Carmen Proctor (left), coordinator of Nelson Hydro’s Ecosave program, and Trish Dehnel of the Community Energy Association, discuss energy issues with Nelson City Council on Feb 4., including the expansion of EcoSave to the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay. Photo: Nelson city council video screen capture

Carmen Proctor (left), coordinator of Nelson Hydro’s Ecosave program, and Trish Dehnel of the Community Energy Association, discuss energy issues with Nelson City Council on Feb 4., including the expansion of EcoSave to the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay. Photo: Nelson city council video screen capture

Nelson energy retrofit program will expand to rural areas

Nelson Hydro's EcoSave program will serve the entire RDCK

Nelson Hydro’s EcoSave program will soon be available across the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), not just in Nelson, and not just to Nelson Hydro customers.

For the last seven years EcoSave has offered Nelson homeowners an energy evaluation of their home at discounted rates.

Under the program, a certified evaluator tells homeowners how much energy they are using, where heat is leaking from their home, and how to reduce costs. The program also helps homeowners with access to rebates for renovation costs, low cost financing, a contractor guide, and energy coaching.

“On average people save an average of 30 per cent on their heating bill,” EcoSave co-ordinator Carmen Proctor told Nelson city council on Feb. 4, “and we are nearing the 700 mark of people registering for the program in Nelson.”

She said people often save thousands of dollars toward renovations.

The new RDCK program will include rebates given by Nelson Hydro, BC Hydro, and Fortis. The eligibility criteria for these are complex, Proctor said, and an EcoSave employee will guide applicants through the possibilities.

The new regional program will not be just for homeowners, but will offer energy coaching for renters and apartment dwellers.

The RDCK version of EcoSave will be launched in the beginning of April, with free public information sessions in all communities in April and May.

Related:

Provincial energy incentives complement Nelson’s EcoSave program

New grants make energy retrofits more affordable for B.C. property owners

Nelson Star