Livesmart BC Business Energy Testimonial

Northstar Motors, Cranbrook

Northstar Motors manager, Derek Spring, pays attention to detail and wants to run his business productively. During renovations on their 15-year-old building, energy costs to light and heat their large showroom and service areas were examined. Derek discussed recent advances in lighting efficiencies with his contractor, Keith Dettling of KD Electric which resulted in a referral to the LiveSmart BC Small Business Program.

Kootenay Region, LiveSmart BC Business Energy Advisor, Marilyn Christensen was contacted and informed Derek about available incentives that could help with the cost of switching their existing lighting to more efficient lighting products. Derek noted that the quality of energy efficient products had improved greatly over the past few years. “We were going to do the upgrades regardless of the incentives” he claimed. However, Marilyn put things in perspective after conducting a free Business Energy Assessment when she verified that Northstar Motors was eligible to receive rebates through the BC Hydro Product Incentive Program.

The LiveSmart BC Business Energy report helped Derek select what was best for the unique needs of his business. It listed potential product retrofit choices, energy savings, estimated costs, and approximate time it would take for the new product to pay for itself through the rebate and energy savings.

Before long the new fixtures were in and it was time to submit the application online. Derek confessed, “Going into it, we thought it was going to be onerous, but it wasn’t. Marilyn worked through the application process with our accountant and it was done and over!”

Since the completion, staff has testified to illumination improvements. The rebate cheque came in about six weeks and it was exactly what their application summary said it would be. Derek says the next renovation phase will happen in the showroom. Derek’s advice to other businesses, “Take advantage of the program. It’s easy and not a huge workload”.

Top photo: NorthStar Motors Manager Derek Spring showcasing the new electric car model,  Chevy Volt

by Maureen Frank, LiveSmart BC Administrative Assistant, Kootenay Region & Marilyn Christensen, LiveSmart BC Business Energy Advisor, Kootenay Region

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