Quick quiz: how a heat pump works
Ten questions on the machine itself. Tap an answer to see why.
Short answer: In Penticton, heat pump rebates come from FortisBC, not BC Hydro. If you heat with electric baseboards or an electric furnace, FortisBC pays up to $4,000 for a whole-home heat pump or $1,500 for a partial one. Income-qualified homes can get up to $12,000. If you heat with gas, only income-qualified homes get CleanBC money now.
Penticton is in the South Okanagan, with hot summers and fairly mild winters for the Interior. Penticton runs its own electric utility. Penticton electric customers use FortisBC's rebate programs, not BC Hydro's.
Which heat pump rebate fits your home in Penticton?
| Your home now | Who pays | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Electric baseboards or electric furnace | FortisBC | Up to $4,000 whole home, $1,500 partial |
| Electric heat, income-qualified | FortisBC | Up to $12,000 central ducted, $9,000 mini/multi-split, $5,000 partial |
| Gas, income-qualified | CleanBC Energy Savings Program | Up to $13,000 (Level 1), $7,000 (Level 2), $3,500 (Level 3) for a central or 3-head system |
How FortisBC's heat pump rebate works
FortisBC's rebate is for replacing electric heat. For the $4,000 whole-home amount, the heat pump must be NEEP cold-climate certified and sized from a heat load calculation. A single mini-split only counts for homes of 1,200 sq. ft. or less. FortisBC also pays a $300 bonus when you do a second eligible upgrade, like insulation.
Income-qualified? Check this first
If your household income is under the CleanBC limits, you may get most or all of the cost covered. For a family of four, Level 1 is up to $94,900, Level 2 up to $118,600 and Level 3 up to $189,800 (combined pre-tax income). See can you get a free heat pump in Penticton for the full table.
What's different in Penticton
- City of Penticton Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): up to $10,000 over 10 years, repaid on your city electric bill at prime plus 0.5%. It covers upgrades that match FortisBC's rebates (heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors, air sealing). The city says the program is being redesigned, so confirm the terms first.
- Penticton electric customers qualify for FortisBC's electric rebates, including the heat pump rebate.
My tip for Penticton: Penticton's own loan can cover the part rebates don't. Pair it with FortisBC's rebate and you may not need to pay much up front.
What to do next
- Check your current heat. Electric, gas, oil or propane decides which rebate you can get.
- Check your income against the CleanBC table. If you qualify, pre-register before any work starts.
- Hire a qualified contractor. They do the heat load calculation and pick an eligible model.
- Ask about insulation too. Doing two upgrades can add a bonus, and a tighter home needs a smaller heat pump.
- Apply within six months of your final invoice.
Questions people ask
Does BC Hydro's heat pump rebate apply in Penticton?
No. Penticton homes use FortisBC's rebates. FortisBC pays up to $4,000 for replacing electric heat, or up to $12,000 if you are income-qualified.
Did CleanBC rebates change in 2026?
Yes. For invoices on or after July 6, 2026, the income-qualified maximums dropped. The top amount for a gas-to-heat-pump switch is now $13,000 at Level 1, and electric-to-heat-pump is $5,000 at Level 1 only.
Who gives heat pump rebates in Penticton?
FortisBC. Penticton's city electric utility customers are eligible for FortisBC's heat pump rebate (up to $4,000, or up to $12,000 if income-qualified), not BC Hydro's.
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Compare top-rated Penticton installers →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: CleanBC Energy Savings Program rules (July 6, 2026) · FortisBC heat pump rebate · FortisBC income-qualified heat pump rebate · City of Penticton Home Energy Loan Program.
