The BC government announced that they will be expanding heat pump rebates through a new program that will help income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners.
The ‘Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate’ will provide up to $5,000 to those living apartments or condos to help them purchase and install high-performance electric heat pumps
The first phase of the program was launched on Tuesday, July 15th, and applies to suites in condo and apartment buildings that are six storeys and under, currently heated by electricity, such as electric baseboards.
The next phase will be launched in fall 2025 and will include condos and apartments heated by fossil fuels.
“Nearly a third of homes in BC are in multi-unit residential buildings,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
“We’ve had great success supporting the switch to heat pumps in single-family homes and in entire multi-unit residential buildings. 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.”
To take advantage of this program and get a heat pump, income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners have to get signed permission forms from their respective landlords and strata corporations to include in their applications.
The applicants who qualify and receive an eligibility code can give the code to a contractor, who will secure the rebate on their behalf.
“This program will support families and seniors in apartments and townhomes across BC managing affordability concerns, and ensure they have the opportunity to convert to heat pumps to provide a safe and healthy controlled climate for their homes,” said Tony Gioventu, executive director, Condominium Home Owners Association of BC.
“Owners, tenants, and residents of strata properties are reminded to work with their strata councils to confirm they are complying with the local bylaws.”
On top of the Province’s new rebate, BC Hydro is now offering non-income-qualified rebates to those in individual suites in condo and apartment buildings.
These rebates are up to $2,500 on high-performance heat pumps and $1,000 for heat pump water heaters in electrically heated buildings.
To date, the BC government says that their rebate programs have provided funding for 27,832 heat pumps.
