Frequently Asked Questions

What rebates are available for new homes and how do I access them?

There are a number of rebate programs available for improving the energy efficiency of new homes in BC, and each program is different. Visit the residential new construction rebate search tool to find programs that you may be eligible for.

Some rebates are provided by your energy utilities, some by local, regional, or provincial government, some from lending institutions, and more. Some programs are for specific energy efficient products, some are for having an energy evaluation, and some reward the overall energy performance of the home.

Take the time to thoroughly read about the rebates and incentives you are interested in, as the terms and conditions, and application processes vary from program to program.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

General Rebates and Upgrades

What is my climate zone?

To identify which climate zone your home is in, reference the city listing or map of BC’s climate zones below. If you are not able to determine your zone please email betterhomesbc@gov.bc.ca for additional support.

A map and table reference of BC Climate Zones per BCBC. The BC Building Code defines the energy performance targets of the Step Code based on the building's climate zone (CZ). The BC climate zones are defined by the average heating degree-days below 18°C (HDD). The BC Building Code states that the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) can establish climatic values to define climate zones, typically based on information from Environment Canada, and building designers must consult the AHJ before making any assumptions about a building's climate zone. Note that in some locations, there may be several climate zones due to variations in elevation.

What are municipal utility providers?

Municipal utility providers are located within the service territories of BC Hydro or FortisBC. These municipalities sell electricity directly to their customers.

Municipal utility providers within the BC Hydro service territory:

  • New Westminster

Municipal utility providers within the FortisBC service territory:

  • Grand Forks
  • Summerland
  • Penticton
  • Nelson

I live in an apartment/condo and would like to do some energy efficiency upgrades. Are there any rebates available to me?

As a resident in an apartment or condo, there are a few different rebate offers you can consider. If you live in an income-qualifying household you can apply for a Free Energy Saving Kit from BC Hydro, FortisBC, or Pacific Northern Gas.

If you purchase and install eligible ENERGY STAR® appliances, you may be eligible for appliance rebates through BC Hydro and FortisBC:

  • BC Hydro Appliance Rebate Program: receive a rebate of up to $100 for replacing your current clothes washer, refrigerator, and clothes dryer with qualifying ENERGY STAR models. Check the BC Hydro Appliance rebate program before you make any purchases to determine the status of the program, as well as the eligibility of the model.
  • FortisBC Appliance Rebates: receive a rebate between $50-$250 for replacing your clothes washer, clothes dryer, or refrigerator with qualifying ENERGY STAR models. Check the FortisBC website before you make any purchases to determine the status of the program, as well as the eligibility of the model.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

Are there rebates for LED lights?

Instant in-store rebates for LED lighting are offered seasonally to BC Hydro and FortisBC customers. Use our rebate search tool and selecting ‘Lighting’ to see if these rebates are currently available.

Income-qualified households may be able to access LED lights and bulbs through the following free programs offered by FortisBC and BC Hydro:

The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is available to income-qualified households and provides an in-home visit with free energy-saving product installation, including energy-saving light-bulbs.

The Free Energy Saving Kits Program is available to income-qualified BC Hydro customers, PNG customers, FortisBC electric customers, and municipal electric customers. Participants in this program can receive LED bulbs, an LED night light, and other energy-efficient products.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.