The City of New Westminster may be the hero you’re looking for if your goal is to save on your energy bill.
The city is providing local homeowners with access to new rebates and incentives through the Home Energy Rebate Offer (HERO) program by FortisBC and B.C. Hydro. In collaboration with the city’s community energy program, Energy Save New West, the HERO program will make thousands of dollars in rebates and incentives available to homeowners who are undertaking energy efficiency upgrades in their homes.
“We’re excited to support the new program,” Energy Save New West project coordinator Ryan Coleman said in a press release. “Our goal is to make it easier for New Westminster homeowners to get access to the rebates that are available by helping identify any energy inefficiencies in their home and recommending upgrade options that will save them energy and money down the line.”
HERO program rebates are designed to offset the costs of home energy upgrades, so homeowners can improve the comfort of their home and enjoy lower energy costs. This program is available to all registered members of Energy Save New West and includes rebates on a variety of upgrade measures such as insulation, heating systems, windows and ventilation.
According to the city, the value of the rebates range between $25 and $1,200, and the program also offers a bonus $750 rebate with the installation of three or more qualifying upgrades.
Since its launch in 2013, more than 200 participants have registered with Energy Save New West, including local resident and new homeowner Scott Norris. With the help of Energy Save New West, he’s completed a home energy assessment that identified several energy saving opportunities and a roadmap for future upgrades.
“It’s great to have access to a local program like Energy Save New West,” said Norris, whose family will be one of the first to take advantage of the new rebates offered by HERO. “Home renovations can be a complicated and stressful process, but their technical energy coach was able to provide us with objective advice, and helped us prioritize our home upgrades so we could gain access to the latest grants and incentives.”
It’s the latest move the city has taken on the energy front, having introduced free energy assessment to local businesses and residents in 2013.
New Westminster homeowners registered in the Energy Save New West program are currently eligible to receive a home energy efficiency assessment at the subsidized rate of $60. This is a limited time offer to homeowners and a savings of $240 on the regular cost.
To register with Energy Save New West and book an energy assessment for your home, register online at www.energysavenewwest.ca or call 604-515-3818.
