Small businesses across B.C. will be able to access free energy-efficiency advice, equipment and incentives with the new LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program. The $15-million, three-year LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program will be tailored to meet the needs of key sectors such accommodations, retail, agriculture, offices and more than $4.5 million allocated for upgrades in the restaurant industry.
It's modeled on the successful residential LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program and targets small businesses owners who may not have the time, information or resources to make energy efficient improvements.
There are four components to the program:
Business Energy Advisors: will deliver free energy assessments, help owners tap into available product incentives and cash rebates, and help co-ordinate product installation.
Direct Installation: will fund 100 per cent of the cost of replacing and installing select energy-efficient equipment such as lighting and pre-rinse spray valves for commercial kitchens.
Enhanced Product Incentives: will increase cash rebates for more than 10,000 energy efficient products.
LiveSmart Champion: an open call for businesses to access funding for new, innovative ways to conserve energy.
The initiatives are especially welcomed by the restaurant industry. "We're grateful to government to have the foresight to assist small businesses in saving time and money as they become more energy-efficient," said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association.
Once complete, the LiveSmart Small Business program is forecast to save businesses over $7 million in utility costs and 82.5GWh of electricity per year, enough to power 7,500 homes. More than 4,000 small businesses are expected to benefit from direct installation and incentives, helping B.C's reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2020.
For more information on the program, including eligibility, visit the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program's home page at: http://www.livesmartbc.ca/green_business/index.html
