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Energy program to help small businesses

Small businesses across B.C. will be able to access free

energy-efficiency advice, equipment and incentives with the new

LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program.

Minister of Energy Steve Thomson launched the program at the BC Foodservice Expo in Vancouver.

The $15-million, three-year LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program will be

tailored to meet the needs of key sectors such accommodations, retail,

agriculture, offices and more than $4.5 million allocated for upgrades

in the restaurant industry.

"This program was designed with small business and restaurant owners in

mind. We want to make efficiency upgrades easy and affordable so

entrepreneurs can focus on what matters most: serving their customers,"

said Thomson. "The support and products offered through the LiveSmart

BC: Small Business Program can save businesses thousands of dollars in

equipment and utility costs."

Building on the successful residential LiveSmart BC: Efficiency

Incentive Program, this new program will support small businesses owners

who may not have the time, information or resources to make energy

efficient improvements.

There are four components to the program:

* Business Energy Advisors: will deliver free energy assessments, help

owners tap into available product incentives and cash rebates, and help

co-ordinate product installation.

* Direct Installation: will fund 100 per cent of the cost of replacing

and installing select energy-efficient equipment such as lighting and

pre-rinse spray valves for commercial kitchens.

* Enhanced Product Incentives: will increase cash rebates for more than

10,000 energy efficient products.

* LiveSmart Champion: an open call for businesses to access funding for

new, innovative ways to conserve energy.