New Home Program – special rebates for a limited time

In light of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, FortisBC recognizes that builders and homeowners may face financial challenges. That's why we are offering even bigger rebates until December 31, 2021, to enable energy efficiency to remain top of mind, and ensure that homes can continue to be built with resiliency from day one.

Program changes include:

• increasing each level of home performance rebate by $2,000
• increasing EnerChoice® natural gas fireplace rebates from $300 to $500
• increasing ENERGY STAR® qualifying storage tank rebates from $200 to $500
• adding a new Design Offer to reimburse the cost of engaging a mechanical designer, building envelope consultant and/or integrated design process by up to $7,000 for individual homes and up to $50,000 on multi-family projects

Enhanced incentives applicable to New Home Program applications received between August 17, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

Eligibility

To qualify for rebates through this program, the home(s) must be:

1. new construction
2. on a permanent foundation
3. built in FortisBC’s natural gas or electricity service areas
4. a maximum of three storeys high
5. 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

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.

Option A – for Step Code 2 and higher

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, energy advisor support rebates, and more.

Projects in Vancouver must meet Step Code 3 or higher to qualify.

How to apply for Option A

• Before construction begins, builders should contact their FortisBC natural gas energy solutions manager who will put them in touch with an energy advisor.
• The energy advisor has all the necessary tools and will submit the application on the builder’s behalf.
• Applications must be submitted within six months of project completion.

Option B – for BC Building Code or Step Code 1

Build a home to minimum code or BC Energy Step Code 1 and you can pick and choose from a variety of rebates, including:

• high-efficiency water heater rebates
• energy advisor support rebates
• natural gas fireplaces, dryers, drain water heat recovery, and connected thermostat rebates

Projects in Vancouver are not eligible for Option B high-efficiency natural gas water heater rebates.

How to apply for Option B

After purchasing and installing eligible appliances, builders must:

• Apply online

• If you qualify, we’ll mail you the rebate. Please allow up to 90 days to process.

Additional information

• The program and its terms and conditions, including dates and incentive amounts, are subject to change, or be terminated, at any time without notice.
• Rebates are issued in the form of a cheque, and mailed to the applicant.
• View the full list of New Homes Program terms and conditions

We’re here to help

For advice on the energy-efficiency options best suited for your project or help with understanding the new BC Energy Step Code and completing your rebate application, contact an energy solutions manager, a program-qualified energy advisor (PQEA) or email newhome@fortisbc.com

¹ Pre-approval from FortisBC is required.

² While an energy evaluation is not required to access option B rebates, it is recommended.

³ Electric heat pump water heater and electric appliance rebates are only available in FortisBC’s electricity service area (includes Grand Forks, Penticton, Summerland and Nelson Hydro).