Test new technologies and get incentives
We need your help to test innovative technologies that have the potential to decrease the amount of energy a home or business needs, help lower emissions and make smarter use of energy overall.
The future of energy use and efficiency
With the involvement of pilot participants, our innovative technologies team runs pilots to test new technologies that have the potential to save energy in homes and businesses across B.C.
If you’d like to hear about opportunities to participate, please sign up to be notified about upcoming pilots. If chosen to be part of a pilot, you could be eligible for incentives and be among the first to test new technology.
Pilots success
Many of our pilots have helped make energy improvements and are now rebate programs available to all customers.
Discover how one pilot became a permanent program.
Pilots underway
Learn about our residential and commercial pilots currently underway.
Summary: For residential customers using a dual fuel heating system
Pilot details: We’re collecting data from about 500 customers in the Lower Mainland, the Interior, Northern B.C. and Vancouver Island who are using dual fuel heating technologies (an electric heat pump and a high-efficiency gas furnace that operate together through a connected thermostat).
We’re evaluating energy savings and overall customer satisfaction and may develop future rebate programs depending on the success of this pilot.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For residential customers testing a new gas absorption heat pump
Pilot details: Five residential gas customers are testing a new gas absorption heat pump for space and water heating that has a manufacturer’s claim of being more than 100 per cent efficient.
Pilot participants are in the Lower Mainland and the Interior so we can compare system efficiencies and reliability across different climate zones, as well as evaluating overall customer satisfaction. The results from this pilot may lead to a gas absorption heat pump rebate program for residential FortisBC customers in the future.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For single-family houses and multi-unit residential buildings that are significantly upgrading building envelopes and heating systems
Pilot details: The deep energy retrofit pilot is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption and associated emissions, and includes a group of multi-unit residential buildings (e.g., rental apartments) and single-family homes to test different approaches and technologies.
The work includes improvements to the building envelope, including windows and doors, and heating systems. Existing space heating systems are being replaced with high-efficiency technologies, such as gas absorption or gas engine-driven heat pumps. The results of the pilot will help us determine the feasibility of offering a full-scale rebate program to all customers in the future.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For residential customers testing larger models of gas absorption heat pumps
Pilot details: We’re piloting gas absorption heat pumps in residential homes across the province. Two different models of this type of unit are being installed in homes of gas customers that are 3,500 ft² or greater. Similar heat pump models have previously been installed in commercial buildings in B.C.
Pilot participants are in the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan and Northern B.C., so we can compare system efficiencies and reliability across different climate zones, as well as evaluate overall customer satisfaction. The results from this pilot may lead to a gas absorption heat pump rebate program for residential customers in the future.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For residential customers testing dual fuel heating systems that consist of an electric heat pump with a tankless boiler featuring integrated controls
Pilot details: We’re piloting this configuration of a dual fuel heating system, which will test the reliability and efficiency of the system—even on the coldest days. A dual fuel heating system uses electricity and gas at the same time to heat and provide hot water to a home all year round. This pilot is currently being tested at 20 single family homes throughout the Lower Mainland, the Interior and Northern B.C.
The results from this pilot may lead to the addition of this configuration as a qualified product in our dual fuel heating system rebate for residential customers.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For commercial customers testing gas engine-driven heat pumps with variable refrigerant flow (GHP VRF)
Pilot details: Four commercial customers in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan are testing GHP VRFs that are expected to provide high-efficiency2 space heating, supplementary cooling, domestic hot water preheating and ventilation. These systems can provide heating and cooling simultaneously, which could reduce a building’s energy consumption and emissions.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For commercial customers looking to use a gas absorption heat pump for pool water heating
Pilot details: Three commercial pools are testing gas absorption heat pumps for pool water heating that has a manufacturer’s claim of being more than 100 per cent efficient.
Pilot participants are from throughout British Columbia. We will be evaluating system efficiencies, reliability, energy savings and overall customer satisfaction. The results from this pilot may lead to an adjustment of our existing offer.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For commercial customers seeking to install a high-speed overhead door to minimize heat loss and reduce natural gas consumption associated with reheating indoor spaces
Pilot details: Eight commercial and industrial customers are installing new high-speed doors to replace existing standard-speed doors in areas heated with natural gas. By installing the high-speed doors, participants could reduce the natural gas needed to reheat the space due to heat escaping to the exterior.
Pilot participants are in the Lower Mainland and the Interior so we can compare energy savings across different climate zones. The results from this pilot may inform the development of a prescriptive rebate program for high-speed doors.
Results: Expected in 2026
Summary: For multi-unit residential buildings testing a new model of a gas absorption heat pump
Pilot details: Three multi-unit residential buildings in the Lower Mainland are testing a new model of a gas absorption heat pump alongside their existing condensing natural gas boilers to provide space heating, ventilation and domestic hot water.
We will be evaluating system efficiencies, reliability, energy savings and overall customer satisfaction. The results from this pilot may result in a reevaluation of the existing prescriptive offer's estimated savings and rebate amount.
Results: Expected in 2027
Summary: For commercial customers in low-rise multi-unit residential buildings interested in dual fuel heating systems combining electric heat pumps and high-efficiency gas boilers
Pilot details: Up to five multi-unit residential buildings across the Lower Mainland and the Interior will participate in this pilot, which evaluates the performance of air-to-water electric heat pumps integrated with high-efficiency gas boilers. The systems will be optimized to maximize energy efficiency and help lower associated emissions.
We will be evaluating system performance (including Seasonal Coefficient of Performance), energy and cost savings, reduction in associated emissions, customer and contractor satisfaction and the feasibility of scaling dual fuel systems in low-rise multi-unit residential buildings. Insights from this pilot may inform future rebate opportunities under the commercial and industrial portfolio.
Results: Expected in 2027
Sign up to find out about future pilots
We need customers to help us pilot new innovative technologies. If you’d like to hear about opportunities to participate, sign up to be notified about upcoming pilots.
We’re here to help
For more information about our pilots, email [email protected].
