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A look at how the BC Hydro Alliance got its start and where it is today

The BC Hydro Alliance of Energy Professionals has been shaping energy efficiency in British Columbia since 2001. Over two decades, it has evolved from a simple advisory group into a dynamic network of trusted professionals driving sustainable projects across the province.

So far this fiscal year, the hard work of Alliance members like you has delivered 18.5 gigawatt hours of electricity saved through the self-serve incentives program(SIP) and through our business energy savings incentives (BESI).

Alliance program manager Tanya Perewernycky has been part of the evolution of the Alliance almost from the beginning. Reflecting on its growth, she highlights the challenges, milestones, and evolving priorities that have defined the Alliance’s role in B.C.'s energy future.

From advisory group to industry leader

In its early days, the Alliance was simply a forum for sharing expertise. "It wasn’t about incentives yet,” Perewernycky recalls. "It was an advisory group focused on mechanical and lighting opportunities in commercial buildings."

With no incentive programs initially, the work relied on the expertise of early members such as Quantum Lighting, BC Fluorescent and BC Lease Lite, Canem West, and Prism Engineering. These trailblazers laid the groundwork for modern programs, tackling commercial energy retrofits with limited resources but an abundance of passion.

"We depended on their knowledge," she says. "They were the experts, and they shaped the direction of the projects as well as the programs."

Explosive growth and the LED revolution

A turning point came in 2008 when energy efficiency began capturing widespread interest. Membership skyrocketed, peaking at over 1,200 by 2012. This surge was fueled by new incentive programs and a growing recognition of energy efficiency's importance.

However, the path wasn't always smooth. The early push for compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs), while innovative, proved to be a temporary solution.

"Acceptance of CFLs was challenging," Perewernycky says. "But by 2012, the arrival of screw-in LED technology changed everything. It made our programs far more impactful."

The Alliance also faced occasional missteps. An early district energy initiative, for example, didn't align with members' needs. "We had to step back–it just wasn't the right fit," Tanya reflects.

Despite these hurdles, the Alliance remained steadfast in its mission to provide quality assurance for projects and foster trust among energy professionals.

"We've had our share of challenges, including product failures," she says. "But the Alliance was always there to help resolve issues and ensure customers weren’t left on their own."

One-to-one: Building a trusted network

Beyond technologies and incentives, the Alliance's true strength has been its ability to foster trust among its members. Perewernycky estimates she has interacted with thousands of members over the years, building what she describes as a network of friendships.

This network ensures that members feel supported in delivering high-quality projects.

"The relationships we’ve built are the backbone of the Alliance," she says. "Members know they can reach out for guidance, and we'll work together to find solutions."

Embracing new challenges and technologies

As energy needs evolve, the Alliance has stayed ahead of the curve, embracing technologies and, fairly recently, helping businesses electrify in the fight against carbon emissions. While these advancements hold immense potential, Perewernycky acknowledges they can be difficult for businesses with constrained budgets.

"Many businesses want to do the right thing but don’t have unlimited resources," she says. "Our programs provide support to make these projects feasible."

The Alliance's adaptability has been particularly evident in its horticulture lighting incentives, which has given rise to the likes of B.C.'s increased production of greenhouse tomatoes and cannabis.

Looking ahead: innovation and collaboration

The Alliance’s future lies in continued innovation and deeper collaboration. Perewernycky envisions expanding support for cutting-edge technologies while maintaining the Alliance’s core mission of empowering energy professionals.

"We're exploring new solutions like solar and battery storage," she says. "Programs have evolved to such an extent that we’re looking beyond traditional efficiency measures."

Ultimately, Perewernycky takes pride in the Alliance's ability to deliver meaningful results for members and their customers.

"At the end of the day, the customers are happy, and the firms involved are happy with the projects," she says. "And that works for us."