Surrey, BC — Twenty houses in British Columbia will be selected to be part of FortisBC Energy’s two new gas heat pump pilot programs.
Eligible participants in the Lower Mainland and Southern Interior area can participate in the Stone Mountain Technologies or the ThermoLift gas heat pump programs.
As part of the pilot program, 10 natural gas customers will be able to test a new gas absorption heat pump for space and water heating under the Stone Mountain Technologies program. Under the ThermoLift program, ten residential natural gas customers will get to test a prototype ThermoLift gas heat pump for space and water heating.
Once set up, FortisBC will compare system efficiencies and reliability across the various climate zones and overall customer acceptance. According to FortisBC, the results from this pilot program could lead to future gas absorption heat pump rebate programs.
Gas heat pumps utilize outdoor energy, like air, as an additional energy source and will move the air inside the home to provide heating or warm water. Both companies’ gas heat pumps provide space and water heating and are developed to carry out efficiently in chillier environments, even when outdoors temperature levels drop listed below -25C.
Stone Mountain Technologies’ gas absorption heat pump can operate on renewable natural gas (RNG), while ThermoLift’s heat pump can operate using conventional natural gas, RNG, and is hydrogen enabled.
Both pilots are expected to run until the summer of 2023 and residents can apply online.