More B.C. homes will be eligible for heat pump rebates starting in June

The provincial government is expanding a program designed to help B.C. households switch to electric heat pumps — which are more climate-friendly than traditional heating methods. 

Several changes will take effect mid-June: middle income households will be eligible to apply for funding, a top-up will be provided for households in the north and there will be more money available to cover the electrical service upgrades that are sometimes necessary before a heat pump can be installed.

In addition, households will no longer have to pay up front to have the work done, nor will they have to get an energy assessment as a first step. 

"Not everyone can afford the higher upfront costs that are involved in switching from, say, a heating-oil system or natural gas or propane to an electric heat pump," said Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation, while making the announcement in Victoria Monday. 

"But everybody deserves a more comfortable, energy efficient and affordable place to live."

The program will also provide funding for upgrades, such as the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors, as well as insulation and ventilation.

The federal government is contributing up to $103 million dollars toward the expanded program, with the province adding up to $151 million dollars.

Speaking at the announcement, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada Steven Guilbeault said the program helps address two of the "dominant issues that are keeping Canadians awake at night": the cost of living and the impact of climate change.

How it will work

The new CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program will be available online next month. 

Households will have to pre-register online to verify their income level and eligibility. Then, they'll find a provider and get the work done.

It will be up to the installers to process the paperwork, and the province will send the rebate directly to the company. 

If a household is not fully covered by the program, it will be billed by the company for the remainder.

The exact dollar value that's covered will depend on both the size and income level of a household.

With files from the Canadian Press