The Prince George Chamber of Commerce is urging small businesses to take advantage of energy incentives while they still can.
Two months since they began offering them, less than 50 businesses have registered for the free energy audits funded by the LiveSmart B.C: Small Business Program.
The Chamber's Business Energy Advisor Service offers the audits to business with a commercial B.C. Hydro account who spend less than $50,000 per year on electricity.
This is the first time the program has been available for small businesses, as it was previously offered for larger commercial enterprises and residences.
"Many are still reluctant," said Sorin Pasca, a business energy advisor with the LiveSmart program. "Every time I meet with someone, I'm timing how long until they ask 'what's the catch?'"
But, Pasca said, there is no catch. "They're saving energy, but they're also saving money. It's money back in their pocket."
He gave the example of switching 60-watt incandescent light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs as a common, easy improvement. "In some cases, the cheapest eligible [LED bulb] is less expensive than the incentive," he said.
Depending on the size of the business, Pasca will come in for an assessment that takes about an hour and a few days later, provide the business with a report with suggestions for making it more energy efficient. He also provides information on accessing available incentives from B.C. Hydro and finding contractors and technology providers to make any improvements the business owner chooses to pursue.
"It's fully their choice to go with certain technology," Pasca said, but recommends making improvements sooner rather than later. "At least now, [B.C. Hydro] is offering incentives for changing the old technology for the new technology, but by the time the old technology is banned, there will be no incentives," he said.
To register for an audit, contact Pasca at the Prince George Chamber of Commerce at 250-562-5424 or register online at www.pgchamber.bc.ca.
