The provincial government is pitching Bill 32, the Energy and Water Efficiency Act, as a way to lower B.C. businesses’ operating costs.
The bill, which was introduced Wednesday, replaces the Energy Efficiency Act.
According to the province, the new legislation expands the types of products to which energy-performance requirements can be applied. Currently, standards are in place for electronics and some building components, such as windows. The new bill would allow the government to enact guidelines for water products such as toilets and faucets, as well as energy systems such as compressed-air and water-heating systems.
The legislation will also establish administrative penalties to ensure manufacturers, distributors and retailers comply with energy-efficient guidelines.
“As a result, British Columbians will be assured that products meet these requirements and help control and reduce energy costs,” a government press release stated.
The province contends that the bill will drive cost savings for industry.
“The bill will enable industry to compare energy-performance standards that can be used to drive cost savings,” the release stated.
“As a result of this change, it is anticipated large energy consumers in B.C., such as pulp and paper producers and mining companies, can lower their energy consumption by 10% to 20% over five years.”
The province stated that it consulted broadly before introducing the new bill.
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Tags: Bill 32, energy efficiency, Government of B.C.
