FortisBC says energy conservation efforts are serving the public

Homeowners who took part in rebates for high-efficiency space and water heating appliances as well as rebates to prevent air leakage in homes are helping achieve record energy savings in B.C. (CNW Group/FortisBC Inc.)

SURREY —  FortisBC says the numbers from its energy reductions program indicate its measures are working to help customers save energy and money.

Every year the company provides an analysis of the results of its energy conservation measures. Results from 2021 showed that customers who participated in their program conserved more than 1.1 million gigajoules of natural gas through upgrades. This value represents an 18 per cent increase from 2020 and the equivalent of removing 18,000 gas-powered cars from the road permanently.

“Given the immediate need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. and beyond, this shows how impactful it is to incorporate energy efficiency when we upgrade our homes and businesses—these collective actions add up to significant reductions,” said Colin Norman, manager, conservation and energy management, FortisBC, in a statement.

“This is great progress towards meeting aggressive targets set by the province to decrease emissions and we plan to continue to work with our customers to do even more in the coming years.”

As part of the province’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions, utilities in B.C. has provided rebates and incentives to help customers reduce their energy use and manage costs.

2021 is the fourth year of a four-year plan for FortisBC to triple its investments in energy savings programs from 2016 levels. In 2021, it invested $120 million in both natural gas and electricity-saving programs.

Results indicated that 26 per cent of energy savings contributions came from residential customers. According to FortisBC, these residential customers took part in rebates from high-efficiency space and water heating appliances and rebates to prevent air leakage in homes.