Residents of eligible low-rise buildings in British Columbia can now receive up to $5,000 to install heat pumps.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions announced a new provincial program aimed at reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!The rebate program is divided into two steps, with the first phase starting on July 15 and the second one set to launch in fall 2025.
The program was announced in a press release. It said British Columbians living in suites in condo and apartment buildings up to six storeys that currently use electric heating, like baseboards, can apply during the initial phase.
The second phase will then include condos and apartments heated by fossil fuels, such as gas-fired boilers.
The press release says that this program is offered to income-qualified residents and condo owners.
Non-income-qualified residents can still access separate BC Hydro rebates of up to $2,500.
Heat pumps operate by moving heat rather than generating it, functioning like an air conditioner in the summer by removing heat from indoors and expelling it outside, and reversing the process for heating.
“This program will support families and seniors in apartments and townhomes across B.C. 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 B.C.
With files from Raynaldo Suarez.