New Home Program
Photo credits: LSP Media
The New Home Program aligns with the BC Energy Step Code, providing builders with a choice between two rebate options when building high-performance homes using a FortisBC energy source. Additional rebates are also available for EnerChoice® natural gas fireplaces, drain water heat recovery systems and more.
For projects located in our natural gas service areas, connecting to our gas system will provide buyers access to renewable and low carbon gas options. It’s all part of our commitment to transform BC’s energy future by helping customers lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting the Province’s Roadmap to 2030.
Learn how we’re helping new home builders and developers achieve higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code.
Eligibility
To qualify for rebates, the home(s) must meet the criteria below:
- new construction
- on a permanent foundation
- built in FortisBC’s natural gas or electricity service areas
- a maximum of three storeys high
- one of the following:
- detached house (may include a secondary suite)
- attached house (e.g. semi-detached, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, row house or attached house with or without a secondary suite)
- laneway home
- applications must be submitted within six months of project completion or by December 31, 2023, whichever comes first
Note: rebates for the construction of multi-family buildings, such as condos, fall under our Commercial New Construction Performance Program.
1 The program and its terms and conditions, including deadline and rebate amounts, are subject to change, or be terminated, at any time without notice.
Terms and conditions
Review all the terms and conditions.
Rebate details
Find out the BC Energy Step Code requirements of your municipality then choose one of the following options.
Build a home to BC Energy Step Code 2 or higher using natural gas space and water heating (or electricity space and water heating in FortisBC’s electricity service area) to qualify for home performance rebates of $3,000 to $10,000, program qualified energy advisor support rebates and more.
Note: projects in the City of Vancouver are subject to the performance standards of the Vancouver building bylaw.
| High performance |
Rebate |
|---|---|
|
Step Code 2 |
$3,000 |
|
Step Code 3 |
$4,000 |
|
Step Code 4 |
$6,000 |
|
Step Code 5 |
$10,000 |
| Program qualified energy advisor support | Rebate |
|---|---|
| You must hire a certified program qualified energy advisor to qualify for home performance rebates. The advisor will help maximize the efficiency of your project, and the rebate will help you offset your costs. |
$800 to the builder $200 to the energy advisor |
| Equipment and appliances | Rebate |
|---|---|
|
$100 |
|
|
$500 |
|
|
$250 |
|
|
$100 |
|
| $100 | |
|
$100 to $250 |
|
|
$100 |
|
|
$50 to $100 |
2 Only available for homes built in FortisBC’s electricity service area, including Grand Forks, Penticton, Nelson and Summerland.
Builders can receive up to $7,000 to cover consulting fees of Integrated Design Process (IDP) consultants, building science consultants and/or mechanical design specialists on individual homes. Multi-family projects can receive up to $50,000. More details here.
Build a home to minimum code or BC Energy Step Code 1 and you can choose from a variety of rebates including high-efficiency water heaters.
Note: projects in the city of Vancouver are not eligible for high-efficiency water heater rebates.
| High-efficiency natural gas water heater | Rebate |
|---|---|
$500 | |
| $1,000 | |
| $1,000 | |
| $1,200 | |
| $1,200 |
| High-efficiency electric water heater2 | Rebate |
|---|---|
$2,000 |
| Program qualified energy advisor support | Rebate |
|---|---|
| While not required for Option B we recommend you work with a program qualified energy advisor to maximize the efficiency of your project. A rebate is also available to help you offset your costs. | $800 to the builder $200 to the energy advisor |
| Equipment and appliances | Rebate |
|---|---|
$100 | |
$500 | |
$250 | |
$100 | |
| $100 | |
$100 to $250 | |
$100 | |
$50 to $100 |
2 Only available for homes built in FortisBC’s electricity service area, including Grand Forks, Penticton, Nelson and Summerland.
How to apply
Click the dropdown arrow on the applicable option for details on how to apply.
- Before construction begins, contact your FortisBC natural gas energy solutions manager. They can discuss the options right for your project and will also put you in touch with a program qualified energy advisor.
- The program qualified energy advisor has all the necessary tools and will submit the application on your behalf.
- Submit your application within six months of the issuance of the building occupancy permit or by December 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
- If you qualify, we’ll mail you the rebate in the form of a cheque. Please allow up to 90 days to process.
- After purchasing and installing eligible appliances and products, apply online.
- Submit your application within six months of the issuance of the building occupancy permit or by December 31, 2023, whichever comes first.
- If you qualify, we’ll mail you the rebate in the form of a cheque. Please allow up to 90 days to process.
- When applying for multiple homes, please contact your energy solutions manager for a bulk application.
Additional information
Support for Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities may qualify for enhanced New Home Program rebates. To learn more, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-866-884-8833 and select option 4.
We’re here to help
For advice on the energy-efficiency options best suited for your project, or help with understanding the BC Energy Step Code, or completing your rebate application, contact a natural gas energy solutions manager or a program qualified energy advisor or submit your inquiry online.
