FortisBC New Home Program FAQs
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Hamed Houri JafariFortisBC New Home Program FAQs
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Hamed Houri JafariCommon questions
Powered by AIFor attached homes such as townhomes or row homes to be eligible for the Step Code rebate, each unit must be modeled individually using ERS Version 15 or the latest procedures. The units require evaluation by a registered ERS energy advisor and submission of the necessary files to the SO and NRCan before rebate application. Each unit must provide a Homeowner Information Sheet and Label, and the As-Built BC Energy Step Code Compliance Report must be submitted .
A project with a primary heating system powered by BC Hydro, such as a heat pump, may not qualify for FortisBC’s New Home Program if it doesn’t use FortisBC as the primary energy source. For eligibility, the primary heat source must provide at least 70% of the space heating system load with FortisBC energy. Projects need to comply with this requirement to qualify .
Submitting 'N files', which include the Homeowner Information Sheets, is a critical requirement for FortisBC's rebate applications as it provides detailed energy modelling data necessary for assessing eligibility for the Home Performance (Step Code) and Water Heater rebates. These N files must be in accordance with ERS standards and submitted along with the HOT2000 file to both SO and NRCan before application approval .
A homeowner builder can access the rebates under the FortisBC New Home Program if they are also a licensed residential builder. This ensures they meet the necessary qualifications to participate and benefit from the incentives .
The FortisBC New Home Program provides a financial rebate to support builders who hire a professional energy advisor as part of market transformation. Specifically, builders receive an $800 portion of the Energy Advisor Support rebate to offset the cost of hiring a registered EnerGuide Rating System energy advisor .
An Energy Advisor acting as an agent in the FortisBC New Home Program should understand the legal implications of the Applicant Declaration form which permits them to sign applications and provide information on behalf of builders. Advisors should maintain appropriate liability insurance and ensure accurate information provision to avoid legal liabilities .
An Energy Advisor applies for high-efficiency water heater rebates on behalf of a builder through an online application form. The project must achieve at least Step 1 and utilize a FortisBC energy source to qualify for these rebates. The application form provides the option to apply for water heaters and additional rebates, and the Advisor must complete sections related to Energy Advisor and Builder addresses before proceeding to rebate selection .
For a project to be eligible for the FortisBC Home Performance (Step Code) rebate in municipalities with mandatory Step Code requirements, it must achieve the required step level or higher. Projects must also meet all program requirements and are eligible for additional rebates on specific appliances such as fireplaces, connected thermostats, and gas dryers .
FortisBC’s energy advisor support rebate is designed to support market transformation by facilitating builders' access to professional EnerGuide Rating System energy advisors. The rebate is distributed as $800 to builders to offset advisory costs and $200 to the EA/SO for application submissions and services rendered .
Rebates from FortisBC’s New Home Program can complement those from other municipal incentive programs. Builders and energy advisors must ensure that their projects meet the eligibility criteria for each incentive program to optimize rebate opportunities without overlap or disqualification due to conflicting guidelines .