The B.C. and federal governments have set aside nearly $254 million to expand rebates to convert home heating and cooling systems to more climate-friendly options with a focus on low- and middle-income households.
A joint statement from Environment Canada and B.C.’s Energy Ministry says Ottawa is providing up to $103.7 million while the province is adding up to $151 million to increase the number of households eligible for upgrades.
“We’re increasing the maximum rebate amount for a new heat pump from 9,500 to $16,000,” Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Energy Minister said. “We offer a separate program for those whole building programs — a better buildings program — we recommend strata councils to reach out to that program to see what’s available to them.”
Osborne says you no longer have to get an assessment before you apply.
“British Columbians don’t have to pay upfront and then wait for weeks or even months to get a rebate cheque in the mail, instead participants pre-register for the program to verify their income and their home eligibility,” she said.
The government says income-qualified applicants could receive up to $16,000 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently heated with oil, and the federal government’s latest support means homes heated with natural gas and propane may also be eligible.
The statement says it represents a 70-per-cent increase in support from B.C.’s pre-existing rebate program.
People living in northern B.C. may be able to access an additional $3,000, and homes that require electrical upgrades may qualify for a rebate of up to $5,000, meaning the highest potential rebate is $24,000.
The government says, on average, homeowners who switch from oil to heat pumps to heat their homes save between $1,500 and $4,700 per year on home energy bills.
It says the number of households in B.C. with heat pumps increased about 80 per cent since 2017, from an estimated 142,000 to 254,000 households.
“People are ready to do their part to fight climate change, to build a stronger, more resilient community,” Osborne said.
The B.C. government adds that its CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings program also provides funding for upgrades such as the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors, as well as insulation and ventilation.
-With files from Raynaldo Suarez and Aastha Pandey-Kanaan.