This program doesn't apply to every household, but for the ones that qualify in Nanaimo, it's the biggest rebate 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, Nanaimo's electricity utility. 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 household 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 — treat them as "worth checking," not a hard cutoff. Renters and homeowners can both be eligible depending on the upgrade.
The Nanaimo angle
Nanaimo homeowners who don't qualify for ECAP can still access up to $15,000 in low-interest City financing to cover the rest.
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 in Nanaimo 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
See the full local breakdown, including Nanaimo's own rebate stack, on the Nanaimo rebate page.
How to start in Nanaimo
- 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 application.
- An energy coach assesses your home and arranges the free installs.
- Once you're set up, browse verified installers in Nanaimo for anything ECAP doesn't cover.
Find out if you qualify — free
One minute, no spam. We'll show whether you're in ECAP territory or which Nanaimo rebates fit best.
Get Nanaimo quotes →Read the province-wide version of this guide →
The complete Nanaimo heat pump rebate guide →
Source: BC Hydro's savings-based-on-income program; BetterHomes BC — ECAP. Income thresholds vary by household; confirm on application.