Dockside Green, a sustainable housing development in British Columbia, is finding that its energy efficiency is paying off. BC Hydro, the local utility, is switching to a two-tiered billing system this month. The first tier of usage is for residents who use less than 1,350 kilowatt hours over two months. BC Hydro will reward these efficient customers with a lower billing rate. Those of BC Hydro's customers who use more than 1,350 kilowatt hours in two months will pay a higher rate for any energy consumed over that level.

The residents of Dockside Green pay a premium for homes with an LEED platinum certification. That premium is paying off, however, because Dockside Green has much lower energy requirements than most housing developments. Joe Van Belleghem, the developer responsible for Dockside Green, explained his approach in a press release: "Energy efficiency is one of the key elements of future proofing at Dockside Green.  As energy prices continue to increase, owners at Dockside Green can relax knowing that the design of their home will a have direct positive impact on their energy bills for years to come.  Two-tier billing will benefit all of our residents here, but more importantly it will help British Columbians become smarter consumers of electricity."

Belleghem used a number of energy efficiency techniques in designing Dockside Green. The development has its own energy source — a biomass generation system that covers the community's heat and hot water needs.

Image — Dockside Green