Download a copy of the presentation slides.
Learn more about the HPCN and register (beginning June 16) at http://homeperformance.ca/about-the-network/
Learn more about the CleanBC Better Homes announcement
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Contact the HPSC
This Q&A is an edited transcript from the June 9 fenestration webinar. For a complete list of FAQs, visit our website.
Q: What happens when the qualified person moves to another company? Do you keep track of that information?
A: Yes, when a qualified installer or supervisor moves to another company, we keep track of their qualifications. It is the company that joins the HPCN, however, not the supervisor/installer who completes the qualifications. So if a qualified person moves to another company who is also part of the HPCN with the same sector(s), the transition is seamless. If the new company wants to qualify the employee for additional sectors and/or if time has passed between jobs, they may need to "fill in the gaps" of their qualifications.
Q: Please talk about the PRC (Program Registered Contractors) vs HPCN qualification process - what will the transition be? Should I bother with the RPC process or just wait for the HPCN process? I do not want to double up! I have been told that there should be a smooth transition, but I am not yet comfortable/clear about this?
A: The primary information presented in the webinar today relates fenestration's participation in the HPCN and to CleanBC's income-qualified program. Currently, fenestration is not a part of the existing PRC program as the present PRC program applies only to heat pump and insulation contractors. We're working closely with BCHydro and FortisBC to provide a seamless transition along with thorough information. Additional details about HPCN for HVAC and insulation will be shared later in the year. If you are currently a PRC or in the process of joining, we encourage you to continue your qualifications under that program as we are working closely to ensure alignment.
Q: If we are renovators who also do window/door replacement and insulation (no spray foam) will we need to qualify/certify in 3 sectors?
A: Yes, HPCN is designed that companies are clearly indicated for which sector they're qualified for. At this time, the only sector someone can qualify for within the HPCN is fenestration. General renovators that complete window and door installations are welcome to apply to the HPCN by selecting "fenestration" as your applicable sector upon registration. In the future, you will be able to further designate your company as a general renovator and/or add additional sectors by completing those sector-specific qualifications.
Q: Do subcontractors that work for a manufacturer that also has in-house installation crews have to complete this process? Or is it enough that the manufacturer is approved for the HPCN?
A: Your registration does not cover subcontractors. If someone is on your payroll, they qualify as being on your staff then that's fine/good to go. If they're otherwise invoiced or somehow a subcontractor then we would consider them a separate business and they would need to apply to the HPCN rather than, or as well as, your organization.
Q: Is the HPCN and/or Clean BC seeking local non-profit partners to support public communications, engagement, and application support for rebates?
A: HPSC is looking to network with regional districts as well as not-for-profits and receive support from the program. The income-qualified program specifically will be a contractor led program with an easier application process.
Q: If the 2021 Best Practice Guides were purchased before this announcement are they eligible for reimbursement still?
A: Any guides purchased from May 27, 2021 onward are eligible for reimbursement, as that was the date we announced the qualifications for the fenestration sector. We want the process to be accessible, fair and workable for contractors so we are open to discussing purchases prior to May 27, provided it is for the 2021 version.
Q: Can the income qualified offer be combined with the existing provincial BC Hydro Tier 2 rebates? Are these rebates available for multi-family homes?
A: From CleanBC representatives: No, rebates cannot be "stacked" with the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Program - the customer would be directed to one program or the other depending on their total household income. Eligible dwelling types will be identical to the existing CleanBC Better Homes and home renovation program, including single-family homes, individually metered duplexes, triplexes, row and townhomes. This does not include multi-unit residential buildings. Multi-generational living situations would generate a positive impact on income threshold, due to more people living within the household.
Q: If a company has one qualified installer and that person leaves. How do you keep track that the company no longer has someone that has gone through the process to install?
A: Companies must commit to having one installer or supervisor qualified in order to join the network; that will be made clear to the company and it will be a major determinant whether or not they'll remain in the HPCN. We would follow our resolution protocol, if we found out that their only qualified installer left and did not notify us. The protocol includes: a coaching call, formal disciplinary action, pausing the account and, worst-case scenario, dismissing contractors [full details on our website]. We'll work on improving the effectiveness of our quality assurance as the network evolves.
Q: What is the auditing / quality assurance process going to look like, to make sure that contractors in this program are installing the Best Practices Guide?
A: Our quality assurance criteria is a joint responsibility between HPSC and our program administrators on an ongoing basis. We will continuously check and verify that business requirements and qualifications are up-to-date. We will partner with program administrators who complete site visits to stay informed of possible issues. Our full quality assurance plan, called the contractor management protocol, is available on our website.
Q: What if we don't agree with some of the Best Practices process, looking at it now and these don't work in every situation?
A: You're welcome to provide feedback if there are issues to be addressed; we have opportunities on Guides through "threads" (discussion forums) or contact us to learn more about opportunities to provide input on qualification selection. We also provide more background on how the qualifications came to be decided on our website.
Q: Is there policy/legislation/etc. giving HPCN authority around rebate programs and qualification/certification - or put differently, what is the risk of parallel/competing certifications popping up in future?
A: HPSC is an independent not-for-profit organization created by funding partners - BCHydro, FortisBC and the Province of BC to address the whole home performance gap. We're neither a government organization nor a Crown corporation, so the rebate program and administration of rebate programs is the responsibility of the province, utilities and municipalities.
Q: So BC Housing has the contractors network for new construction and HPSC has the contractors network for renovations? Is this a bit of a pre-emptive exercise to the new code for alterations to existing buildings both provincially and federally?
A: Our mandate is clear around retrofit contractors with a clear link of advancing the whole home performance and yes, renovations are a part of that.