Unlocking industrial efficiency: How incentive programs turn energy audits into action

Industrial companies face rising energy costs, increasingly ambitious emission-reduction targets, and constant pressure to remain competitive. Whether it’s mines in British Columbia, aluminum smelters in Québec, refineries in Alberta or manufacturing plants in Ontario, they all share the same challenge: doing more with less.

Yet, between operational priorities and budget constraints, it’s not always easy to carry out detailed energy-efficiency studies. That’s where financial incentives for energy audits give industry a welcome boost by reducing, or even eliminating, the upfront cost of assessments. These programs help unlock hidden savings and move more quickly from idea to action.

In addition to federal support, each province and sometimes each utility, offers its own set of incentives, including:

• In British Columbia, BC Hydro’s Energy Efficiency programs support the completion of energy audits and efficiency measures for large commercial and industrial businesses. FortisBC’s Custom Efficiency Program provides natural gas customers access to various funding options to help identify and implement cost-effective energy-saving measures. BBA is an approved supplier with both BC Hydro and FortisBC as part of these programs.
• In Québec, any new industrial connection of 5 MW or more must now demonstrate exemplary energy use, including audits, implementation of recommended measures, peak-demand management and an ISO 50001-compliant energy-management system. Enhanced programs from Hydro-Québec and Énergir provide financial support for part of the analyses and projects, helping reduce the investment risk for businesses.
• In Ontario, the SaveOnEnergy program provides industrial companies with financial and technical support to identify and implement measures that improve energy performance and reduce emissions.
• In Alberta, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) supports projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and accelerating the shift to lower-carbon industrial processes

A well-executed energy audit is not just a technical exercise, it’s a practical roadmap that helps organizations turn their decarbonization and resilience ambitions into measurable actions,” says Jean-Sébastien Lacroix, Executive Vice President – Eastern Canada Operations.

Conducted within a structured and well-funded framework, energy audits often spark broader transformation, paving the way for: process electrification, automation and operational optimization, and sustained reductions in both costs and emissions.

The demand for energy continues to grow across Canada. These programs can reduce the demands from heavy industry on the grid and ensure there is enough energy to go around for a stronger economy.” adds Neill Massey, Vice President – Pacific Canada Operations.

For industrial organizations looking to take advantage of these programs, a few steps can make a real difference:

• Explore local incentives: each jurisdiction has its own mechanisms.
• Prioritize high-potential sites and processes: target facilities with the largest energy costs and emissions.
• Apply to the targeted programs and obtain approval before incurring audit costs.
• Engage experts for a comprehensive audit to gain a clear, integrated view of savings opportunities.
• Turn recommendations into structured, costed projects to access capital funding and move quickly to implementation.

These mechanisms create a virtuous cycle:

• industrial companies cut costs and improve environmental performance,
• utilities meet their energy-efficiency targets,
• and the broader economy benefits by enhancing its competitiveness and resilience.

What if your next energy saving came at (almost) no cost?

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