Natural gas water heater rebates – income qualified

Income-qualified customers who upgrade to an eligible gas ENERGY STAR^® water heater could qualify for a rebate up to $3000.

Eligibility

1. You, the applicant, must be a residential FortisBC gas customer with only one active residential gas account, upgrading the water heater at your primary residence. The registered homeowner(s) to the primary residence must be listed on the active residential FortisBC account and own only one property in British Columbia.
2. You must be replacing an existing water heater.
3. Your combined annual household income (from all sources) must be below the maximum shown for your household size. Proof of income is required.
   
   

   Household size	Maximum household income
   1 person	$50,100
   2 person	$62,300
   3 person	$76,600
   4 person	$93,000
   5 person	$105,500
   6 person	$119,000
   7+ person	$132,400

4. Applications must be submitted within one year of the invoice date.
5. The home must be a year-round primary residence that is at least 10 years old, no larger than 3,500 square feet and be one of the following: single family home; duplex; triplex; row home; townhouse or manufactured/mobile home on a permanent foundation.

Review all the terms and conditions.  

Rebate-eligible products

Make sure the gas water heater you're planning to purchase is eligible for a rebate by using our search tool.

Note: some results may include and asterisk "*" in place of characters. As long as the characters before and after the asterisk match your model number, your model is eligible.

Rebate details

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. Compare each type below and choose a qualifying gas ENERGY STAR water heater for a rebate of up to $3000. Note: combination heating and hot water system rebates are not available to income-qualified customers.

How can I tell if my water heater needs replacing?

There’s no repairing a leaky water heater. If you notice any of these signs it may be time to get a new one. You can purchase your water heater from a retailer, but to be eligible for this rebate it must be installed by a gas contractor licensed by Technical Safety BC.

• leaking or pooling water on the top around the water connections and/or under or near the heater
• rust stains on laundry or in showers or sinks may be evidence of rust buildup in the water heater
• 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

How to apply

1. If you wish, request a pre-qualification code. This will help the gas contractor installing your heating system know if you're eligible for the Income Qualified Program.
2. Purchase a qualifying water heater and have it installed by a gas contractor licensed with Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor. You can find a contractor by searching our online directory.
3. Complete the income-qualified rebate application and include a copy of the paid invoice showing details of all work performed, including the purchase date, make and model number, the installation permit number and the gas contractor’s Technical Safety BC licence number. See a sample invoice for water heaters for specific requirements.
4. Submit your completed application and copies of supporting documents, including your proof of income, within 1 year of the invoice date.
   
   Applications may take up to 90 days to process.

Note: the rebate application link takes you to Account login. Once you’ve registered and/or logged in you can start your rebate application.

For tips on using the online rebate application, read our how-to guide.

How do I show proof of income?

Submit a copy of one of the following for each member of your household over 18 years of age. 

• 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, 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

• The NOA is the document Canada Revenue Agency sends you after filing your tax return. 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 them to request your NOA at 1-800-959-8281. Agents are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Third-party offers and services

Ecolighten Energy Solutions and IOE Consulting

As we work to continuously improve our programs, we’ll be asking a small percentage of applicants to provide access to their home to verify the installation and operation of their new heat pump. This work is being carried out by two of our third-party contractors, Ecolighten Energy Solutions and IOE Consulting.

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.

We’re here to help

If you have questions about this rebate, or you're a contractor that is new to this program, contact us online or call us at 1-855-909-2329.

¹Every home is different. Installation costs are averages and can vary depending on the installation requirements in each home.