Pilot programs - test new technologies and get incentives

Summary: For residential customers currently using a dual-fuel hybrid heating system

Program details: We’re collecting data from about 500 customers in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan area, Northern B.C. and Vancouver Island who are using dual-fuel hybrid heating technologies (an electric heat pump for primary heating/cooling and a gas furnace with integrated controls for supplemental heating).

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 2025

Summary: For residential customers testing a new gas absorption heat pump

Program details: Ten residential gas customers are testing a new gas absorption heat pump for space and water heating which has a manufacturer’s claim of being more than 100 per cent efficient. These systems can operate on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)¹, which is a low-carbon energy that can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions–without expensive upgrades or retrofits. 

Pilot participants are in the Lower Mainland and in 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 program may lead to a gas absorption heat pump rebate program for residential FortisBC customers in the future.

Results: Interim result expected in 2024, final results in 2025

Summary: For single-family houses and multi-unit residential buildings that are significantly upgrading building envelopes and heating systems

Program details: The deep energy retrofit pilot is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption and GHG 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 program will help us determine the feasibility of offering a full-scale rebate program to all customers in the future.

Results: Expected in 2025

Summary: For commercial customers testing gas engine-driven heat pumps

Program details: Six commercial customers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan area are testing gas engine-driven heat pumps that provide high-efficiency space heating, cooling, domestic hot water and ventilation. These systems can operate on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)¹, which is a low-carbon energy that can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions–without expensive upgrades or retrofits.

This pilot is providing us with valuable field data demonstrating the performance of this technology in different climate zones. We’ll use the results to develop rebate programs which will help more commercial customers benefit from installing this technology, reducing their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Results: Expected in 2025

Summary: For residential customers currently using an electric heat pump

Program details: Five residential customers using electric heat pumps on Vancouver Island, in the Okanagan area and in Northern B.C. are participating in this pilot program. They’re providing data on their energy consumption and overall satisfaction with the technology, which we’ll compare with the performance of other innovative technologies.

Results: Expected in 2024

Summary: For residential customers testing larger models of gas absorption heat pumps

Program 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. These systems can operate on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)¹, which is a low-carbon energy that can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions–without expensive upgrades or retrofits.

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 program may lead to a gas absorption heat pump rebate program for residential customers in the future.

Results: Expected in 2025

Summary: For residential customers testing dual fuel heating systems that consist of an electric heat pump with a tankless boiler featuring integrated controls

Program 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 program is currently being tested at 20 single-family homes throughout the province.

The results from this pilot program 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 2025

Summary: For commercial customers testing gas engine-driven heat pumps with variable refrigerant flow (GHP VRF)

Program details: Four commercial customers in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan are testing GHP VRFs that are expected to provide high-efficiency² space heating, partial 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. These systems can operate on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)¹ , which is a low-carbon energy that can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions–without expensive upgrades or retrofits.

Results: Expected in 2026