Stream 4: Utility Data

A ZEBx utility data collection initiative to determine the real emissions and energy profiles of BC homes.

Earn up to $500 by sharing your home’s utility data

Your utility data will play a crucial role in understanding home emissions and helping to set the benchmark for energy-efficient living.
Read on to see if your home qualifies.

What is NearZero4?

We have plenty of energy consumption and emissions estimates for high-performance homes, but very little real-world data.

How are these homes actually performing? And are current regulations on the right track, or do they need adjustments to achieve the desired climate targets of local and provincial governments?

NearZero4, led by ZEBx (part of the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre) is collecting real utility data to find out.

This initiative will help validate energy models, inform future regulations, and measure the emissions impact of technologies like gas-fired heat pumps, but it relies on engaged homeowners to get involved.

NearZero4 is funded by BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver.

Eligibility Criteria

All homes must be a Part 9 residential building located in B.C., and comply with one of the following categories:

Option 1: Newer Homes

Your home must:

Be newly built (from 2018 or later)

Meet one of the following energy performance standards:

Step 4 or 5 of the BC Energy Step Code

The Passive House standard

CHBA’s Net Zero or Net Zero Ready certification

Eligible to receive $300 for providing one year of utility data.

Option 2: Older Homes

Your home must:

Have a dual-fuel heating system (e.g. a gas furnace and an electric heat pump), or a gas absorption heat pump

Have at least two years of utility data — including:

One year before the system was installed

One year after installation

These homes can qualify regardless of their energy efficiency rating.

Eligible to receive $500 for providing two years of utility data.

Additional Participation Guidelines

Each residential unit in duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses can apply and be compensated separately.
Secondary suites are not eligible for separate compensation. If your home includes suites, your utility bills must reflect usage for the entire home, including the suites.
If the utility bills are not addressed to the applicant, the applicant is responsible for securing consent to share them. All submitted data is kept anonymous.
By applying, participants acknowledge that the program administrator will make the final decision on compensation.

Application Process

For further assistance with the application or questionnaires, contact: nearzero@zeic.ca with the subject line NearZero4.

See Data from Successful NearZero 4 Home Applicants

Check out the latest information we’ve collected on the real-world performance of high-performance homes, and homes with dual-fuel systems in B.C.