BC Hydro and FortisBC offer different rebates because they're different utilities. BC Hydro runs electricity. FortisBC runs gas. Here's what each pays, and how to stack them both for maximum money back.
Most BC homeowners have both utilities. Stack them both. FortisBC actually pays more on heat pumps ($12,000 income-qualified), but BC Hydro pays on solar and batteries. Your contractor handles both applications. You get the full stack without double-claiming.
| Measure | BC Hydro | FortisBC |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump | $0 (via CleanBC) | $4,000–$12,000 (+ CleanBC) |
| Solar Panels | $5,000 | $0 |
| Home Battery | $1,500–$5,000 | $0 |
| Water Heater (Heat Pump) | $0 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Smart Thermostat | free–$200 | $0 |
| Insulation / Windows | $0 (via CleanBC) | $0–$2,000 (income-qualified) |
In most of BC, you have both utilities. You pay BC Hydro for electricity. You pay FortisBC for natural gas. They offer different rebates because they have different business goals.
FortisBC: A gas utility. They're incentivizing you to stop burning gas (heat pump = replaces furnace). Higher rebates on heat pumps make sense—they're funding the transition away from gas.
BC Hydro: An electricity utility. They're incentivizing on-site generation (solar) and load management (batteries, smart devices). Lower heat pump rebates because heat pumps increase your electricity use—they don't want to subsidize that too aggressively.
But here's the secret: you claim both. When you install a heat pump, your contractor applies for rebates from both utilities. You get FortisBC's $4K–$12K, plus CleanBC's $4K–$16K (which both utilities administer). You don't get double-paid; instead, you get the better offer from each utility's specialty.
You're replacing a gas furnace with a 5-ton heat pump.
FortisBC rebate: $12,000 (income-qualified, gas replacement)
CleanBC rebate (via BetterHomes BC): $12,000 (income-qualified tier)
Your total: Up to $24,000 in rebates
System cost: $14,000 installed
Your net cost: Potentially $0 or even refund scenarios for lower-income households
BC Hydro doesn't add a separate heat pump rebate here, but they're already factored into CleanBC (which both utilities contribute to). You're not missing anything by being on BC Hydro—you're getting the base CleanBC tier, which is substantial.
You're adding 8 kW solar + 10 kWh battery. You're on BC Hydro (electricity only, no gas).
BC Hydro rebate (solar): $5,000
BC Hydro rebate (battery): $3,000–$5,000 (if Peak Saver enrolled)
FortisBC rebate: $0 (not applicable, no gas work)
Your total: $8,000–$10,000 in rebates
Here, BC Hydro wins because FortisBC has nothing to offer on solar/battery. You only claim one utility's rebates.
FortisBC customers (have gas): Win big. Heat pump rebate is generous ($12K income-qualified). Insulation rebate is available too. Add CleanBC and you're stacking $16K–$24K rebates per retrofit.
BC Hydro–only customers (all-electric homes): Still good, but different. Heat pump rebates come only from CleanBC ($4K–$16K). But solar ($5K) and battery ($3K–$5K) rebates are generous, and you get Peak Saver enrollment bonuses ($100–$500 + seasonal). If you're adding solar, BC Hydro's rebates are competitive.
Both utilities (most of BC): You win. Claim both. Your contractor coordinates it. No double-dipping, just better coverage.
Your HPCN installer handles both utility applications. They know which measures qualify where, which rebates stack, and which don't. A good installer will:
A bad installer will just file BC Hydro and forget FortisBC exists. You'll leave $4K–$12K on the table.
Ask your installer: "Are you filing for both BC Hydro and FortisBC rebates?" If they say "we don't usually do FortisBC," find a different installer.
Bonus read: Not sure which heat pump brand to pick? Mitsubishi vs Daikin comparison shows which wins in your climate zone (especially for Northern BC winters).
BC Hydro and FortisBC don't compete—they complement. FortisBC pays if you're ditching gas. BC Hydro pays if you're going solar/battery. Most homes stack both effortlessly.
Don't leave money on the table by only filing one. A good installer will claim both automatically.
Find HPCN installers in your city →Rebate amounts based on 2026 BC Hydro, FortisBC, and CleanBC BetterHomes BC rates. Income-qualified amounts assume household income under $110,000. Amounts vary by region and qualify conditions. Your installer should verify current rates when filing.