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Feasibility study

Panoramic shot of industrial coworkers working on some equipment

Assess and compare options for upgrading multiple systems

Is there a system at your facility that you’re ready to optimize? A feasibility study provides you with an in-depth analysis of the options and costs for opportunities including:

  • Upgrading inefficient systems to be more energy efficient,
  • Reducing your facility's reliance on fossil-fuel powered equipment, and/or
  • Taking advantage of demand-response programs that reduce your energy costs.

This customizable study can apply to one or multiple systems at your existing site, site expansion, or a new site you're developing. The results of the study will help you make a strategic decision to move forward with.

The offer

Get funding up to 100% for a feasibility study at your site. An energy expert will conduct the study and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of options and costs.

PROJECT TYPE FUNDING AVAILABLE 
Energy opportunity of more than 200,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, or a total demand impact of more than 100 kW. Study is 100% funded.                      
Energy opportunity of 25,000 - 200,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, or a total demand impact of 25 - 100 kW. Study is 50% funded.                     


The energy opportunity can represent:

  • Energy-efficiency improvements. Optimize energy use and reduce consumption. This also includes customer-based power generation that offsets their own energy use.
  • Low-carbon electrification. Switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • Demand-response participation. Reduce or shift some of your energy usage during specified dates and times of peak demand on our system

How it works

  1. Work with an energy expert to determine the scope of your study. Your energy expert must be a member of the Alliance of Energy Professionals. Need help finding an expert? Request a referral.
  2. Connect with your Key Account Manager or Regional Energy Manager to express your interest in the study. They'll arrange a meeting with you, a representative from BC Hydro and your energy expert to discuss your study and the requirements of the proposal that you'll need to submit.
  3. If your study will include low-carbon electrification, complete the electrification program eligibility form so we can determine the appropriate program to support your project.
  4. If required, your Key Account Manager or Regional Energy Manager will arrange a meeting with you, a representative from BC Hydro and your energy expert to discuss your study and the requirements of the proposal that you'll need to submit.
  5. Submit an application with the final proposal, completed by your energy expert.
  6. Once your application is approved, the energy expert will conduct a detailed analysis according to the study scope and our technical guidelines.
  7. They'll create and provide you with a detailed report that will help you build a solid business case for implementing your project, including: 
    1. An assessment of your options.
    2. Costs to implement each option.
    3. Estimated savings or GHG impact for each option.
  8. You'll attend a final presentation by the energy expert and a representative from BC Hydro to summarize the report findings and discuss next steps. We'll then process your study funding payment.

Eligibility

  • Available to industrial and large commercial customers. 
  • Large commercial customers must have company-wide, annual electricity consumption of at least two gigawatt-hours (GWh).
  • For energy-efficiency or low-carbon electrification projects, the minimum energy opportunity must be at least 25,000 kWh per year. 
  • For demand-response projects, the minimum demand impact must be at least 25 kW.

How to apply

Applications are submitted by your Key Account Manager or Regional Energy Manager. Contact them to apply.

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

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