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SURREY, B.C. – FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc. are doubling funding for those looking to build net-zero ready homes in British Columbia.

FortisBC has consulted with companies, a release said, on how to build fully electric and integrated gas-electric homes that conform to Step 4 and 5 of the BC Energy Step Code, the code’s highest levels.

“The province needs new energy-efficient homes to support the growing population as well as meet longer-term climate action goals. We believe that when builders have options, it can help us work towards these goals collectively while also giving customers a choice in energy options for their homes. Offering rebates on new construction projects gives builders flexibility on how to approach their projects, especially in different climates, while still building higher-efficiency homes,” FortisBC director of conservation and energy management Danielle Wensink said in the release.

The changes are the result of FortisBC revamping the company’s New Homes Program, and builders will now be able to access $15,000 or more to build to Step 4 and $20,000 or more to meet Step 5, which is a net-zero ready home.

Fortis BC changed the program after consulting and working with builders from across B.C.’s disparate climate zones, the release said, who gave input on home construction and what was required in each region to meet the BC Step Code.

“Key to all the projects was a focus on energy-efficiency from the initial design phase. Using what’s known as an integrated design approach, all the stakeholders involved in the construction collaborated to ensure the building elements, from the envelope to the mechanical systems, are working together to lower the energy requirements,” the release said.

One of the key inputs from builders, the release added, was having access to both the gas and electricity systems, which provided the most choice and flexibility in achieving the higher levels of the BC Energy Step Code.

“A focus on high-performance design while maintaining access to both energy systems provided builders with the most options in how they design and build new homes,” said Wensink. “We believe this approach helps fill a critical gap for energy-efficient new homes while achieving higher levels of the BC Energy Step Code.”

More information on the New Home Program rebates are available .