peaks.

Testing thermal batteries and advanced heat pumps in real homes

We'll test two types of packaged PCM thermal batteries in single-family dwellings within a MURB, shifting space and water heating electricity use entirely to overnight periods. The project also showcases novel air-to-water heat pumps and refrigerants that deliver the necessary temperature profiles for combined heating loads.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're exploring whether window-mounted heat pumps are a practical retrofit solution for multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) with limited outdoor space, and testing whether they're a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to portable air conditioners and electric baseboard heaters. Since vertical sash windows are rare in B.C., we're also looking at these as a complement to window retrofits.

What we're testing

We're installing window-mounted heat pumps in three rental apartments in Vancouver and Victoria and tracking their energy use and impact. Originally tested on the East Coast, this project assesses how the units perform in B.C.'s climate and building stock.

What we're measuring

Over the course of a year, we'll test performance and energy use to understand summer cooling demand and compare winter heating use to electric baseboards. Each test suite is paired with a control suite with similar electrical use.

Recruitment status

Recruitment is closed. We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're testing how much energy can be saved by sealing leaky HVAC ducts using AeroSeal, a non-toxic sealant that's sprayed inside ductwork to close gaps from the inside. Many older buildings lose heated or cooled air through tiny leaks, making systems work harder. Sealing those leaks can improve efficiency, lower electricity use, and improve comfort.

What we're testing

In summer 2025, we treated Fulford School's fixed air volume HVAC system, a strong candidate given its known duct leaks. In winter 2025, we treated the Victoria Conference Centre's variable air volume HVAC system to understand AeroSeal's impact on a different type of system.

What we're measuring

We tracked electricity use before and after the treatment, assessed changes in indoor comfort, and gathered feedback from staff and students.

Recruitment status

This project is complete. We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're testing the Oso Saga2 Express, a smart electric water heater that learns your household's hot water habits and shifts heating to off-peak times. It's designed to save you money, reduce pressure on the grid, and respond directly to utility signals.

This demonstration will help us understand how the technology performs in real homes and whether it's a good fit for our Peak Saver program.

Built-in intelligence that learns your hot water habits

The Oso Saga2 has a built-in smart controller with machine learning. It tracks your daily hot water use and adjusts heating times, ideally when demand is lower. It also supports three control modes:

• Manual – You set the times to avoid heating.
• Automatic – It follows rate schedules.
• Direct control – It responds to our signals to reduce peak demand.

These features allow the system to shift electricity use without affecting comfort.

Testing performance in real homes

We'll install the smart heater in six homes and test it across all three control modes. We'll measure how well it shifts energy use, responds to demand response signals, and whether it affects comfort or hot water availability.

We'll also look at how easy it is to install in typical homes, since the tank is slightly larger than standard models.

Potential to lower bills and manage demand

If successful, this water heater could help you lower your bills and give us new ways to manage electricity demand. It could also support broader energy management strategies by linking to our Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform. DERMS helps us manage, conserve, and deploy energy resources.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're exploring how smart panels can help defer costly electrical service and panel upgrades triggered by increasing energy demands in homes shifting to sustainable heating and transportation options.

Smarter load management for growing demand

As households electrify, existing electrical infrastructure often needs upgrades, not only at the home but sometimes upstream in the distribution system. Smart panels act as advanced energy management systems (EMS) at the circuit level, providing detailed load control to avoid or delay these expensive upgrades by making it more efficient for the electrical grid.

Testing smart panels load management in a six-unit building

This six-unit building converted their gas, hot water and space heating to electricity. Our project tests multiple smart panels managing all electrified loads, demonstrating how load management can avoid upgrades and reduce grid strain.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited participants for this project.

Overview

We're testing how networked lighting and HVAC controls can deliver energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising on comfort. The case study will show how this technology works in commercial buildings, what it costs, and highlight potential barriers where our support could accelerate market adoption.

Turning occupancy data into smarter HVAC and lighting control

The 333 Dunsmuir Street building already had NLC and BAS hardware installed, with four floors featuring varied occupancy models (hybrid, hoteling, flex). We'll integrate lighting occupancy sensors with HVAC controls to enable occupancy-based lighting and temperature setbacks.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're demonstrating vertical solar panels developed by Over Easy. Their design is wind resistant, eliminating the need for roof penetration, heavy ballasting, and costly structural engineering. These panels are designed to prevent snow from blocking the sun’s rays and to operate in low-sun locations.

What we're testing

We installed 76 vertical solar modules at Science World in March 2026, where we compared their performance to the traditional solar panels already installed there. By fall 2026, we'll also install vertical solar modules on the roof of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, where we expect to test the technology under snowier conditions than in Vancouver.

What we're measuring

We're measuring electrical generation from the vertical modules and comparing it to traditional panels, and we expect to see better output during winter months.

Recruitment status

Recruitment is closed. We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

Solar PVT is a new technology that harnesses the sun's energy to generate both electricity and heat. The technology utilises the waste heat generated by solar PV to improve solar efficiency while generating usable heat.

Abora has developed a combined photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) solar collector. Each collector can output 350W electrical power and 1373W of thermal power. These systems are well suited for sites with high hot water demand and may be attractive for pools, hospitality, or food and beverage.

What we're testing

We'll install 25 Abora panels, replacing old solar thermal tubes on the roof of the Taylor Manor in Vancouver by March 2026. This system will offset gas usage for hot water and heating and electrical use.

We're also exploring other possible sites for 2026 that will involve complete new solar PVT systems.

What we're measuring

We'll measure the electrical and thermal generation of the solar PVT tubes, to assess possible energy savings.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're testing cloud-based artificial intelligence that works with a building automation system to improve heating, cooling, and ventilation. The software learns how the building responds to changing conditions and uses information such as weather and occupancy to adjust operation while maintaining comfort.

What we're testing

We're demonstrating BrainBox AI in an existing commercial building. The software uses building data to predict conditions in different areas and continuously adjust equipment settings through the building automation system.

What we're measuring

• Changes in building energy use
• Power consumption during peak demand periods
• Indoor comfort and heating, cooling, and ventilation performance
• Incremental benefits compared with conventional building optimization
• Operational reliability and ease of use for building staff

Recruitment status

We've recruited the participants required for this project and recruitment is closed.

Overview

We're testing whether super capacitors (super caps) can reduce short-duration peak loads in homes and MURBs. Paired with a smart panel, super caps may prevent load curtailments, called "clicks", by providing brief power bursts during demand spikes.

This lab demo will show if super caps can improve comfort and reduce interruptions, especially when load management is needed to avoid costly service upgrades.

Reducing "clicks" with short-term power boosts

Smart panels manage electricity by temporarily shutting off or delaying appliances when demand exceeds limits. While effective, these "clicks" can disrupt use of devices like EV chargers, water heaters, dryers, or ovens. Super caps supply short bursts of power during peaks, potentially avoiding these interruptions and keeping demand within limits.

Testing in a controlled lab environment

At Powertech Labs, we'll simulate a single-family home to test how super caps work with smart panels. Though aimed at MURBs, this controlled setup lets us monitor performance realistically.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.

Overview

We're testing a new ultraviolet (UV) light system installed on a heating, cooling, and ventilation air handling unit. The system is designed to clean heating and cooling coils, which can improve air flow and reduce fan energy use.

What we're testing

The Air Sniper UV coil cleaning system has been installed in the HVAC system at the Surrey Police headquarters. We're testing the system's impact on energy use, performance, and maintenance since it was turned on in September 2026.

What we're measuring

• Fan energy use
• Coil cleanliness through regular inspection
• About two months of data before the system was turned on, and up to 12 months after, through the winter of 2026

Recruitment status

This demonstration is not recruiting. The system is already installed and being monitored at a confirmed site.

Overview

We're exploring whether portable heat pumps are a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to portable air conditioners and electric baseboard heaters.

What we're testing

We're installing portable heat pumps in rental suites with different window types and tracking their energy use and impacts of these units.

What we're measuring

Over the course of a year, we'll test their performance and energy use to understand summer cooling demand and compare winter heating use to electrical baseboards. Each test suite will be paired with a control suite with similar electrical use.

Recruitment status

Recruitment is closed. We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project in the Lower Mainland.

Overview

We're exploring tankless heat pump water heaters that deliver hot water when needed, without a traditional storage tank. We want to understand whether this approach can provide reliable hot water while using less electricity than conventional electric resistance water heating.

What we're testing

We're installing two tankless heat pump water heaters at an office and fitness facility in Richmond. The demonstration assesses installation requirements, day-to-day operation, control options, and performance under real building conditions.

What we're measuring

• Hot water temperature and service reliability
• Electricity use and heat pump efficiency
• Power consumption during peak demand periods and load-management events
• Installation practicality, maintenance needs, and customer experience

Recruitment status

Recruitment is closed. A demonstration site has been selected and project planning is underway.

Overview

We're exploring whether small solar panels can be safely installed on apartment balconies and connected directly to a unit's electrical system. This could help make solar energy more accessible to people living in condo and apartments. We want to understand whether this is a practical solution to expand solar access in multi-unit residential buildings.

What we're testing

We're assessing a range of apartment and condo buildings to understand the feasibility of balcony-mounted solar installation. This includes looking at electrical panel capacity, wiring, building design considerations, and approval processes such as strata and permits. Some sites will have full installations to test real-world conditions.

What we're measuring

We're measuring installation complexity, costs, and system performance. We’ll track barriers such as permits, strata approvals, and electrical constraints. Monitoring will occur over approximately one year following installation.

Recruitment status

Recruitment has been completed for this project.

Overview

We're testing FUTURi smart panels with digital twin modeling to see how behind-the-meter load coordination can reduce grid stress and avoid costly upgrades for you or your building.

What we're testing

Smart panels will be installed in homes and MURBs across B.C. We'll test their performance and capability. Digital twins will simulate "virtual homes, multiplexes and grid components" using real field data, allowing the project team to model how smart coordination can prevent the need for transformers, feeders, and substation upgrades.

What we're measuring

We're measuring the panel's ability to manage peak power consumption without impacting customer usability or convenience.

Recruitment status

Recruitment has been completed for this project.

Overview

We're testing passive cooling technologies like internal solar blinds and radiative paints. These measures can reduce electricity use and improve comfort without relying on energy-intensive air conditioning.

Test site: Richmond city hall – internal solar blinds

In spring 2026, we'll implement and monitor these measures to see how they perform in a commercial context, particularly during peak cooling periods.

What we're measuring

We'll track electricity use, indoor temperatures, and occupant comfort before and after implementing the measures. Feedback from staff and visitors will help assess effectiveness and usability.

Recruitment status

We've successfully recruited the participants needed for this project.