A new program introduced by the province will expand who is able to receive rebates for the purchase and installation of high-performance electric heat pumps.
The program, designed to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills, will be available to income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners.
Rebates of up to $5,000 will be made available through the program.
In a news release, Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said nearly a third of all homes in the province are located within multi-unit residential buildings.
“We’ve had great success supporting the switch to heat pumps in single-family homes and in entire multi-unit residential buildings,” said Dix.
“All British Columbians who need a heat pump should have access to one, to feel comfortable in their homes year-round, experience better energy efficiency and save money. “So, we’re expanding our support to focus on helping apartment renters and condominium owners.”
The first phase of the program rolled out today and applies to suites in condo and apartment buildings six storeys or less and are currently heated by electricity.
To get a heat pump, income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners must include signed permission forms from their respective landlords and strata corporations in their applications. Applicants then receive an eligibility code that is used by a registered contractor to secure the rebates.
In addition to this program, BC Hydro is offering non-income-qualified rebates to customers in individual suites in condo and apartment buildings of up to $2,500 on high-performance heat pumps and $1,000 for heat pump water heaters in electrically heated buildings.
These energy-efficient upgrades help reduce utility costs and support a cleaner, more sustainable future.
