Install a high-efficiency water heater and receive a rebate of up to $15,000
Water heater technology has evolved. Today's high performance natural gas models offer thermal efficiencies of up to 95 per cent vs. 80 percent for standard models. Whether you're building new or upgrading, installing a high-efficiency water heater is one way to prevent your profits from running down the drain. Another is to apply for a rebate of up to $15,000.
Qualifying models
To be eligible, water heaters must be included in our list of qualifying water heaters.
How the incentive works
The size and efficiency of the water heater you install determines your incentive.
- Storage water heaters and hot water supply boilers with an efficiency of 90 per cent or higher
Size in MBH x $5 = incentive
Example: 199 MBH x $5 = $995
- Storage water heaters and hot water supply boilers with efficiency between 84 per cent and 89.9 per cent
Size in MBH x $3 = incentive
Example: 299 MBH x $3 = $897
- On-demand domestic hot water heater with efficiency of 90 per cent or higher
Size in MBH x $2.50 = incentive
Example: 75 MBH x $2.50 = $187.50
Return on investment
You can expect ongoing savings on your monthly energy bills. Combined with the rebate this may result in a payback in as little as two years.
In the example below, the price premium for a high-efficiency boiler is $2500. With a rebate of $995 and energy savings of $1657 over two years, the $2500 payback is less than two years.
| Price of new 199 MGH storage water heater |
$5,000 |
$7,500 |
|---|
| Savings equation |
|
|
|---|
| Monthly usage x cost per GJ* X 24 months |
60** x $9.21 x 24 = $13,262 |
52.5 x $9.21 x 24=$11,605 |
|---|
Total savings
Energy savings in $ over 24 months |
+FortisBC cash rebate |
= payback |
|---|
*Based on current TGI rate of $9.21 per GJ for lower mainland Rate 2 as of July, 2010
Payback for Vancouver Island customers may take longer.
**Assumed monthly usage for afull-service, sit-down type restaurant
How to apply
- Review the terms and conditions
- Contact a gas or mechanical contractor
- Have your contractor install a qualifying model
- Complete one application for each water heater installed. Include a copy of the gas permit and invoice
- Within 90 days of installation, mail or fax your application to
Energy Efficiency & Conservation
FortisBC Energy Inc.,
16705 Fraser Highway
Surrey, BC, V4N 0E8
Fax: 604-592-7618
Contact us
Call us at 1-866-884-8833, option 1
Email: commercialrebates@fortisbc.com
LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program
We’ve joined forces with LiveSmart BC to provide small businesses additional incentives when upgrading to qualified high-efficiency boilers and water heaters. If your application to the FortisBC Efficient Commercial Water Heater Program is approved, LiveSmart BC may match the incentive up to a maximum of $15,000.
If you are eligible, you can apply for the additional incentives available through the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program.
How to apply
- Complete and sign the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program waiver form.
- Complete FortisBC's Efficient Commercial Water Heater Program application form.
- Submit the waiver, your FortisBC application and all supporting documents via mail, fax or email to:
FortisBC Energy Inc.,
Energy Efficiency and Conservation – Commercial Programs
16705 Fraser Highway
Surrey, BC, V4N 0E8
Fax: 604-592-7618
