Important rebate update
BC Heat Pump Rebates Reduced July 6 — How to Lock In Current Rates
CleanBC announced significant cuts to heat pump rebate amounts taking effect July 6, 2026. If you've been considering a heat pump, the next week matters — here's what's changing and what to do.
Published June 28, 2026 · 4 min read
The short version
- Income-qualified rebate amounts are being reduced across all three income levels (ESP 1, 2, and 3).
- ESP 2 electric-to-heat-pump rebates are being discontinued entirely.
- Grace period July 6-31, 2026 for customers with an existing eligibility code — but only if a contractor quote is submitted by July 5, 2026.
- Act this week if you've been considering. Call us at 250-888-6570 for a free estimate so we can lock you in.
What's Changing
The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program (ESP) is the income-qualified rebate stream that delivers the largest amounts to lower- and middle-income BC households switching to a heat pump. As of July 6, 2026, the rebate amounts are being reduced across all three income levels:
- ESP 1 (lowest income) — rebate amounts reduced moderately
- ESP 2 (middle income) — rebate amounts reduced significantly; electric-to-heat-pump conversions discontinued entirely
- ESP 3 (upper-middle income) — rebate amounts reduced significantly; electric-to-heat-pump conversions no longer available
The standard CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate ($4,000 for electric baseboard/furnace conversions) is not affected by these changes and remains in place.
New Rebate Amounts
For a central ducted heat pump (the most common system for retrofitting an existing furnace), the new amounts effective July 6 are:
| Converting From | ESP 1 | ESP 2 | ESP 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas or propane | $13,000 | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| Oil | $13,000 | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| Electric (baseboard or furnace) | $5,000 | Discontinued | N/A |
| Dual-fuel (gas) | $8,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
Smaller systems (single-head mini-splits, 2-head systems) qualify for proportionally smaller rebates. We'll walk you through the exact amount for your home during the estimate.
For context: previously, an ESP 1 household converting from gas to a central ducted heat pump could access up to $16,000 toward the heat pump. The new ceiling is $13,000 — still substantial, but $3,000 lower. The ESP 2 and ESP 3 reductions are steeper.
One piece of good news: the separate electrical service upgrade rebate (up to $5,000 for ESP 1) is not changing. So an ESP 1 fossil fuel conversion that needs a panel/service upgrade can still combine for up to $18,000 total. (Note: the electrical rebate only applies if you're converting from fossil fuel and need a 100/200/400-amp service upgrade.)
The Grace Period — and Why This Week Matters
CleanBC has built in a grace period for customers already in the pipeline. If you've received an eligibility code and complete your installation between July 6 and July 31, 2026, you can still access the previous rebate amounts.
But there's a hard requirement: your contractor must submit a quote to CleanBC on or before July 5, 2026. Quotes submitted after July 5 will be processed under the new (reduced) amounts.
That quote needs to include:
- Your CleanBC eligibility code
- Complete scope of the upgrade
- Total cost
- Rebate amount
- Your signature
- Scheduled installation date
In practical terms: if you've been thinking about a heat pump, this week is when to start the conversation. Even if you haven't applied for CleanBC yet, we can help you get an eligibility code and submit a qualifying quote before the deadline — but only if there's time to do the assessment and paperwork.
What to Do Right Now
Already have a CleanBC eligibility code?
Call us this week. We can prepare and submit your qualifying quote before July 5 so you're protected by the grace period. Your installation can then happen any time before July 31.
Considering a heat pump but haven't started?
If your income qualifies you for the ESP rebates, the timeline is tight but it's still possible. Book a free estimate immediately — we'll walk you through the CleanBC application process and aim to get a quote submitted before the deadline.
Switching from electric baseboards or electric furnace?
The standard $4,000 CleanBC Better Homes rebate is not affected — it's still available. No urgency on that one. If you're income-qualified for ESP 1, the $5,000 amount stays available after July 6 (though ESP 2 electric-to-heat-pump rebates are being discontinued).
Heating with oil?
The new amounts ($13,000/$7,000/$3,500 by income level) still represent meaningful funding. Combined with the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program — which CleanBC bundles into a single application in BC — oil-heated households still have the strongest case for switching.
If You Miss the Deadline
The new rebate amounts are still real money — just not as generous as before. A heat pump remains the best long-term investment for most BC homes (lower energy bills, year-round comfort, increased home value, lower carbon footprint).
Other rebate paths also remain unchanged:
- CleanBC standard rebate — up to $4,000 for electric baseboard/furnace conversions (no income qualification needed)
- FortisBC heat pump rebate — up to $5,000 for FortisBC gas customers
- CleanBC Condo & Apartment program — up to $5,000 per suite for income-qualified renters and condo owners
- BC Hydro top-ups — additional incentives layered on top of the main rebates
Time-sensitive
Don't Wait — Quote Deadline is July 5
Call us today and we'll get a free in-home assessment booked this week. The earlier we connect, the better the chance of getting your quote submitted before the deadline.
Call 250-888-6570Or book a free estimate online · Available 24/7