The information you’re requesting pertains to a rebates program for Kelowna, British Columbia, natural gas customers aimed at reducing energy use. This initiative, known as the Peak Plan Pilot, is similar to FortisBC’s electricity program. The purpose of this program is to help spread out peak energy demand over a longer period, thereby reducing the need for the energy system to deliver a high volume of energy at a specific time. This helps in maintaining the system’s ability to deliver energy to customers while potentially avoiding the need for building new infrastructure.
The Peak Plan Pilot, which focuses on gas heating, encourages Kelowna customers to participate by offering rebates. FortisBC, the energy provider, anticipates that the program will assist in lowering energy use while also better managing overall system demand. Feedback from the pilot phase of another program, Power Hours Rewards, was quite positive, with 89% of participants expressing their intention to take part in future programs. Power Hours Rewards specifically targets electric heating, cooling, and electric vehicles, while the Peak Plan Pilot targets gas heating.
FortisBC’s program manager, Max Mathies, explains that the initiative essentially aims to reduce ‘rush-hour traffic’ on the energy system, thereby avoiding or delaying the need to build a larger energy system. This is achieved by encouraging customers to adjust their energy usage patterns, such as modifying heating or air conditioning settings, changing when they cook dinner, using hot water, or charging electric vehicles, to spread out these energy demands throughout the day rather than concentrating them during peak hours.
Views: 0