Commercial energy audits in Victoria

• Energy and Carbon Emissions Reporting Bylaw No. 25-022 (in force): Buildings 929 m2 (10,000 sq ft) and larger in assembly, treatment, care, multi-dwelling residential, business/personal services, mercantile and industrial occupancies. 2,787 m2 (30,000 sq ft)+ report from 2026 (2025 data due June 1, 2026); 929-2,787 m2 from 2027 (2026 data due June 1, 2027). Source

• Integrated energy audit (BC Hydro): Up to 100% funding for an energy expert (Alliance of Energy Professionals member) to audit a whole facility or selected systems; payment usually goes directly to the energy expert. Details
• Feasibility study (BC Hydro): Study 100% funded when the opportunity exceeds 200,000 kWh/yr or 100 kW; 50% funded for 25,000-200,000 kWh/yr or 25-100 kW (efficiency, efficient electrification or demand response). Details
• 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

• 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.