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Continuous optimization

Man analyzing equipment reading

Low-cost energy solutions for large commercial buildings

Continuous optimization (C-Op) is a program we offer in partnership with FortisBC to help you save energy and improve operations in large commercial buildings.

The offer

The continuous optimization program provides funding to have an approved service provider help you improve the efficiency of your most energy-intensive systems, such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). Through a retro-commissioning or recommissioning process, the focus is on identifying and implementing simple, low-cost solutions without having to undertake a major capital investment.

We'll work with you to get started and your approved service provider will provide advice and support along the way.

Types of commissioning (definitions)

Commissioning

The process of tuning and calibrating systems in a new building to ensure everything is performing as efficiently as possible.

Retro-commissioning

Commissioning an existing building for the first time.

Recommissioning

Commissioning an existing building that's been commissioned previously.

Periodic recommissioning

Recommissioning on a periodic basis for the lifetime of the building. This is to ensure improvements last over time and to identify new opportunities as your facility and/or business changes.

Program benefits

  • Save energy and operating costs when systems operate optimally for your facility.
  • Increase comfort through adjustments to match occupant behaviour.
  • Extend equipment life when systems are in sync and operate as intended.
  • Ensure improvements persist over the building's life through periodic recommissioning.
  • Improve sustainability by working toward your carbon emission reduction goals.
  • Receive funding based on your facility size (up to $0.15 per square foot).

How it works

  1. Talk to your Key Account Manager or Regional Energy Manager about the program.
  2. Apply for the program. You'll need a proposal from your approved service provider and a completed application form.
  3. Once you're approved and have a signed project agreement in place, your project can begin.
  4. Investigate: Your service provider will start by investigating your site and reporting on opportunities to optimize your existing systems, as well as reviewing measures that were previously implemented. This takes about four to six months. At the end of this stage, 75% of your project funding will be paid.
  5. Implement: Next, you'll choose a bundle of the identified improvements to proceed with and your service provider or contractor will implement them. This takes about five to six months.
  6. Complete: Lastly, your service provider will verify that the measures have been implemented. This takes about one to two months. Once final invoices are submitted, the last 25% of your project funding will be paid.

For a more detailed overview, see the continuous optimization application process [PDF, 94 KB].

For a complete overview of what your service provider will do for your retro-commissioning or recommissioning project, refer to the scope of work [PDF, 163 KB].

Eligibility

  • You're a large, commercial sector customer working with a Key Account Manager or a Regional Energy Manager.
  • You're an owner or long-term leaseholder of an existing large commercial or institutional building or a facility with a total indoor floor area of at least 40,000 square feet.
  • You have an existing Direct Digital Control (DDC) building automation system with remote access. You may also have an advanced system in place such as an Energy Management Information System (EMIS) / Real-Time Energy Management (RTEM) system.
  • You have the following building documentation:
    • mechanical and electrical schematics
    • control drawings
    • testing, adjusting and balancing reports
    • operation and maintenance reports
  • You're not planning any major renovations to the building or upgrades to its HVAC equipment within the next 12 months.
  • You're prepared to provide on-site support and have the financial resources to implement the recommended cost-effective measures.
  • You must have at least one year of BC Hydro billing history.
  • If you are re-applying to the C-Op program, it must be at least four years after you last completed the program.

How to apply

Speak with your BC Hydro Key Account Manager (KAM) or Regional Energy Manager (REM) to confirm your facility is eligible and to start the application process.

To apply for the program, you’ll need to:

  1. Choose a service provider from our approved service provider list [PDF, 96 KB].
  2. Get a work proposal from your service provider. For reference, see our sample proposal [PDF, 58 KB].
  3. Complete the continuous optimization application form [PDF, 198 KB]. One form per building.
  4. Submit the completed application form and the proposal to your KAM or REM.

If you're not sure who to talk to, contact our business help desk at 1 866 522 4713.

If you're a FortisBC Electric customer, please contact your natural gas Key Account Manager or FortisBC electricity technical advisor to determine your eligibility.

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