Sustainable Communities Program
Program Category:
Clean Energy, Sustainable Transportation, Built Environment, Climate Mitigation
Program Sub-Category:
Energy Efficiency (Housing / Buildings), Renewable Energy, Innovation, Zero Emission Vehicles and Charging Stations
Status: Open
Funder
BC Hydro
Deadline Details
Please review the Sustainable Communities program website or contact BC Hydro for more information.
Funder Organization Type
- Utility
Financial, technical, and research support is available to assist local governments in advancing community-scale energy and climate action. BC Hydro Sustainable Communities also supports Peer Networks on Energy Step Code, Electric Vehicles, and low carbon retrofits for local government staff to connect, collaborate, and leverage one another’s work and knowledge to further advance climate action goals and achieve greater impact in their communities.
The Sustainable Communities Program provides funding for hiring community energy managers, interns/co-op students, or UBC Sustainability Scholars, and for implementing community energy projects.
Eligible Community
For hiring community energy managers, communities must:
- be within BC Hydro’s service area; and
- have a population over 75,000 or 20,000 with a council-approved Community Energy and Emissions Plan and demonstrated leadership in electricity demand-side management.
For community energy projects, communities must:
-
be within BC Hydro’s service area; and
-
have a population over 75,000 or 20,000 with a council-approved Community Energy and Emissions Plan and demonstrated leadership in community energy and climate action.
Eligibility requirements apply unless otherwise agreed upon.
Regional Limitations
Yes (See the Map)Required Community Contribution
Community contribution required (please see program website)
BC Hydro Sustainable Communities provides match funding up to 50% of eligible project costs. The community is expected to provide the remainder of the funding for the project. This may include funding from third parties and up to 10% as in-kind costs.
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
Professional Input Required
No
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Note: the Program supports implementation projects that relate to policy development (rather than design/procurement/construction)
Other Eligible Applicants
Businesses / For-profitNon-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Academic Institutions
For community energy projects, funding for project implementation is available to:
- Industry and professional associations with either a head office or regional office in BC.
Type of Funding
- Grant
- Support (e.g. consulting management)
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
Description of Funding
Funds and resources are available for:
- Community Energy Managers
- UBC Sustainability Scholars
- Project Implementation
Percentage of Project Funded
50%Eligible Costs
DesignPlanning
Community Engagement
Project Management
Staff Costs
Capacity Building for the Community
Awareness and Education
Research and Development
For Community energy managers:
BC Hydro will provide up to 50% of the salary of a full-time senior staff member (to a maximum of $50,000 per year) for two years (funding reviewed and renewed annually).
An energy manager can help lead and implement energy and emissions planning and energy projects including:
- Drive development and implementation of community energy and emissions plans.
- Lead policy development and implementation to advance energy conservation and efficiency.
- Act as a champion and project manager for key energy efficiency initiatives.
- Raise awareness about our energy efficiency programs and incentives available to residents and businesses in your community.
Ineligible Costs
Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreementBuilding Purchase Costs
Administration Fees
Land Acquisition
Reporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports