Expanded heat pump program helps British Columbians save on home-energy costs

Victoria, B.C. - The Federal and B.C. provincial governments announced a combined $255 million investment towards further rebates to convert home heating and cooling systems to more climate-friendly options, with a focus on assisting low to middle-income households in reducing their energy costs.

Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, and Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, announced an investment of up to $103.7 million from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program.

Joined by B.C.’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Josie Osborne, and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman, the Province of British Columbia has further committed up to $151 million towards this initiative.

Eligible applicants could receive up to $24,000 in rebates to cover the costs of heat pump installation, including electrical upgrades. Also, successful OHPA applicants switching from oil heating will also receive a one-time payment of $250 from the Government of Canada.

This initiative aims to empower residents to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner heating and cooling options, particularly through the installation of electric heat pumps. With this technology, households can see energy savings of up to 80%, enhancing affordability while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

These programs could facilitate 16,000 retrofits in low- and middle-income households, resulting in 40,000+ tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent reduction by 2030.

For more details, see the press release here.