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.

Assessment Complete: You May Qualify for the Maximum 2026 BC Heat Pump Rebate

Based on your household income, you are likely eligible for the BC Energy Savings Program Level 1 (ESP1) — the highest rebate tier available in BC.

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Your ESP1 Rebate Summary

Maximum heat pump rebate	$16,000
Electrical service upgrade	Up to $5,000
Windows and doors	Up to $9,500
Insulation	Up to $5,500
Heat pump water heater	Up to $3,500

Your heat pump installation could be fully covered at this income level. Most ESP1 participants pay little to nothing out of pocket after rebates are applied.

Property Note: To qualify for ESP1, your home must be assessed at $1,200,000 or less by BC Assessment. If your home is valued above this, you may still qualify as ESP3.

What Happens Next

Step 1 — Pre-register

Visit the CleanBC participant portal and submit your income verification documents. You will receive an Eligibility Code. This must be done before any work begins.

Step 2 — Get a quote from an HPCN installer

Only contractors registered with the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) can process your rebate. Use our matching service below to connect with a certified local installer.

Step 3 — Installer submits on your behalf

Your HPCN contractor handles the rebate paperwork and submits documentation within 6 months of your invoice date. The rebate is applied directly — you pay only the difference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What income documents do I need to qualify for ESP1?

You need a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA for every adult aged 18 or older living in the home. The NOA must be dated within 12 months of your pre-registration date. Redact all information except your name, effective date, and line 15000.

Can I qualify for ESP1 if I heat with electric baseboards?

Yes. ESP1 is available to homes heated with natural gas, propane, oil, electric baseboards, and wood. You do not need to be switching from a fossil fuel system to qualify at this income tier.

Can I stack my ESP1 rebate with other programs?

Yes. The Canada Greener Homes Loan closed to new applicants in October 2025 and is no longer available. Ask your HPCN installer about any current financing options that may apply to your situation.

Rebate amounts and program eligibility are subject to change. Always confirm current eligibility at betterhomesbc.ca or with a registered HPCN contractor before proceeding.