Short answer: Sometimes. If your household income is low enough, you can get a heat pump installed for little or nothing in BC. There are two routes: ECAP, where the utility installs upgrades for free, and the CleanBC Energy Savings Program, which pays 100% of eligible costs up to a limit. The limit is up to $13,000 if you're switching from gas, oil or propane at Income Level 1.
Who qualifies? The 2026 income limits
It's based on how many people live in your home and the combined pre-tax income of the adults. These are the CleanBC limits for invoices from July 6, 2026:
| People in home | Level 1 up to | Level 2 up to | Level 3 up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $51,100 | $63,900 | $102,100 |
| 2 | $63,600 | $79,500 | $127,200 |
| 3 | $78,200 | $97,700 | $156,300 |
| 4 | $94,900 | $118,600 | $189,800 |
| 5 | $107,600 | $134,500 | $215,200 |
| 6 | $121,400 | $151,700 | $242,700 |
| 7+ | $135,100 | $168,900 | $270,200 |
You'll need proof of income, like a CRA Notice of Assessment, for every adult in the home.
How much you can get, by current heat
| Switching from | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas, oil or propane: central ducted or 3+ heads | $13,000 | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| Gas, oil or propane: 2 heads | $11,000 | $5,500 | $1,000 |
| Gas, oil or propane: 1 head | $5,500 | $4,500 | $1,000 |
| Electric heat | $5,000 | Not eligible | Not eligible |
These are maximums. CleanBC pays 100% of eligible costs up to the limit, so a modest system can cost you nothing. The rates changed on July 6, 2026. If you see "$16,000" elsewhere, that's the old amount.
ECAP: the truly free option
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is run by BC Hydro and FortisBC. An energy evaluator visits for free, and if you qualify, they install upgrades for free. Some homes get a heat pump or insulation; others get smaller items. You don't choose the upgrades; the evaluator does.
Your city
Pick your city: Abbotsford · Burnaby · Chilliwack · Coquitlam · Fort St. John · Kamloops · Kelowna · Langley · Maple Ridge · Nanaimo · Penticton · Prince George · Richmond · Squamish · Surrey · Vancouver · Vernon · Victoria
What to do next
- Count the people in your home and add up the adults' income. Compare to the table.
- Pre-register with the CleanBC Energy Savings Program before any work starts, or apply to ECAP through your utility.
- Use a program-registered contractor. Self-installs are not eligible.
- If you don't qualify, check the regular rebates in our heat pump guide.
Questions people ask
Is the heat pump really free?
It can be. CleanBC pays 100% of eligible costs up to the limit, and ECAP installs upgrades at no charge. If your system costs more than the limit, you pay the difference.
Can I get the income-qualified rebate if I already have electric heat?
Only at Income Level 1, up to $5,000. The Level 2 electric stream was discontinued in July 2026. BC Hydro's regular rebate (up to $4,000) is open to any income.
See your city's rebates
Compare top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews. Free for homeowners, and we'll tell you honestly if the math doesn't work for your home.
See your city's rebates →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: CleanBC Energy Savings Program rules (July 6, 2026) · ECAP: free home energy evaluation and upgrades · BC Hydro programs based on income · FortisBC income-qualified heat pump rebate.