LiveSmart BC Business Energy Testimonial

Mister Tire, Cranbrook

Business owner Glen Lynn and Manager AJ Wheaton of Mister Tire in Cranbrook, first heard about the LiveSmart BC Small Business Program from their electrical contractor KD Electric, who advised them that lighting upgrades were inevitable and that it made sense since the new models cost less to run and maintain. He referred them to our LiveSmart BC Business Energy Advisor, Marilyn Christensen, who provides a free business energy assessment to all small businesses that qualify.

AJ Wheaton contacted Marilyn, to complete a free business energy assessment. He stated,“Businesses constantly have to upgrade anyway. We may as well do it while the information is free and readily available.” Within a few days they had the report containing valuable energy saving recommendations and found out that they were eligible for the BC Hydro Product Incentive Program (PIP) which would help offset the cost of upgrading their lighting.

The LiveSmart report identified exactly what the rebate amount would be before they proceeded. The comparison breakdown of existing and new product information in the report made identifying dollar and illumination advantages very easy while incorporating the rebates into the total project cost showed that the project would pay for itself in X years.

When Marilyn visited the business a few months after the upgrades were completed, AJ indicated that the business had seen evidence of savings in their utility statements and added that the maintenance costs had also been reduced. Changing lights and/or fixtures used to happen on average twice per month but since the lighting retrofits, they have not changed any light bulbs. The higher efficient products not only cost less to run but last longer than the older models. Plans are now in the works to change the lighting in the service bays and warehouse area.

“Marilyn also made the online application process much easier,” says AJ. Business owners and managers haven’t got a lot of time to commit to tedious processes and he expressed genuine relief that she was eager and knowledgeable. Mister Tire received their BC Hydro Product Incentive Program rebate cheque within four weeks of submitting the application. This incentive included a 10% top-up from LiveSmart BC.  LiveSmart also rewarded their efforts with a Recognition Certificate which they proudly display in their customer reception area.

“It all starts with a phone call,” states AJ Wheaton as he smiled and held up his Recognition Certificate from LiveSmart BC. Mister Tire in Cranbrook has set a great example to other businesses that agree that energy efficiency is a valuable contribution to future success.

Top photo – AJ Wheaton, Manager & Josh, Mister Tire, Cranbrook, BC  LIVESMART BC Recognition Certificate

by Maureen Frank, LiveSmart BC Administrative Assistant, Kootenay Region & Marilyn Christensen, LiveSmart BC Business Energy Advisor, Kootenay Region

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