Commercial Energy Management Program - frequently asked questions

We fund energy specialist1 positions, through our Commercial Energy Management Program to work with large commercial natural gas customers on projects that will result in significant energy savings. 

The energy specialist reports directly to the BC Hydro sponsored energy manager (if applicable), or the individual in charge of energy management for the organization.

  • to increase participation in FortisBC’s Conservation and Energy Management programs
  • to develop and execute other projects that result in natural gas savings
  • to work with the energy manager on projects that result in both natural gas and electricity energy savings
  • ensure the BC Hydro sponsored energy manager (if applicable), facilities and operational staff (as required) are fully aware of all Conservation and Energy Management incentive and education programs from FortisBC
  • conduct an inventory of natural gas equipment to determine eligible projects for FortisBC incentives
  • explore and develop business cases around natural gas related projects
  • look for opportunities to explore energy-efficient, innovative gas technologies
  • bring forward natural gas related projects to internal management for budget approval
  • execute natural gas projects and ensure FortisBC Conservation and Energy Management programs are applied for and utilized where applicable
  • ensure all necessary invoices are submitted to FortisBC when applying for incentives
  • help the energy manager complete BC Hydro’s Strategic Energy Management Plan: Focus on Gas - section 3 and section 4 (if applicable)
  • create joint success stories with the energy manager and share success stories with other energy management teams (if applicable)
  • help coordinate/present any applicable employee awareness training
  • assist the energy manager (if applicable) in any other FortisBC Conservation and Energy Management related initiatives and projects
  • submit a quarterly report to FortisBC outlining all current and planned projects that will result in natural gas savings

To qualify, you must:

  • be a commercial natural gas customer of FortisBC
  • consume at least 30,000 gigajoules of natural gas per year
  • have completed energy-efficiency projects within the past 12 months
  • if located in a FortisBC electricity service area and applying for electricity rebates, consume a minimum of 10 GWh of electricity per year

Preference to be given to customers who:

  • have a significant number of potential projects that will result in a large amount of natural gas savings and take advantage of FortisBC Conservation and Energy Management programs
  • if located in a FortisBC electricity service area, have a significant number of potential projects that will result in a large amount of electricity savings and take advantage of FortisBC Conservation and Energy Management programs
  • have participated in the FortisBC Energy Assessment Program, which identified opportunities to take advantage of FortisBC rebates
  • have an existing BC Hydro-sponsored energy manager who has been in place within the organization for at least six months (if applicable)
  • have completed, or at least drafted a Strategic Energy Management Plan that has been signed-off by BC Hydro (if applicable)

On a quarterly basis, the customer will submit an updated natural gas energy-efficiency project list to FortisBC and upon approval FortisBC will issue the payment.

Qualified candidates must possess at least one of the following:

  • BCIT SEMAC (Sustainable Energy Management Associate Certificate)
  • UBC Masters in Clean Energy: Completion of the Energy Efficiency Module
  • Yorkville University Energy Management Specialization
  • Douglas College Building Energy and Resource Management program certificate
  • proof of passing the Certified Energy Manager exam under the Canadian Institute for Energy Training
  • a master’s degree in sustainability and planning

Only one energy specialist is permitted per selected customer. Multiple energy specialists will only be considered if you have multiple entities located significant distances apart.

Contracts are for one year. Energy specialists then have the opportunity to apply for a contract extension based on their ability to demonstrate future participation in FortisBC Conservation and Energy Management programs and natural gas related projects.

  • Determine your organization’s eligibility by reading the frequently asked questions on this page.
  • Complete the Commercial Energy Management Program application form.
    • Note: the application link takes you to the account login page. Once you’ve registered and/or logged in you can start your application. Hint: we recommend using Google Chrome® for the best experience.
  • We’ll verify if your company meets the eligibility criteria and follow up with you if additional information is required.
  1. Submit the Commercial Energy Management Program.
  2. We will confirm your eligibility and advise you on next steps.
  3. Upon request, submit your natural gas energy management plan to us.
  4. We will interview you regarding your natural gas energy management plan to determine eligibility.
  5. If your application is accepted, we’ll send you the terms of the Commercial Energy Management Program agreement for your written approval. (Note: the contract is non-negotiable.)
  6. Develop the job posting and submit it to us for approval. (We can provide a sample job posting if requested.)
  7. If requested, we’ll send you resumes of any available qualified candidates in your region.
  8. You will then post the job and shortlist and interview candidates.
  9. Once a potential candidate has been selected, request approval from us to hire and determine start date.
  10. We will provide you with a contract outlining the terms of the Commercial Energy Management Program agreement for you to sign.
  11. Once the energy specialist is hired, we’ll meet with your energy management team for a kick-off meeting.

The following organizations have a FortisBC-funded energy specialist:

  • BC Care Provider's Association
  • BC Non-Profit Housing Association
  • BC Housing
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology
  • BC Hotel Association
  • CBRE
  • City of Kelowna
  • Comox DND
  • Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Incorporated
  • Fraser Health Authority
  • Interior Health Authority
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University
  • LandLordBC
  • Metro Vancouver
  • Northern Health Authority
  • Okanagan College
  • Pacific Reach Properties
  • Provincial Health Services Authority
  • Providence Health Care
  • Quadreal
  • Receiver General of Canada
  • School District #43 (Coquitlam)
  • School District #41 (Burnaby)
  • School District #36 (Surrey)
  • School District #38 (Richmond)
  • Shared/Multiple School Districts
  • Simon Fraser University
  • Thompson Okanagan Tourism
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of British Columbia Okanagan
  • University of the Fraser Valley
  • University of Victoria
  • Vancouver Island Health Authority
  • Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

1 Energy Specialist refers to the Energy Specialist, Energy Analyst, or a Thermal Energy Manager.