Event Recording & Links

4:27 - HPSC Welcome and Updates

17:40 - Engagement and Networking

37:55 - Contractor Network Announcement

40:10 - CleanBC Better Homes Announcement

42:46 - Q&A

1:14: 04 - Virtual Networking

Slides

Download a copy of the event slides

Links

Learn more about the HPSC at homeperformance.ca

Join the HPSC Hub on Guides

Contact the HPSC

Learn more about the CleanBC Better Homes announcement

Post-Event Summary

What We Shared

Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) launch The HPCN will be a database of residential retrofit contractors in British Columbia that meet specific accreditation, qualification and ongoing quality assurance criteria. Registration for the HPCN opens with a phased approach by sector. Fenestration registration commences on June 16 and launches later this year; HVAC and insulation sectors are also expected to launch this year. The launch for renovators and energy advisors is planned for early 2022.

Training Subsidies
Training subsidies are available for fenestration, HVAC, and insulation contractors. Funded by the Province of B.C., the subsidies are available to contractors registering in the HPCN. The subsidies will cover 100% of the mandatory training costs plus a contribution to wages for the time required.

CleanBC Better Homes Announcement CleanBC Better Homes announced a new income-qualified offer launching later this year. It will be a two-year standalone program with $11 million available to provide high-value incentives for low- to moderate-income households. The program has three goals: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, an increased awareness of energy efficiency, and energy affordability improvements.

Online Engagement and Networking
The HPSC has also launched a new online engagement and networking hub on the web platform called Guides. This online community will become the new go-to for stakeholder events, training and resources, discussions, live chat, and a new contractor directory. Stakeholders are invited to join the space by visiting guides.co/register?ref=hpsc

What We Heard

Event participants are interested in hearing more about:

• how the HPCN and Program Registered Contractor (PRC) program relate
• the details of the CleanBC Better Homes program and how it interacts with other programs
• next steps for the HPCN Sector Councils
• what is being done for consumer education and plans for enhancement

Event participants shared the following ideas, insights, and suggestions:

• Contractors are very busy but there is a long time between the first conversation with clients to closure on contracts. It appears high material costs are hampering consumer decision making.
• Training and consumer resources for rebate programs are very helpful. Contractors are trying their best to stay informed and help customers but there is still some nervousness, pressure, or risk that they feel. A pre-approval system for rebates may help. At the same time, contractors must find the balance between assisting their clients to understand and apply for rebates, and protecting themselves from "guaranteeing" that they will receive them.
• The abundance of rebates and consumer awareness right now is a great business opportunity for contractors committed to learning about the programs.
• Consumer awareness of home performance (including the benefits of energy assessments and whole-home retrofits) is still lacking.

We asked event participants to rank their priority aspects of engagement and networking with the home performance industry. The results are shown below:

We asked event participants to describe their feelings regarding the information shared at the forum. The results are shown below:

How We Will Follow-Up

The HPSC will review the questions, comments, and ideas shared at the event and:

• review the Working Roadmap to see if the feedback is already addressed or can be added as new priority items
• setup further discussion opportunities on Guides and, as appropriate, also discuss with the Sector Councils during scheduled meetings this year
• share feedback with the appropriate program administrators and organizations and gather their responses to share with stakeholders
• share more information about the creation, and opportunities to participate in, the new Industry Advisory

Event Registrant and Attendee Break Down

By Sector

By Location

Q&A

Q: What's the difference between HAVAN, CHBA-BC, Zebx, ZEIC, Passive House Canada, CaGBC and HPSC?

A: The Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC) is a not-for-profit society that represents the residential interests as it relates to energy-efficiency and conservation. Our mandate is to serve as the lead industry facilitators to increase the supply and demand for BC contractors to deliver quality, affordable services for consumers that focus on whole-home performance. The referenced organizations are partners/allies of the HPSC.

Q: When does the new Clean BC Better Homes program start?

A: Details surrounding the CleanBC Better Homes program will be shared soon, as dates are being finalized. The HPSC will keep Guides and our website up-to-date with new information.

Q: How does someone apply for training subsidies?

A: Training subsidies are available for contractors who have registered with the HPCN. These contractors will be provided with further instructions upon registration.

Q: Do you know whether the new CleanBC Better Homes program is designed to push for whole-home retrofits or is it likely to follow the typical incentive program pattern of allowing incremental updates that discourage more meaningful carbon emission reductions?

A: CleanBC has indicated that program goals (income-qualified program inclusive) will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of the province's CleanBC plan.

Q: Is a PRC the same as an HPCN?

A: Program Registered Contractors (PRC) is a network run by FortisBC, BCHydro with support from the province. The PRC and HPCN are currently two separate networks, however, it has been the long term vision for the PRC to transition to the HPCN. The transition is currently planned for spring 2022.

Q: (follow-up to above) So does this mean that I will NOT have to complete another round of certification/training to be a certified HPCN? OR should I be taking HPCN training?

A: Currently, we're working closely with PRC as a way of achieving the spring 2022 goal. We are making the transition as seamless as possible for existing PRC with training and will be providing more information later this year.

Q: Does the HPSC have plans to include financial information / training OR pathways to retrofit financing like PACE?

A: HPSC's role entails managing contractor accreditation, qualification, training and quality control criteria. Presently, financial training and retrofit financing are not core aspects of Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). Any concerns can be directed to CleanBC or our utility partners.

Q: Are there any more considerations coming to offset the costs of increasing the Electrical service to homes IE 100AMP to 200AMP?

A: This is a question for BC Hydro and Fortis BC. The HPSC will reach out for a comment.

Q: Is there a roadmap for HPSC for additional maturity of the stakeholder councils?

A: HPSC is working to establish an industry advisory committee that will promote collaboration between sector councils.

Q: Will homeowners doing their own DIY ductless be eligible for rebates under the HPCN?

A: The HPCN is open to contractors (i.e., businesses/companies) that meet specified accreditation and qualification criteria. Rebate programs that require the work to be completed by a contractor in the HPCN will, therefore, not accept homeowner DIY submissions for rebates. Self-employed individuals or those registered as a business are welcome to join after completing key requirements.

Q: (follow-up to above) Can a DIY instead have their installations verified by a PRC [or HPCN] to receive the rebate?

A: No, in order to ensure quality standards the work itself must be performed by an HPCN or PRC. While developing the Working Roadmap and the idea for the HPCN, industry asked for this process of accreditation and qualification to improve overall installation quality.

Q: Can the federal and provincial rebates be doubled-up for homeowners?

A: CleanBC will allow "stacking" of multiple rebates as long as the rebates do not total more than 100% of upgrade cost. It appears that Greener Homes will also permit stacking; visit their website to stay up-to-date on program guidelines.

Q: Will HPSC be working with BC Assessment to share this roadmap, so that there is value added to homes that have been retrofitted, especially by a PRC? [HPCN]

A: This is a great topic for discussion. For now, we are focused on developing and launching the HPCN. We remain committed to further progress on our Working Roadmap actions and discussing new ideas such as this one shared. Following the HPCN launch we will be actively inviting industry to share:

• What other HPCN priorities can we work on?
• How can the program grow?
• How can the program connect existing realities such as tying into BC assessment?

Q: What interaction do you have or will you have with the Passive House Organization?

A: As we work on our roadmap, we do consult with our industry stakeholders and Passive House Organization is one of them. Allies and partners were consulted and had the opportunity to provide feedback. We will continue to consult and work with organizations like Passive House, as we grow and as program requirements change.

Q: Where is HPSC based? Do you have localized meetings or is it to cover the whole of BC? We find in more rural areas that often we are at the behest of the lower mainland

A: The HPSC does not have a physical office or location. Our mandate is to cover all of B.C. and our team works remotely. We are striving to expand and deepen our reach in the province and we are grateful to the stakeholders from across B.C. that stay connected with us. To help us expand, we are looking at additional engagement and collaboration with our utility partners along with community focused organizations.

Q: Are there going to be any moves towards mandatory F280 F236 for HVAC?

A: Ongoing discussion with HVAC Sector Council. No immediate solution.

Q: Is there a pre-approval process for rebates?

A: Pre-approval is not a current aspect within HPCN. There is not a pre-approval process for most incentives, but those seeking additional information/specifics are asked to contact the Better Homes BC Energy Coach line at 1-844-881-9790