About SolarBC
The SolarBC Program will provide a comprehensive market transformation program for solar hot water in British Columbia.
The program will integrate 5 projects targeting individual households, government buildings, first nations groups, social housing, and schools; and will see all levels of government, non-profits and industry stakeholders come together to collaborate on a solar hot water strategy with critical and long-lasting results. This initiative will also leverage the federal ecoEnergy funds that have been secured by three separate projects in B.C. A few of the tangible outcomes of this initiative are: a measurable reduction in CO2 and other key greenhouse gas emissions; displacement of traditional electricity and natural gas; generation of electricity; creation of jobs; economic growth in communities; and the creation of Solar Communities across B.C.
SolarBC Project Leads
Nitya Harris – Executive Director
Nitya draws upon extensive experience developing and delivering energy saving initiatives. From 2005-2006 she successfully managed the SolarBC Solar Hot Water Acceleration pilot project, a 'first of its kind' project that laid the foundation for current SolarBC initiatives. In addition to her work at SolarBC, Nitya is the initiator and project lead of the 100,000 Solar Roofs BC project. Sponsored by Minister Richard Neufeld and Minister Barry Penner, this project has involved the creation of a Task Team of high-profile industry, government and other sector experts appointed to develop a plan to develop solar energy in British Columbia. Nitya was awarded the 2007 Solar Advocate of the Year by the Canadian Solar Industries Association.
Liz Kelly – Residential Project Manager
Liz has worked for eaga since 1990, developing policy, designing and managing energy saving initiatives on behalf of governments, utilities and social housing providers, including a national $300m (CAD equivalent) energy efficiency program in partnership with British Gas. In particular, Liz’s expertise focuses on alleviating the effects of fuel poverty by facilitating access to the benefits of energy efficiency for lower income families. Liz moved to British Columbia in 2003 and worked for 2-years with the Provincial Government to implement “Energy Efficient Buildings, A Plan for BC” in collaboration with over 25 partners, including SolarBC. Liz is a member of the 100,000 Solar Roofs task team, the Affordable Housing Working Group and the Buildings Working Group of the BC Partnership for Energy Conservation and Efficiency.
Oversight Committee
An oversight committee provides high-level project direction, feedback, financial decisions and guidance; monitors progress, and provides expert advice to the project. Oversight Committee members are:
Guy Dauncey, President, B.C. Sustainable Energy Association
Gary Hamer, Technology Innovation Manager, Power Smart, BC Hydro
Gareth Jones, V.P. and General Manager, Terasen Energy Services
Laura Porcher, Executive Director, Community Energy Association
John Stonier, V.P. Finance, Day4Energy Inc.
Keith Veerman, Manager – Energy Efficiency, FortisBC Inc.
Partners and Sponsors
A Program Of
SolarBC is administered by the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA), a non-profit society of citizens, professionals and practitioners committed to promoting the understanding, development and adoption of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency and conservation in British Columbia.
In Collaboration With
eaga is a leading provider of residential energy saving solutions. Since our establishment in 1990 we've been at the forefront of environment, energy efficiency and social justice agendas across UK, in Canada, India and Ireland.