How Kelowna is built
- Before 1961 8%
- 1961–1990 42%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 33%
Reporting rules that apply in Kelowna
- No city-specific rule found (none found): No municipal energy/water benchmarking, reporting or building-performance by-law found; provincial rules apply (see rules.provinces.BC).
Incentives for audits and studies
- Continuous Optimization (C-Op) program (BC Hydro in partnership with FortisBC): Funding of up to $0.15 per sq ft for an approved service provider to retro-commission or recommission HVAC and other systems; 75% is paid after the investigation stage and 25% on completion. Details
- Commercial Energy Assessment Program (FortisBC): Free walkthrough energy assessment by a FortisBC-authorized consultant, with a report within 60 days listing low/no-cost measures, possible upgrades and applicable FortisBC rebates. Details
- Custom Efficiency Program - energy study funding (FortisBC): Up to 50% of an energy study by a FortisBC-approved consultant (max $20,000 for commercial buildings), plus an implementation bonus of up to another 50% of the study cost (max $20,000) once approved measures are installed. Implementation incentives: the lesser of $6/GJ (gas) or $0.03/kWh (electric) over measure life, 75% of invoiced costs, or $500,000 for commercial buildings. Details
- Energy efficiency for rental apartments and accommodations program (FortisBC): Free building energy assessment by FortisBC engineering consultants plus free in-suite showerheads, aerators, pipe insulation and hot-water recirculation controls, with ongoing support for larger upgrades. Details
- Energy-saving support for small businesses program (FortisBC with GreenStep Solutions): Free customized energy advice (15-30 minute consultation by phone, video or in person), which may include a basic energy assessment and rebate information, with a follow-up email. Details
Audit levels
- Level 1, walk-through: a site visit and bill review that benchmarks the building and lists low-cost measures.
- Level 2, energy survey and analysis: where the energy goes, with savings and cost estimates per measure. Most incentive applications use this level.
- Level 3, detailed analysis: monitoring and modelling for capital-intensive projects.
Ask which level a quote covers. Audits are done by engineering firms and energy consultants; look for a P.Eng. and credentials such as the Certified Energy Manager (CEM). How commercial energy audits work.
Commercial energy audit in Kelowna: common questions
Do Kelowna buildings have to report energy use?
We found no mandatory reporting rule for Kelowna buildings as of September 28, 2026.
Are there incentives for commercial energy audits in Kelowna?
Yes: Continuous Optimization (C-Op) program; Commercial Energy Assessment Program; Custom Efficiency Program - energy study funding; Energy efficiency for rental apartments and accommodations program. Check eligibility and pre-approval rules before you commission the audit.
What does a commercial energy audit cost?
It depends on the building's size and the ASHRAE level. Get quotes that state the level and the deliverables.