CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program Rebates

Everyone deserves a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home. The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program provides rebates of up to $5,500 for insulation upgrades to residents of British Columbia.

The program offers different rebate percentages based on income levels, covering 95% of upgrade costs for those at or below Income Level 1 and 60% for those at or below Income Level 2. Rebate coverage is based on the combined income of all adults in your home and how many people live in your home, including adults and children. 

Income level 3 only includes heat pump rebates for homes switching from natural gas, propane, or oil space heating. Better Homes Energy Savings Program rebates for heat pumps in electrically-heated or wood-heated homes, and various energy efficiency and ventilation incentives are only available to participants in income levels 1 and 2. Households at income level 3 that wish to install these measures should apply to the regular CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate programs. 

Okanagan Insulation Services was invited to participate in this program based on our successful relationship with FortisBC and BC Hydro as a Program Registered Contractor for the Home Renovation Rebate Program.

Program Registered Contractors have completed:

• Training with FortisBC and BC Hydro on the Home Renovation Rebate Program and CleanBC Home Efficiency Rebates.
• Completed best practice training: Insulation contractors complete additional air sealing and insulation best practice training.
• Registered with WorkSafeBC.

Income Qualification Requirements:

Rebate coverage is based on the combined income of all adults in your home and how many people live in your home, including adults and children.

• Combined incomes less than Income Level 1 are eligible for up to 95% of upgrade costs.
• Combined incomes less than Income Level 2 are eligible for up to 60% of upgrade costs.
• Income level 3 only includes heat pump rebates for homes switching from natural gas, propane, or oil space heating.

To start:

1. Confirm eligibility by reviewing the Rebate Eligibility Requirements, Participant Terms and Conditions, and Contractor Terms and Conditions.
   
2. Complete the program’s pre-screen and pre-registration to determine your eligibility through the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program  participant portal. Once confirmed you will receive an eligibility code and opportunities report, outlining your suggested upgrades.
   
3. You must choose an Energy Savings Program Contractor to complete the upgrade. Okanagan Insulation is a registered contractor, to get a free quote please contact us.
   
4. After completing the upgrade, the contractor will submit the rebate application and deduct the rebate from the final cost of the upgrade.

Upgrade Requirements:

The insulation upgrade must be completed by an approved contractor following program guidelines.

1. The new insulation must be batt, loose fill, board or spray foam.
2. Be installed in an eligible location and increase R-value. Eligible locations are:

• attic
• exterior wall cavity
• exterior wall sheathing
• basement/crawlspace
• other: exposed floor, floor over crawlspace, basement header

Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered eligible, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be BC citizens residing in eligible homes like a single-family detached home, duplex, row or townhouse, or manufactured/mobile home
• Meeting specific income requirements (see chart below)
• Having utility accounts with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or municipal utilities.
• For participants registering in the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program between December 5, 2023 – January 31, 2024, the property must have a total assessed value at or under $1,222,000 in the BC Assessment listing for the address of the applicant’s home in the year of program registration.
• For participants registering in the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program on or after February 1, 2024, the property must have a total assessed value at or under $1,230,000 in the BC Assessment listing for the address of the applicant’s home in the year of program registration.
• If you currently rent your home, you will need a landlord consent form to accompany your application.
• The home must be primarily heated by one of the following:
  • natural gas, propane or oil
  • electricity (hard-wired electric heating systems such as electric baseboards, radiant ceilings, radiant floors, forced-air furnace/boiler, or heat pump).
  • wood or other solid fuels.

Remember that CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program rebates cannot be combined with rebates from the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program or other provincial or utility offers for the same upgrade.

Rebate Payments:

For the payment process in the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program , contractors receive payment directly from CleanBC for the rebate, which simplifies the process for customers. This means that customers are only required to pay the remaining portion of the upgrade cost, which is either 5% or 40% depending on their income level. Unlike some rebate programs where customers have to wait for a refund after completing the upgrade, CleanBC streamlines the process by allowing contractors to deduct the rebate amount from the final cost of the upgrade.

This ensures that customers do not have to bear the full financial burden upfront and can enjoy the benefits of the rebate without any delay in payment. This direct payment system makes it more convenient for customers and encourages participation in energy-efficient upgrades, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to home improvements.

FAQ

Do I have to work with a Registered Contractor?

The use of a Registered Contractor is required in order to have a rebate applied to your home upgrade. Registered Contractors have completed program and technology specific best practice training.

I live in an apartment or condo building, am I eligible?

Unfortunately, you do not qualify, as multi-unit residential buildings are not an eligible housing type under the CleanBC Better Homes Income Qualified Program.

I live in a stacked duplex or stacked townhouse, am I eligible?

Stacked duplexes or stacked townhouses are eligible for the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program if each unit is individually metered.

I am a tenant and do not own my home, am I eligible?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria you can still participate in the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program as a tenant. Your landlord will need to complete and sign the Landlord Consent Form. Upload a copy of the signed form when you pre-register.