Photo courtesy of HomeZero Collective

By Pete McIntyre

subsides and no-interest loans

Program helps Vernon neighbourhoods switch to clean energy

Aug 9, 2023 | 12:30 PM

A Vernon non-profit is looking for up to 15 homeowners in the city’s East Hill and Foothills neighbourhoods to take part in a clean energy retrofit pilot.

HomeZero Collective said the participating residents would be able to access funding and support, and would demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits of making the switch on a neighbourhood scale.

“We’re excited to be at the stage where we have the support of the Government of Canada and an industry-leading local partner to pilot our unique neighbourhood retrofit model,” Amandeep Singh, founder of HomeZero Collective, said.

Singh led a feasibility study that highlights how going through the process as a group of neighbours gives people the chance to switch to clean energy systems, such as heat pumps, with lower costs, faster delivery and quality assurance. It also aims to be a lot easier, with HomeZero Collective coordinating work performed by Okanagan Geothermal.

Last week, through the Green Municipal Fund, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities shared its support for HomeZero Collective’s pilot project, which launches this month, by offering up to 15 homeowners the chance to access a $10,000-$30,000 subsidy — on top of a no-interest Greener Homes Loan of up to $40,000 to help finance the installations.

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Homeowners then receive guidance from HomeZero as they choose their retrofit package: either geothermal or air source heat pump, plus hybrid electric hot water tank, solar panels and an electric vehicle charging outlet. Retrofits will be installed by the end of February 2024 and homeowners will see instant results saving money and reducing carbon emissions by 85 to 100 per cent.

“If you’re someone who has been thinking about climate change and switching to renewable energy, this is an amazing opportunity to make it more affordable and more doable,” Keli Westgate, HomeZero Collective community engagement manager, said.

Westgate and Singh will speak at upcoming information sessions as they look to engage eligible homeowners in the two test neighbourhoods — Foothills and East Hill, chosen as they represent a wide range of homes — and begin the process this month.

“Our great hope is that with these learnings we can grow our reach across Vernon and inspire other communities across Canada to create a lower-carbon future,” Singh said.

Foothills and East Hill residents can visit www.HomeZeroCollective.com to learn more about the process and eligibility, and sign up to attend required information sessions being held at the library and virtually.