$17-MILLION LIVESMART INVESTMENT FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSING

VICTORIA – The Province is investing $17 million in energy efficiency retrofits for low-income housing that will help put more money in the pockets of low-income British Columbians and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, announced Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld.

“Many British Columbians have already felt the effects of the global economic uncertainty and this program will help B.C. families reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint,” said Neufeld. “This government understands the challenges all British Columbians face and that’s why we felt the need to ensure the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program meets the needs of those with low incomes.”

This funding is part of the $60-million, three-year LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program, which supports residential energy evaluations and energy efficiency retrofits. The funding for low-income participants will be available over three years and has set a target of 9,000 retrofits by March 31, 2011.

LiveSmart BC low-income projects will be piloted across the province. The first project with LiveSmart BC funding is with EAGA-City Green Solutions for $4,144,800. This project is targeting the completion of 1,884 energy efficiency evaluations and retrofits. Evaluations will identify the best opportunities to improve energy efficiency in order to make the most cost effective improvements. Three other project agreements are being developed.

These projects will fully fund the cost of energy efficiency assessments and retrofits for participants. The typical cost is approximately $2,000 per house or residential unit.

“Both EAGA and City Green are delighted to be involved with the LiveSmart BC project and welcome today’s announcement, which reinforces the government’s commitment to helping low income families access the many benefits of energy efficient homes,” said Liz Kelly of EAGA. “This program will make a huge and very positive difference to those most in need.”

The Province is also introducing a new regulation under the Utilities Commission Act to support adequate and cost effective energy conservation and efficiency. This new regulation requires and supports new utility conservation programs that are aimed at low-income households and those who rent.

The LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program is part of the Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy: More Action, Less Energy, released on May 22, 2008. The strategy leverages $160 million in funding and sets new targets for all British Columbians to maximize efficiency, conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources’ energy efficiency programs help British Columbians lower their energy costs, while creating new, skilled jobs and increasing B.C.’s economic competitiveness.

Find out how you can choose to save money at www.livesmartbc.ca.

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Media contact:	Jake Jacobs Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628 250 213-6934 (cell)

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