Energy Conservation Assistance Program
Run by BC Hydro and FortisBC, with Pacific Northern Gas (funded in part by CleanBC and the federal Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program) · Also called ECAP
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program provides free heat pumps, insulation, air sealing and more for income-qualified homeowners and renters in British Columbia. You need an energy assessment before any work starts.
Cost to you
$0
Verified
You apply on bchydro.com
At a glance
| Maximum amount | Free upgrades (no cost to eligible households) |
|---|---|
| Funding type | Free upgrade |
| Status | Open |
| Who can apply | Homeowners, Renters, Income-qualified |
| Energy assessment required | Yes, before you start |
| Income-tested | Yes, household income limits apply |
| Deadline | No end date published |
| Where | British Columbia |
| Level | Utility |
| Run by | BC Hydro and FortisBC, with Pacific Northern Gas (funded in part by CleanBC and the federal Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program) |
| Official page | bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/savings-based-on-income/free-product-install-and-advice.html |
| Last verified | |
| Verified by | Rebate Researcher, RebateHub |
| Confidence | HighEvery figure matches the official program pages. |
Energy Conservation Assistance Program. RebateHub.ca, https://rebatehub.ca/rebates/bc-energy-conservation-assistance-program#key-facts. Last verified October 12, 2026. Official source: https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/rebates-programs/savings-based-on-income/free-product-install-and-advice.html
What you can get
| Upgrade | What you get | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Home energy evaluation and adviceFree | Free | Varies |
| Heat pump or dual-fuel systemFreeOffered where the evaluation recommends it, including switches from fossil fuels or wood. | Free | Varies |
| Insulation, draft-proofing and bathroom fansFree | Free | Varies |
How it works
ECAP sends a program contractor to evaluate an income-qualified home and then installs recommended upgrades at no cost. Depending on the home, this can include a heat pump or dual-fuel system (including switches from gas, oil, propane or wood), insulation, bathroom fans and draft-proofing.
On June 29, 2026 the province, the federal government, BC Hydro and FortisBC announced a $222 million expansion of ECAP, aimed at about 5,800 BC Hydro and 1,800 FortisBC households. Since August 25, 2026, Pacific Northern Gas customers can also apply. Apartments and condos are expected to become eligible in fall 2026.
You apply through the utility that supplies your main heating fuel. Meeting the income limit does not guarantee upgrades; what gets installed depends on the evaluation and available funding, and the program assigns the contractor.
Who qualifies
- Combined pre-tax income of household members 18+ at or below: 1 person $51,100; 2 $63,600; 3 $78,200; 4 $94,900; 5 $107,600; 6 $121,400; 7+ $135,100
- Single-family home, townhome, row home, duplex, triplex, quadplex, or manufactured/mobile home (apartments and condos expected in fall 2026)
- Any heating fuel: electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood or other fuels
- A service address can take part only once every 10 years
- Renters need a landlord consent form; strata units may need strata consent
How to apply
Step 1: Check the income limits
Step 2: Apply online or by paper to the utility that serves your main heating fuel (BC Hydro, FortisBC or Pacific Northern Gas); applications sent to the wrong utility are redirected
Step 3: Submit proof of income dated within the last year for every adult in the home (tax summaries, T1, T4 and BC Assessment notices are not accepted)
Step 4: Wait for approval (usually four to six weeks), then book the home evaluation with the assigned contractor
Step 5: Approved upgrades are usually installed within two to three months
Related programs
- Last verified October 12, 2026OpenFederalCanada-wide
Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program
Federally funded, no-cost home energy upgrades for low- and median-income homeowners and tenants. You apply through your province's or utility's partner program, not through Ottawa.
Free
Free upgrade - Last verified October 12, 2026OpenProvincialBritish Columbia
CleanBC Energy Savings Program (ground-oriented homes)
Income-tested rebates, paid directly to registered contractors, that cover up to the full cost of a heat pump or heat pump water heater for lower- and middle-income B.C. households.
$16,500
max rebate, income-qualified
Rebate - Last verified October 12, 2026OpenProvincialBritish Columbia
CleanBC Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate
Income-tested rebates of up to $5,000 for an in-suite heat pump and up to $3,500 for a heat pump water heater in electrically heated condos and apartments.
$8,500
max rebate, income-qualified
Rebate - Last verified October 12, 2026OpenProvincialBritish Columbia
PST Exemption on Heat Pumps
Heat pumps bought in B.C. are exempt from the 7% provincial sales tax, while fossil-fuel heating equipment is taxed at 12%.
Varies
Instant discount