Natural gas water heater rebates – income qualified

If it’s time to replace your old water heater, you have choices beyond a standard storage tank, including high-efficiency tankless and condensing models.

Condensing tankless

Pros:

• heats water as you need it
• takes up less space than a storage tank
• can be wall mounted
• flue gas or propane heat is recovered, helping to save energy and costs

Cons:

• may have to wait a few seconds for hot water when turning tap on
• select models won't work during a power outage
• requires a drain for water condensation leaving the system

Condensing storage tank

Pros:

• offers the benefits of a standard storage tank with much higher efficiency
• good for large households and can handle multiple, simultaneous demands for hot water
• less chance of running out of hot water

Cons:

• requires a drain for water condensation leaving the system

How can I tell if my water heater needs replacing?

There are a number of signs that your water heater may need replacing, such as:

• leaking or pooling water on the top, around the water connections
• leaking or pooling water under or near the heater
• rust stains on laundry or in showers or sinks
• rusty water comes out of the taps
• slow hot water recovery time – it takes longer to heat up water or the water doesn’t get as hot even though heat settings haven’t changed
• bubbling or boiling noises in your tank as water heats up

1. Review the terms and conditions.
2. Purchase a qualifying water heater and have it installed by a  Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor in good standing. You can find a contractor by searching our online directory.
3. Apply online within six months of your invoice date with the following information:
   • your FortisBC natural gas or propane account number
   • your email
   • your proof of income
   • scanned copies of all paid invoices showing details of all work performed including the:
     • purchase date
     • make and model number
     • installation permit number
     • the gas contractor's Technical Safety BC licence number (see a sample invoice for water heaters for specific requirements)
4. Applications may take up to 90 days to process.

Additional details

The application link takes you to Account login. Once you've registered and/or logged in, you can start your application. Hint: we recommend using Google Chrome^® for the best experience.

Income-qualified rebate program - terms and conditions apply

Submit a copy of one of the following for each member of your household over 18 years of age. Ensure all personal details are blacked out, except your name, your mailing address, the effective date and income or benefit amount, where applicable.

• Notice of Assessment (NOA): submit a copy of your NOA from the Canada Revenue Agency for a current income tax return. Black out all information except for your name, your mailing address, effective date and income (line 15000 on NOA).
• Social Assistance: submit your monthly cheque stub, or a printed copy of your Confirmation of Assistance if registered for My Self Serve.
• Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER): submit either your SAFER cheque stub, acknowledgment letter or benefit change letter from BC Housing.
• Rental Assistance Program: submit your Rental Assistance Program acknowledgment or benefit change letter from BC Housing.
• National Child Benefit Supplement: submit your benefit notice from Canada Revenue Agency.
• Other income: if applicable, provide documentation of foreign, rental and/or other income.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): submit your GIS notice.

How to get your Notice of Assessment

• If you have your most current NOA, send us a copy with your application.
• If you do not have your NOA, use Canada Revenue Agency’s My Account service to view and print a copy of your information.
• You can also call the Canada Revenue Agency to request your NOA at 1-800-959-8281. Agents are available Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Ecolighten Energy Solutions and It’s On Electric Consulting

As we work to continuously improve our programs, we'll be asking certain applicants to provide access to their homes to verify the installation and operation of their hot water tank. This work is being carried out by third-party contractors, Ecolighten Energy Solutions and It's On Electric Consulting. The terms and conditions of the program require that selected participants provide access to these third-party contractors to ensure all requirements have been met

The site visit may be conducted either in-person or virtually using an app such as FaceTime or Google Hangouts. Staff will always call or email in advance to book a site visit appointment with you. Their staff also carry photo ID badges identifying them as FortisBC contractors.