Commercial Conservation Upgrades

OVERVIEW

• Apply for a commercial incentive for energy conservation upgrades:

• 25% of the total cost
  
  
• the maximum incentive is $5,000 per applicant
  (the incentive is maximized at a project cost of $20,000)
  
  
• this program started on June 1st, 2011 with an allocation of $100,000

• Provincial and Federal funding:  none available at this time

• Program timeline:

• retroactive from:  April 1st, 2011

• start date of this program:  June 1st, 2011

• end of program:  May 31st, 2012  (or when fully subscribed)

• Application acceptance:

• Applications are approved on a first-completed basis.

• Applications that are submitted with incomplete projects, missing information, or missing documentation will be held at the back of the queue until the necessary corrections are made.  Since this program has limited funds, it is imperative that your project and application are fully complete when submitted.

• As available funds decrease, applicants must understand that there is a risk that upon completing their project, the program may become fully subscribed and that funds are no longer available when their application is submitted.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants are eligible for and can simultaneously apply for both components of our Commercial Incentive Program:  this one and the Commercial Solar Installations component.

• The commercial property must be located within the corporate limits of the City of Medicine Hat (i.e. you must have a Tax Account ID number with us and pay property taxes to the City).  If your property is outside our area, contact your local municipal government office for  information on any grants that may be available.

• Retroactivity can apply for any projects where the program specifications have been met and provided the invoices show being paid in full on or after April 1st, 2011.

• Inclusive within this program are apartment buildings, condominiums, schools, recreational centres, office buildings, non-profit organization facilities, and business and commercial complexes.

• New commercial buildings, in the design stages or under construction, are eligible for this funding.

• Applicants can submit more than one application provided the maximum request limit of $5,000 is not exceeded.

• Recipients of our previous HAT Smart I Commercial Incentive Program (which ended on March 31st, 2011) are also eligible for this program.

• Commercial owners involved in long-term projects can also apply for their conservation upgrade even though their project is not yet fully completed. To qualify, the total estimated project cost must be at least $100,000 in magnitude and the conservation component claimed for funding must be prepaid. The application must be accompanied by a simple one-page letter from the engineering firm indicating: a brief description of the overall project, the estimated start and end date, the total estimated project cost, and the component cost of the conservation upgrade.

DETAILS

• Total cost includes equipment purchases, engineering fees, permit fees, shipping, delivery, storage, installation, supplies, materials, commissioning fees, GST, and any other costs that are directly relevant to the energy conservation upgrade.

• The project can involve multiple buildings within a complex.

• Note that this commercial incentive is focused towards decreasing energy use for our customers; these incentives are not intended as an infrastructure change that can be used to replace equipment with standard energy-use components.

• Energy conservation upgrades can include the purchase of Energy Star rated or high efficient heating and cooling equipment, insulation,  cool roofs, windows, doors, skylights, air sealing and vapour barrier improvements, weatherstripping, hot water heating equipment, clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water coolers, dehumidifiers, office equipment, lighting fixtures, air curtains, low-flush and dual-flush toilets, low-flow faucet and shower adaptors, and energy audits.  Please contact us to discuss eligibility of other items that are not listed above.

• Although highly recommended, an energy audit is not a requirement to obtain any of our commercial funding but if you wish to obtain one, we will fund 25% of the cost as part of your conservation upgrade.  For information on energy audits and a listing of Commercial Energy Auditors, go to the “Energy Audits” section on our Energy Conservation Information webpage.

• HAT Smart is very open towards new ideas, methods, technology, and innovation involving energy sustainability.  If your project does not fit the norm, all we would require is a letter from your engineering firm indicating the estimated improvement in energy efficiency and that the submitted application would decrease the utility consumption of the customer.

APPLY

1. We expect our applicants to do their homework; ensure that you have thoroughly read and understood  the information posted on this webpage.  For referral purposes at a later time, Windows users should save this webpage as a favourite; Mac users should bookmark it.
   
   
2. We also expect our contractors, retailers, and commercial auditors to do their homework. If you are one, please feel free to print and distribute any information posted on this website.  Also, you may wish to obtain a supply of brochures from our office; contact us to arrange to do so.
   
   
3. Before you start your project and although it is not required to obtain our funding, it is strongly recommended that you view our Energy Conservation Seminar listed on our Watch Our Online Videos webpage.  This video will explain the many options available to you to help save money on your utility bills.
   
   
4. Visit our Energy Conservation Information webpage for informative links and additional detailed information pertaining to energy conservation.
   
   
5. Visit our Building Safety Codes webpage for further details, frequently asked questions, and contact information regarding the necessary documentation, permits, and inspections required for your installation.
   
   
6. Obtain quotes for your project.  Customers should choose service and material providers that are familiar with the details of this program; this will ensure that you as the customer can take maximum advantage of the funding offered.
   
   
7. For projects outside the scope of typical upgrades, request a letter from your engineering firm confirming the improvement in efficiency and the estimated savings that would result.
   
   
8. Proceed with your project.
   
   
9. Upon completion of your project:
   
   
   • Write or type out a summary sheet of your project costs with the final total indicated; a simple one-line description per paid invoice will be fine (remember that GST is also eligible for our incentive).
     
     
   • Make a copy of each paid invoice stated in your summary sheet.  It is our policy that contractors and suppliers must be paid in full before HAT Smart finalizes payment to the applicant; thus, invoices need to show either a $0 balance or be clearly marked as paid in full.
     
     
   • Attach a copy of your City permit approvals (depending on the type of project, this may include a development, building, electrical, and/or plumbing final inspection); this is a mandatory requirement for our funding.
     
     
10. Download and fill out our Commercial Conservation Upgrade Application Form; please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  Since this program has limited funds, it is imperative that your project and application are fully complete when submitted; incomplete applications will be placed at the back of the queue until the necessary corrections are made.  Contractors can fill out the basic information on the form but the declarations and signature must be completed by the owner.
    
    
11. Ensure that you have a copy of all the documents for your records.  Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Energy Sustainability department.  Receipt of your application is time-critical; choose the fastest way possible (the best way is via email which ensures instant delivery and receipt, confirms a date and time received, and enables an electronic copy for both parties).
    
    
    • Upon receipt of your application by the department, the date and time will be noted; you will be contacted confirming receipt (at the same time, you will be advised if your application is incomplete or needs changes made - ensure that you have as much contact information as possible listed on the form).
      
      
12. Department processing of your application may take up to 2 weeks; upon approval, you will be advised in written form.
    
    
    • The City of Medicine Hat will then process your cheque which will be sent out via regular mail; this usually takes an additional 2 weeks.
      
      
13. HAT Smart congratulates you on completing your energy saving project!  We’re happy that you were able to take advantage of our incentive program and the funding available.  We are always trying to improve our programs and make things simpler and more accessible for our customers - your comments, feedback, and suggestions are always welcome!