Program information
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About the Energy Savings Program
The Energy Savings Program (ESP) offers home energy efficiency rebates based on your household income. It is an initiative of CleanBC Better Homes. It is funded by the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada and BC Hydro.
ESP makes energy-saving home upgrades more affordable to low- and middle-income households. Energy efficiency upgrades can help you lower your monthly energy cost. They can also help you improve year-round comfort in your home, enjoy healthier indoor air quality and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
Income requirements
Rebate coverage is based on the combined income of all adults in your home and how many people live in your home, including adults and children.
| Number of people living in your home (including adults and children) | Combined pre-tax annual income of all adults in your home (excluding dependants): | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income level 1 | Income level 2 | Income level 3 | |
| 1 person | $47,007 | $61,697 | $99,891 |
| 2 people | $58,522 | $76,810 | $124,358 |
| 3 people | $71,945 | $94,428 | $152,884 |
| 4 people | $87,350 | $114,647 | $185,620 |
| 5 people | $99,072 | $130,032 | $210,528 |
| 6 people | $111,735 | $146,653 | $237,438 |
| 7 or more people | $124,402 | $163,277 | $264,353 |
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Verifying your income
You will need to include one of the following documents with your registration to confirm that your income meets the eligibility requirements. The documents must be dated within 1 year of your registration. You must include documents that confirm your income for each household member 18 years or older, excluding dependants. The document must show the parts listed below. You can hide any other private information. You only need to include 1 of these documents for each person.
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Proof of Income Statement from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Available online on the CRA webpage or contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281
- Must be able to see your name, effective date, and line 15000
- Verification of income or disability assistance
- Monthly report (cheque stub) OR
- Printed copy of your Confirmation of Assistance if you're registered for My Self Serve
- Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) cheque stub, acknowledgement letter, or benefit change letter from BC Housing
- Rental Assistance Program acknowledgment letter or benefit change letter from BC Housing
- Guaranteed Income Supplement notice
- Pay stubs for 3 months
- Three recent paystubs
- Leave your name, pay period, and pay amounts visible
- Proof that you take part in or are eligible for BC Hydro and FortisBC’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP). Include:
- Confirmation of eligibility
- Approval letters or emails
- Other ECAP documentation that shows proof of participation or eligibility
- Endorsement Form Endorsement form [111KB PDF]
- Must be completed by a professional or organization that can confirm:
- Your financial situation
- Your income meets the program requirements
- Must be completed by a professional or organization that can confirm:
Other eligibility requirements
Home type and value
- Home types currently eligible for the Energy Savings program are:
- Single-family homes or secondary suites in a single-family home
- Mobile homes that are fixed on a foundation and structurally complete with plumbing, electrical, sewer and water hooked up permanently
- Duplex, triplex, row and townhomes
- Your property must have a total assessed value at or under $1,230,000 in the BC Assessment listing for year your register for ESP. Note housing value does not apply to Income Level 3 homes
- You can own or rent your home, but you must live in it year-round
- If you currently rent your home, you will need a landlord consent form to accompany your application
Electricity and gas utilities
- Your home or suite must have its own natural gas and/or electricity meter
- You must have a residential utility account with FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility
- The utility accounts must be in your name, not the strata or landlord’s name
Upgrade requirements
- You must pre-register and receive an eligibility code before completing the upgrade
- Each type of upgrade must meet specific requirements (e.g. heat pumps must be able to distribute heat throughout the house, in all the areas served previously by the primary heating system)
Rebate offers
Use the links below to explore each rebate offering on Better Homes.
| Upgrade type | Maximum rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat pumps | $19,000 |
| Heat pump hot water heaters | $3,500 |
| Electrical service upgrade | $5,000 |
| Insulation (income levels 1 and 2 only) | $5,500 |
| Windows and doors (income levels 1 and 2 only) | $9,500 |
| Ventilation (income levels 1 and 2 only) | $1,600 |
| Health and safety (income levels 1 and 2 only) | $800 |
Working with a contractor
You must work with an Energy Savings Program registered contractor to be eligible for rebates.
Energy Saving Program registered contractors are licensed in B.C. and have completed training on ESP eligibility requirements. They are approved to install upgrades for the program. They will also help you with the application process and ensure your upgrades meet program eligibility requirements.
Getting your rebate
When you register for the Energy Savings Program, you will get a code that you can share with your contractor. The code allows your contractor to apply for the rebate on your behalf. The rebate goes directly to your contractor and they subtract the rebate amount from your invoice.