What is the $1.23 Million Property Assessment Rule?

In 2026, the CleanBC Energy Savings Program uses an asset-based limit to determine rebate eligibility. If your home's total assessed value exceeds $1,230,000, you are disqualified from the maximum $16,000 and $12,000 rebate tiers, though you may still qualify for a $10,500 rebate.

Whose income is included in the 'Household Income' calculation?

The program calculates household income based on the combined gross income of all adults (aged 18+) living in the home. You must provide a Notice of Assessment (NOA) for every adult resident to verify total household earnings.

What is the '80% Rule' for Whole-Home Rebates?

Your new heat pump system must be sized to provide primary heating for at least 80% of the home's total conditioned floor area to qualify for whole-home rebates.

Can I keep my gas furnace or electric baseboards as backup?

Yes, you can keep a fossil fuel backup in a dual-fuel configuration or maintain electric baseboards, provided the heat pump remains the primary source for 80% of the home.

Why must I use an HPCN-Certified contractor?

The BC government requires all rebate-eligible heat pumps to be installed by a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). Hiring a non-registered contractor makes you ineligible for provincial rebates.

Do I need to apply before or after the installation?

For the Energy Savings Program, you must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before you begin any work. Applying after installation leads to automatic disqualification.

The Basement Suite Conflict: How to Secure Your Rebate with a Tenant

In British Columbia, “Secondary Suites” are a cornerstone of our housing market. However, for the 2026 Energy Savings Program, they present a significant technical hurdle. Whether your suite is for a family member or a tenant, how it is heated and how it is metered can be the difference between a $16,000 rebate and a total rejection.

1. The “Single Meter” vs. “Separate Meter” Rule

The first thing the government looks at is how BC Hydro bills your property.

Single Utility Meter: If your entire house (including the suite) is on one BC Hydro meter, the program views your home as a Single Family Dwelling. To get the maximum rebate, your new heat pump must cover 80% of the entire house, including the suite.
Separate Utility Meters: If the suite has its own meter, it is often viewed as a separate residential unit. This changes everything. You may be eligible for two separate rebates, but each unit must meet its own “Primary Heat” requirements.

2. Navigating the 80% Rule with a Suite

As we’ve discussed in our 80% Floor Area Guide, your system must cover the vast majority of the home.

The Trap: If you install a central ducted heat pump that only serves the upstairs, but the basement suite (which makes up 35% of your floor area) is still heated by old electric baseboards, you fail the 80% rule.
The Solution: You must either duct the new system into the suite or add a “head” (indoor unit) specifically for the basement to bring your total covered square footage above the 80% threshold.

3. Can My Tenant’s Income Help Me?

This is a frequent “Outside the Box” question. If you are applying for the income-qualified rebates ($12k–$16k), the government looks at Household Income.

The Rule: If the suite is not a legal separate dwelling (shared kitchen or no separate entrance), the tenant’s income may technically need to be included in the household total.
The Strategy: If the suite is a fully independent, legal secondary suite, you can usually exclude the tenant’s income from your application. This is vital if your tenant earns a high salary that would otherwise push you out of the maximum rebate bracket.

4. Shared Equipment vs. Independent Systems

The rule is quite strict, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind:

Scenario	Rebate Eligibility
One Large System for Both	Eligible for $16,000 (if 80% of total house is covered).
Separate System for Suite	Suite may qualify for a $5,000 “Individual Unit” rebate.
Upstairs Only (Ignoring Suite)	High risk of Rejection if suite is >20% of floor area.

5. Essential Steps for Suite Owners

If you make more than that and your home is worth more than the cap, you move to the standard $6,000 rebate available to all BC residents.

Check the Asset Cap: Your home is valued as one single asset. Even if you have a suite, if the total property value exceeds $1.23M, your rebate potential is capped. Check your value here.
HPCN Verification: Ensure your contractor specifically notes the “Suite Coverage” in their Load Calculation. Find an HPCN installer here.
Tenant Consent: If the installation requires work inside the suite (new vents or a wall unit), you must have a signed consent form from the tenant as part of your pre-registration.