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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
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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 energy efficiency and community-scale energy policy and projects. BC Hydro Sustainable Communities Program 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, and UBC/UVIC Sustainability Scholars, and for implementing community energy efficiency and renewable 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-profit
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Academic Institutions

For community energy projects, funding for project implementation is available to:
  • Industry, professional associations, and non-profits 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/UVic Sustainability Scholars

  • Project Implementation

Percentage of Project Funded

50%

Eligible Costs

Design
Planning
Community Engagement
Project Management
Staff Costs
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
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 $60,000 per year) for two years (funding reviewed and renewed annually).

An energy manager can help lead and implement energy efficiency and renewable 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.

For community energy projects:

  • Projects must drive policy development and implementation that advance energy efficiency across buildings, transportation, and community energy systems
  • BC Hydro issues an annual call for these projects under our Implementation Offer funding stream. 
 
 
 

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Building Purchase Costs
Administration Fees
Land Acquisition

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports