British Columbia Energy Minister Bill Bennett, British Columbia 35th Premier Christy Clark, and BC Hydro’s Gary Hamer and Joanna Sofield demonstrate the Energy-Saving Kit.

British Columbia Energy Minister Bill Bennett, British Columbia 35th Premier Christy Clark, and BC Hydro’s Gary Hamer and Joanna Sofield demonstrate the Energy-Saving Kit.

Photo: Sally MacDonald/Cranbrook Daily Townsman

The number of British Columbia, Canada, households eligible for Better Buildings Residential Network member BC Hydro’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) just doubled. British Columbia Energy Minister Bill Bennett recently announced an increase in the low-income qualification cutoff for BC Hydro’s free home energy-saving kits and assessments. A family of four earning up to $57,200 per year can now qualify, up from the previous $44,000 threshold. The expansion aims to reduce the impact of rising electricity costs in Canada.

ECAP provides qualified low-income BC Hydro residential account holders with a free home energy assessment; installation of energy-saving products by a qualified contractor; and personalized energy efficiency advice to help create a more comfortable home. ECAP participants also receive free energy-saving kits containing compact fluorescent light bulbs, weather stripping, refrigerator and freezer thermometers, and high-efficiency showerheads. Custom kits with substitutions such as faucet aerators or window film are available based on customers’ needs described in their application.

Other BC Hydro incentives not based on income include a rebate program for insulation, draft-proof measures, heat pumps, and water heaters.