The idea "Improve funding for energy reduction and retrofit incentives" proposed by dashamstyr was merged into this one. Here's their description:

"Last year, my wife and I reduced our household energy usage by 30% - the result of an expenditure of nearly $1000 all told. In return, we received ~$200 in incentives from BCHydro programs.

It's great to get the encouragement, and we happen to be able to afford the cost, but these incentives are really little more than a token. If we are going to convert people who weren't already going to work to reduce their footprint, the program must provide incentives that recoup a larger portion of people's expenses. The program must either be better funded, or the incentives restructured so that people and business have a real reason to participate. Some specific ideas are:

1) Reduce scope - Since money is limited, provide a larger incentive for a few key actions rather than tiny amounts for every possible retrofit.

2) Pay over a longer time-scale - Spread the financial hit over a longer term by giving participants a percentage reduction in their energy costs, rather than a one-time payment."

Great idea, hugely important. Try to tie in a green job training components to really lead in North America. Consider paying households a nominal fee ($20?) to have energy audits.