Residential hybrid heating early adopter program   

We’re continuing to evaluate how new innovative technologies like hybrid heating systems could save energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions—supporting BC’s climate action goals. We’re seeking 200 FortisBC customers across BC to participate in this early adopter program. Before applying, make sure you qualify for this program by checking the eligibility requirements.

Program details

If approved, you could get rebates of up to $15,000 on the purchase and installation of a new hybrid gas and electric heating system, which includes an air source heat pump and natural gas furnace paired with an integrated thermostat.

Plus, you may be eligible to receive additional incentives of up to $5,000 to cover service and ancillary upgrades required to enable installation of the system.

All equipment must be on the list of pilot-eligible models and installed by a program-eligible contractor.

We'll ask you to share energy usage data pre- and post-installation and complete a survey at the end of the pilot to help us evaluate its performance, energy use, cost savings and other benefits.

Participants may receive:

  • up to $15,000 in rebates on the purchase of equipment and installation costs
  • up to $1,000 for electric service upgrades
  • up to $4,000 for additional upgrades required for installation (such as ancillary components, and/or ducting)

After installation, the performance and energy usage of the system will be measured and evaluated for one year. Additional incentives include:

  • $500 for participating in measurement and verification (M&V; sub-metered equipment will be installed at selected homes to measure the new system for one year*)
  • $50 for submitting electricity usage/billing data for one year and completing a final survey

*Selection of measurement and verification participants will be at FortisBC’s discretion.

All installations must be completed by a program-eligible contractor. Contractors can receive an incentive of $500 per system installed for program participants. To be eligible, contractors must be Home Performance Contractor Network accredited and agree to and meet the program contractor terms and conditions.

Eligibility

To be eligible, participants must:

  1. have a residential FortisBC natural gas account
  2. be the registered owner and year-round permanent resident of an existing single-family detached home primarily heated with natural gas that you’ve lived in for at least two years and that has not undergone any significant building envelope upgrades for at least two years
  3. agree to not undergo any other energy-efficiency upgrades during the pilot program term from April 3, 2023 to December 1, 2024
  4. purchase a qualifying hybrid heating system consisting of eligible models of a new electric air source heat pump, new natural gas furnace and new integrated thermostat, and have them installed by a program-eligible contractor
  5. submit monthly electricity billing data for two years before the hybrid system installation and one year after installation
  6. respond to survey(s) and agree to share gas and electricity consumption data with FortisBC during the evaluation period for one year following installation

Pilot-eligible models

Please see below for qualifying air source heat pump/furnace hybrid system combinations qualifying heat pump/furnace list requirements:

  • Minimum HSPF ≥ 10.00 or HSPF2 ≥ 8.5
  • Minimum SEER ≥ 16.00 or SEER2 ≥ 15.2
  • Minimum capacity of 12,000 BTU (1 ton)
  • AHRI certified with a reference number that includes all components of the heat pump
  • For dual fuel ducted heat pumps, the AHRI certified reference number must show the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and high-efficiency furnace.

Review the terms and conditions

You can apply for one rebate per home under this program. New construction, secondary suites, laneway homes, additions and substantial reconstructions are not eligible. The rebate cannot be combined with any other provincial or federal home renovation rebate programs.

Applying for the program does not create any right for the participant to have their application approved. FortisBC reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine whether to accept or refuse an application. FortisBC may refuse applications which are incomplete, inaccurate or do not meet terms and conditions

Review all the terms and conditions

How to apply

  1. Review terms and conditions and complete the pre-application form. 
  2. If your pre-application is approved, you’ll be notified by email. Then, reach out to program-eligible contractor to get a quote for installation within 30 days.
  3. Send the quote to FortisBC for review; we’ll advise you of any concerns and confirm the rebate amount you’re eligible for.
  4. Have the equipment installed by the contractor within 30 days of the rebate confirmation.
  5. Send your paid invoice and electricity usage/billing data for the previous two years to FortisBC within 30 days of installation. Rebates are typically processed within 90 days.
  6. At the end of the program term, complete the participant survey and submit electricity usage/billing data for the year to receive any additional incentives you may be eligible for.

Submit your pre-application form now

We’re here to help

For more information, visit our pilot program webpage or email [email protected].