Media centre details

FortisBC to host community open houses on its no-cost energy saving program

Mar 15, 2019

Income-qualified customers to get hands-on help applying for the Energy Conservation Assistance Program  

SURREY, BC  ̶  To address a hidden cost of renting or owning a less-efficient home, FortisBC will host five open houses in Surrey aimed at helping income-qualified customers make energy-saving upgrades. 

“The most affordable homes to rent or buy can also be the least affordable to heat, and we know that energy-efficiency issues like this are an additional burden for our customers on the tightest budgets,” said Ned Georgy, manager, conservation and energy management, FortisBC. “That’s why we’re hosting these sessions — we want to make sure people know we can assist them with saving energy and making their homes more comfortable, and at no cost.” 

At the open houses, customers can drop in to learn about FortisBC’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP), offered in partnership with BC Hydro. The program provides eligible participants with a customized home energy evaluation and the installation of energy-saving products such as water-efficient fixtures, energy-efficient LED light bulbs and weatherstripping. Some homes may also qualify for insulation, an ENERGY STAR® fridge and a high-efficiency natural gas furnace or appliance rebate.

Many British Columbians are already saving energy through ECAP. Last year alone, FortisBC performed more than 2,000 energy evaluations in income-qualified customer homes and installed more than 7,000 energy saving products in those homes. 

“The City of Surrey is committed to making housing more affordable and sustainable for its residents and we appreciate the positive impact programs like this can have,” said Anna Mathewson, sustainability manager, City of Surrey. “If you or someone you know is on a limited budget, we encourage you to drop into a session and find out how to sign up for this program.”

The open houses will take place:

  • Wednesday, March 27, 3 - 7 p.m., North Surrey Recreation Centre, 10275 City Parkway;
  • Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Newton Recreation Centre, 13730 - 72 Avenue;
  • Wednesday April 3, 3 - 7 p.m., North Surrey Recreation Centre, 10275 City Parkway;
  • Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., North Surrey Recreation Centre, 10275 City Parkway; and
  • Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Newton Recreation Centre, 13730 - 72 Avenue.

Customers can visit fortisbc.com/surrey or call an ECAP representative at 1-877-446-8855 to learn more.

 

Media contact

Nicole Brown
Corporate Communications Advisor, FortisBC 
250-469-6078
[email protected]
www.fortisbc.com 
24-hour media line: 1-855-322-6397

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, propane and thermal energy solutions. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 1,800 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,008,400 customers in 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 49,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.