Latest news with #FortisBC
CBC
7 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Heat pump rebate applications in jeopardy after installer's certification suspended
Some customers are seeing red after FortisBC began denying applications for heat pump rebates because the company that installed them had its certification temporarily suspended. The rebates total about $1.5 million. As Jon Hernandez reports, the HVAC company is blaming a communication error for the confusion.
CBC
7 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Hundreds of $10K FortisBC heat pump rebates in jeopardy over contractor certification
FortisBC has rejected multiple applications for $10,000 heat pump rebates because of a temporary lapse in the necessary certification of a major Lower Mainland contractor. The CBC has learned the rebates of as many as 200 Moore and Russell customers have been jeopardized by a situation that has resulted in complaints and one small claims lawsuit from people who claim they were guaranteed they would qualify for money they were later denied. "I'm not stoked about it, that's for sure. I'm definitely pissed off," said Jeff Thompson, a North Vancouver man who has spent the past four months trying to figure out who to blame for the rejection of the rebate for his new heat pump. "I would say be wary of Fortis rebates and who you hire. It turns out it's not a straightforward process." 'I was horrified,' says customer Thompson is one of thousands of British Columbians who have taken advantage of rebates offered by FortisBC and the province in recent years to encourage homeowners to replace their old heating and cooling systems with high-performance electric heat pumps. The program has become so popular the province announced plans this week to expand the program this summer to include individual suites in multi-unit residential buildings. But in order to qualify for a rebate, customers need their heat pump to be installed by a contractor certified with B.C.'s Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN), a database of retrofit contractors that meet specified trade designation and training qualifications. Moore and Russell was certified with the HPCN at the time Thompson agreed to pay the company $20,000 to install his dual fuel pump. And they are certified today. But the HPCN paused the company's certification from March 5 to May 31 — something Thompson says he only learned about after submitting his rebate application. "I was horrified," said Thompson, who told the CBC the offer of a rebate was the main reason he had decided to go with a heat pump in the first place. "It was a huge part because it's half the value of what the install was." Contractor says it never got HPCN's email Moore and Russell general manager Jeremy Slater says he only learned the company's certification had been put on pause in May after complaints started coming across his desk. He says the problem dates back to the departure of an employee late last year. The HPCN requires all technicians to be up to date on four courses involving the basic principles of HVAC technology. "When that person left, we needed to qualify somebody else with those courses with them, and the deadline for having that done lapsed," Slater said. He says the Home Performance Contractor Network sent an email saying the company's account had been put on pause, but claims the email hit a firewall. Regardless, Slater says he never received it. "And HPCN doesn't have a process — even still — to follow up or confirm with a contractor when they put them on hold. They just expect that we would get the email." Despite the change in status, Slater says the company was still listed as a qualified contractor on FortisBC's rebate application menu, which is why customers like Thompson were even able to apply for a rebate in the first place. "So there was no way that a customer could have known that we were put on pause, and there's no way that we could have known we were put on pause, unless we had actually received the email," he said. "Which is concerning for us at Moore and Russell because this could still be going on with other contractors and other homeowners purchasing heat pump equipment from Fortis and any of the rebate programs, as HPCN actually provides governance for all of the rebate programs in B.C." 'It's going to turn me off in the future': homeowner Slater says rebates worth a total of up to $1.5 million could be on the line for as many as 200 of his customers. One of those customers filed a small claims lawsuit against Moore and Russell earlier this month, seeking $10,000 compensation for the heat pump rebate they were denied. "After the installation, FortisBC rejected my rebate application, stating that Moore & Russell was not a certified HPCN contractor, which was a requirement for eligibility," the lawsuit reads. "Had I known this, I would have chosen a different contractor." Coquitlam homeowner Desmond Saisitthidej says FortisBC also denied his rebate because of Moore and Russell's HPCN certification. "I think it's really frustrating," he said. "I think a lot of us did this in good faith, knowing that the rebate was available, knowing Moore and Russell had previously done this and that Fortis had previously paid out — and then to get caught in the quagmire between the two ... It's going to turn me off in the future." FortisBC 'reviewing the matter' FortisBC says the company is dedicated to providing rebates and incentives to adopt higher-efficiency technology. "We are aware of the concerns raised by customers regarding their rebate applications due to the standing of Moore and Russell's membership with the Home Performance Contractor Network," said corporate communications advisor Lauren Beckett. " We appreciate our customers' understanding, and we are reviewing the matter." In a statement, the HPCN said members are required to assign a company administrator as a sole contact for membership-related information. "Company administrators are notified by email if there is a concern with their membership status and provided with instructions and a deadline to rectify the situation as appropriate — this includes multiple follow-up emails," the statement said. "They can also see their membership status at any time in the HPCN Portal." Saisitthidej and Thompson say they hope FortisBC will ultimately pay out the rebate to customers who feel they are paying for someone else's mistake. Slater says he has been in talks with both HPCN and FortisBC. "I would expect that, in the spirit of the program overall, they would honour those rebates for our customers," he said. Slater says he has made changes to avoid a repeat of the problems leading up to the lapse in Moore and Russell's certification, but he also feels FortisBC and HPCN need to address communications issues that saw customers left in the dark about their status. "I would want to know what are we going to do differently so this never happens again," he said.
Global News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Global News
Wildfire grounds flights in Kelowna
Mounties in Kelowna are asking residents near Kelowna International Airport to be ready for a possible evacuation due to a nearby wildfire. 'All arrivals and departures are currently suspended until further notice,' according to the Kelowna International Airport website. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available,' a statement reads. According to the website, more than 28 flights were cancelled on Sunday as a result of the fire, with nine flights delayed. Police say the Whelan Creek fire in the Ellison area, east of Kelowna's airport, is affecting Rockface Road, Upper Booth Road and Dead Pine Road. According to the BC Wildfire Service, it's currently six acres and it's listed as out of control. Story continues below advertisement In an RCMP release, officers say they are conducting 'tactical evacuations' of homes in the area. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Kelowna Fire Department is on-scene working to contain the fire. RCMP say the blaze is burning uphill toward Postill Lake, which is northeast of Kelowna, and toward several other nearby lakes that have cabins and campsites. Police are advising the public in those areas above Ellison to leave as a precaution. FortisBC says the power has been shut off to customers in the area to help with firefighting efforts. Service alert: Power is off to customers in the Ellison area of Kelowna at the request of fire officials to support firefighting efforts. Updates here: — FortisBC (@FortisBC) July 7, 2025 Police say it is not yet known whether the fire will reach the lakes, but note there are limited access roads for evacuation from the surrounding forested areas. Story continues below advertisement Meanwhile, the only blaze of note identified by the BC Wildfire Service earlier Sunday continued to grow. The Izman Creek wildfire near Lytton is burning 245 hectares. This latest blaze comes just over four years after a wildfire destroyed much of the village. As of Sunday evening, there are 82 active wildfires across the province, 21 of which were classified as out of control.
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
FortisBC to issue call for power to help meet energy demand in the Southern Interior
New electricity generation projects will help meet customers' growing energy needs and support economic development KELOWNA, BC, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) is planning to launch a call for power later this year as the next step to its Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) issued in 2024, to support economic growth and help meet customers' growing electricity needs in communities across the Southern Interior region. The call for power will be conducted by way of an invitation-only competitive process, with organizations that were selected through the RFEOI process being invited to participate. This initial call for power is one of the next steps in FortisBC's work to expand its electricity system and increase power generation in the region by working with companies that can deliver local power and Indigenous communities in the Southern Interior. "By supporting local power projects and working with Indigenous organizations, we can expand electricity generation to ensure homes and businesses in the Southern Interior have the energy they need." said Joe Mazza, vice president of energy supply and resource development. "This call for power is an important step in delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy—driving economic development and strengthening communities for the future." In 2024, FortisBC issued an RFEOI for new power to identify projects from lower carbon and renewable 1 sources in British Columbia that could add up to 1,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy supply for its approximately 190,000 electricity customers by 2030. Through the RFEOI, FortisBC received more than 80 submissions representing about 20,000 GWh of electricity. The call for power is the next step in FortisBC's work to increase power generation in the region and includes two key components. Firstly, FortisBC recognizes the importance of economic reconciliation and projects must have a minimum of 25 per cent Indigenous equity ownership. Therefore, it is seeking submissions with comprehensive Indigenous participation plans. Secondly, in the call for power, FortisBC will focus on wind projects that can directly connect to its electricity system in the Southern Interior and provide energy in winter months when customer demand for power is highest. This targeted competitive procurement process will enable FortisBC to focus on projects that align closely with its strategic objectives of acquiring energy to address its immediate needs to meet high demand for electricity during the coldest days of the year. FortisBC may issue additional calls for power in the future. The Government of British Columbia recently passed legislation to modernize permitting and regulation of renewable energy projects. The new legislation establishes the BC Energy Regulator as the single window for permitting renewable energy projects in accordance with strict environmental standards. This legislation and upcoming regulations could help bring more power to FortisBC's customers faster. "FortisBC's upcoming call for power is great news for British Columbia as we build our supply of clean energy to drive our economy forward," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. "With a focus on wind projects in the Okanagan region and a requirement for Indigenous participation, the call for power will increase B.C.'s supply of renewable electricity to serve growing communities and businesses in the Southern Interior, create local jobs and investment, and generate important opportunities for Indigenous communities." "CEBC applauds FortisBC for taking bold action to ensure its customers have access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for generations to come," said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC). This call for power will strengthen and diversify our grid while reinforcing B.C.'s position as a global leader in Indigenous ownership and electrification. CEBC members are eager to help address rising demand in the Southern Interior while advancing reconciliation, driving local revenues, and keeping well-paying jobs where we need them most — right here in B.C." The call for power is part of the many actions FortisBC is taking to increase the ability of its electricity system to meet the growing energy needs of its customers in the Southern Interior, safely and reliably. As part of its long-term plan, it has been upgrading and building new substations in Kelowna, Grand Forks, Salmo, South Slocan, Beaver Park, Fruitvale and Trail to serve these growing areas. In addition, the British Columbia Utilities Commission recently approved FortisBC's plan to invest $133 million 2 by 2027 in new power infrastructure projects, including upgrading the Saucier, Glenmore, Duck Lake and DG Bell substations in Kelowna, increasing the capacity of its substations in Kaleden, Keremeos, Blueberry Creek, Christina Lake and upgrading the two main transmission lines serving customers in South Okanagan. Visit for more information on the call for power . @fortisbc About FortisBC Inc. FortisBC Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. FortisBC Inc. employs approximately 571 British Columbians and serves approximately 190,600 direct and indirect customers in B.C.'s Southern Interior. FortisBC Inc. owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants and approximately 7,300 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. FortisBC Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electricity and gas utility industry. FortisBC Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC Inc., visit
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How does Canada's burgeoning LNG industry measure up to its ambitions?
The first delivery of liquified natural gas (LNG) from the LNG Canada Development Inc. terminal near Kitimat, B.C. shipped out on Monday. It was the culmination of a six-year, $40-billion development of the facility, located at the head of the Douglas Channel. The shipment marks Canada's inaugural push into the global LNG market and it comes at a crucial time as the country looks to diversify its export markets. Here, the Financial Post looks at the ins and outs of producing liquefied natural gas and the major LNG projects on the go in Canada as it seeks to become a major player in a competitive global market. LNG is natural gas that is transported via pipeline from the extraction site to a liquefaction facility and supercooled to about –160C until it transforms into a clear, colourless and odourless liquid. 'The liquefaction process removes water, oxygen, carbon dioxide and sulfur compounds contained in the natural gas,' according to Natural Resources Canada. 'This results in an LNG composition of mostly methane with small amounts of other hydrocarbons and nitrogen.' When natural gas is liquified, it takes up about 600 times less space than its gaseous form. Utility company FortisBC describes it as 'roughly the equivalent of shrinking a beach ball to the size of a ping pong ball.' This makes it easier and more economical to transport to regions that aren't reachable by pipelines and load onto tankers and ship to overseas markets in Asia and Europe. When the LNG reaches its destination, it's moved into storage tanks and re-gasified. Natural gas can be used for heating furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces, cooking with gas stoves and ovens, and generating electricity. It can also be used as an alternative transportation fuel and as feedstock for manufacturing a wide range of products including chemicals, plastics, fertilizers, fabrics, steel and paint. Canada's largest natural gas producer is Tourmaline Oil Corp. Other major producers include Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., ARC Resources Ltd., Ovintiv Inc., Peyto Exploration & Development Corp., Cenovus Energy Inc., Petronas Energy Canada Ltd. and Whitecap Resources Inc. 'But up until now, the bulk of LNG development has actually been more by large international players like Shell,' said Ian Archer, associate director, North America Natural Gas at S&P Global Inc. The LNG Canada venture is jointly owned by five international oil and gas companies: British multinational Shell PLC (40 per cent), Malaysia's state-owned Petronas (25 per cent), state-owned PetroChina Company Ltd. (15 per cent), Japan's publicly traded Mitsubishi Corp. (15 per cent) and South Korea's state-owned Korea Gas Corp., or Kogas (five per cent). Located about 650 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, the LNG Canada Kitimat terminal represents the 'largest single private sector investment in the history of the country,' according to the federal government. The project's $40 billion price tag includes $18 billion for the Kitimat facility and the $14.5 billion for the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which is operated by Calgary-based TC Energy Corp. and transports natural gas from Dawson Creek in the B.C. interior to Kitimat. Canada is currently the world's fifth-largest producer of natural gas, according to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the fourth-largest exporter, according to Reuters. Canada has some of the 'largest and most productive' natural gas deposits in the world, according to Natural Resources Canada, with about 44 trillion cubic metres (1,566 trillion cubic feet) in marketable natural gas resources. At the current rate of production, that's about 300 years' worth of natural gas. Archer said the biggest growing markets for natural gas are China, India and a range of smaller countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam. Europe is another big market as several countries look to transition away from importing gas from Russia due to the war in Ukraine. 'But most of the growth is expected to be in Asia and that's why West Coast LNG looks particularly appealing, because the market is literally just across the Pacific,' said Archer. Archer said LNG is a niche but growing market, and a globally competitive one. But when it comes to geography, Canada has a big advantage over the United States. It takes about 10 shipping days to reach Asia from Canada's west coast, compared to 20 days for LNG shipments coming from the U.S. Gulf Coast. B.C. Premier David Eby said the LNG Canada project will increase Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.4 per cent, while TC Energy chief executive Francois Poirier told the Financial Post earlier this year that LNG shipments could boost Canada's GDP by up to $75 billion annually. LNG Canada is currently considering expanding the Kitimat facility, which would double its export capacity from 14 million to 28 million tonnes per year. Cedar LNG, a floating liquefaction and export facility toted as the world's first Indigenous majority-owned LNG project, is currently under construction in Kitimat and expected be in service in late 2028. The project is co-owned by the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corp. Early construction started in 2023 on Woodfibre LNG, the world's first net zero LNG export facility. Located near Squamish, B.C., the project is expected to reach 'substantial completion' by 2027. The project is owned by Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership, a joint venture between Pacific Energy Corp. (Canada) Ltd. and Enbridge Inc. It recognizes the Squamish Nation as a 'key partner' and 'full environmental regulator.' Canada's historic first cargo of LNG sets sail for buyers in Asia If Canada wants to be the world's energy partner, we need to act like it The proposed Ksi Lisims floating LNG facility in Wil Milit, about 15 kilometres northwest of Gingolx, B.C., is currently 'undergoing environmental assessment work, Indigenous and community engagement, and preliminary engineering,' according to the project's website. The project aims to start construction this year and be operational by 2029. The proposed Summit Lake PG LNG plant, which would be located approximately 30 kilometers north of Prince George, B.C., is still in the early engagement phase. In May, owner JX LNG Canada Ltd. submitted a request to extend the one-year timeline for the detailed project description phase of the project to February 2026. • Email: jswitzer@
