Most rebate guides bury this because it doesn't apply to everyone — but for the households it does apply to, it's the biggest deal in BC: a heat pump, insulation and weatherization, installed for free. No rebate paperwork, no upfront cost.
The program: ECAP
It's called the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP), run through BC Hydro (and FortisBC in its territory). If you qualify by income, it sends an energy coach to your home and installs energy-saving upgrades at no charge.
✅ What "free" actually includes
Depending on your home, ECAP can cover a free air-source heat pump, insulation, draftproofing, ventilation, and a home energy assessment — all installed, not reimbursed. The federal Greener Homes Affordability money now flows through this same channel, which is part of why it's expanded.
Who qualifies in 2026
Eligibility is based on household income and size. Thresholds were recently raised — for example, a family of four earning up to about $57,200 can now qualify, up from roughly $44,000 before. Rough guide (exact numbers depend on your community and are confirmed on application):
| Household size | Approx. income ceiling |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$28,000–$35,000 |
| 2 people | ~$35,000–$43,000 |
| 3 people | ~$43,000–$53,000 |
| 4 people | up to ~$57,200 |
These are approximate and vary by household and region — treat them as "worth checking," not a hard cutoff. Renters and homeowners can both be eligible depending on the upgrade.
Not quite qualifying? You're still in great shape
If your income is above the ECAP line, you're not paying full price either — the regular CleanBC rebates are large:
- Heat pump: $4,000–$16,000 depending on income tier
- Insulation: up to $5,500 · windows/doors: up to $2,000
- Heat pump water heater: $1,000–$3,000
And in a few cities there's more on top — Nanaimo offers up to $15,000 interest-free financing, Vancouver adds $2,000 to the heat pump, and Penticton has its own loan program. See your city page for local specifics.
How to start
- Check your rough eligibility with the assessment tool (it asks your income tier).
- Apply to the income-qualified program through BC Hydro's savings-based-on-income page.
- An energy coach assesses your home and arranges the free installs.
Find out if you qualify — free
One minute, no spam. We'll show whether you're in ECAP territory or which rebates fit best.
Check my eligibility →Source: BC Hydro — free programs based on income; BetterHomes BC — ECAP. Income thresholds vary by household and community; confirm on application.