Heat pump (stock photo courtesy of B.C. Hydro)

By Liam Verster

Provincial Rebate Program

Federal investment to help British Columbians switch to heat pumps

May 13, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The Canadian government is propping up a program to help B.C. residents make the switch to heat pumps.

Through Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, Ottawa is investing $103.7-million into the CleanBC Better Home Energy Savings Program, which will provide grants to low- and middle-income British Columbians who want to replace oil, propane or natural gas heating systems with a new a heat pump in their residences.

The B.C. government is providing up to $151-million for this initiative.

“More and more British Columbians are ready to switch from fossil fuels to clean energy, while making their homes more efficient and comfortable,” Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, said.

“We are working to make electric heat pumps and efficiency upgrades more affordable for low- and middle-income households across the province, helping them to save on their energy bills and build cleaner, more resilient communities.”

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Income-qualified applicants could receive a rebate of up to $16,000 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps, and residences requiring an electrical system upgrade could also qualify for an additional rebate of up to $5,000.

People in northern B.C. could receive an additional $3,000 through this program.

The federal government added that applicants switching from oil heating to an electric heat pump will also be provided with a one-time, up-front payment of $250.

“Installing a heat pump or energy-efficient windows and doors in your home is one of the best ways to save on your monthly energy bills while reducing the pollution that causes climate change,” Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, stated.

It’s estimated that roughly 18 per cent of B.C. households spend over 30 per cent of their housing costs on energy, with the province adding the average household that makes the switch to a heat pump saves between $1,500 and $4,700 per year on energy bills.

“All people in British Columbia want to reduce their home-energy costs and address the impacts of a changing climate – extreme weather, heat and cold – which is affecting all of us,” George Heyman, B.C.’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, stated.

“Through cost-shared programs like the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program, people have access to affordable energy upgrade options that create cleaner, healthier, more comfortable home environments. With these new investments, we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce people’s monthly energy bills and contribute to a secure and more affordable future for British Columbians.”

Applications for the provincial program will open June 18, 2024.