Quick quiz: how a heat pump works
Ten questions on the machine itself. Tap an answer to see why.
Short answer: Sometimes. If your household income is low enough, you can get a heat pump installed for little or nothing in Fort St. John. There are two routes: ECAP, where the utility installs upgrades for free, and the CleanBC Energy Savings Program, which pays 100% of eligible costs up to a limit. The limit is up to $13,000 if you're switching from gas, oil or propane at Income Level 1, plus $3,000 more here in the north.
Fort St. John is in the Peace region, one of the coldest parts of BC, with long winters and deep cold snaps. Most Fort St. John homes heat with natural gas from Pacific Northern Gas. A heat pump here works as the main heat for much of the year, with a backup for the coldest weeks.
Canada’s new heat pump rebate is worth up to $10,000. Get an email the day it opens
Applications are not open yet. Ottawa says they open in early 2027, and that you can add this rebate on top of provincial ones.
- Up to $10,000
- if your household earns below the median income
- $2,000
- for other homeowners who qualify
Stack it with the British Columbia rebate open today
Ottawa says you can combine them. Each program has its own rules. Amounts are the most you can get.
Applications open early 2027
Join the launch alert
- Launch-day email, with what to do first
- Who qualifies for the $10,000, once Ottawa says
- A short hello now, so you know it worked
Know someone with old heating? Send them this.
Only emails about this rebate. No spam, no sales calls. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read everything we know so far Official page: canada.ca
Who qualifies? The 2026 income limits
It's based on how many people live in your home and the combined pre-tax income of the adults. These are the CleanBC limits for invoices from July 6, 2026:
| People in home | Level 1 up to | Level 2 up to | Level 3 up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $51,100 | $63,900 | $102,100 |
| 2 | $63,600 | $79,500 | $127,200 |
| 3 | $78,200 | $97,700 | $156,300 |
| 4 | $94,900 | $118,600 | $189,800 |
| 5 | $107,600 | $134,500 | $215,200 |
| 6 | $121,400 | $151,700 | $242,700 |
| 7+ | $135,100 | $168,900 | $270,200 |
You'll need proof of income, like a CRA Notice of Assessment, for every adult in the home.
How much you can get, by current heat
| Switching from | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas, oil or propane: central ducted or 3+ heads | $13,000 | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| Gas, oil or propane: 2 heads | $11,000 | $5,500 | $1,000 |
| Gas, oil or propane: 1 head | $5,500 | $4,500 | $1,000 |
| Electric heat | $5,000 | Not eligible | Not eligible |
Northern top-up: because this home is north of 100 Mile House, Levels 1 and 2 add $3,000 (or $1,500 for a single head).
These are maximums. CleanBC pays 100% of eligible costs up to the limit, so a modest system can cost you nothing. The rates changed on July 6, 2026. If you see "$16,000" elsewhere, that's the old amount.
ECAP: the truly free option
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is run by BC Hydro and FortisBC. An energy evaluator visits for free, and if you qualify, they install upgrades for free. Some homes get a heat pump or insulation; others get smaller items. You don't choose the upgrades; the evaluator does.
What's different in Fort St. John
- Fort St. John is north of 100 Mile House, so income-qualified homes switching from gas, oil or propane can get the CleanBC northern top-up of $3,000 (or $1,500 for a single-head mini-split), for Income Levels 1 and 2.
My tip for Fort St. John: Plan for a strong backup. In the Peace, a heat pump plus a furnace or electric backup is the honest setup. Ask for a cold-climate model and a proper load calculation.
What to do next
- Count the people in your home and add up the adults' income. Compare to the table.
- Pre-register with the CleanBC Energy Savings Program before any work starts, or apply to ECAP through your utility.
- Use a program-registered contractor. Self-installs are not eligible.
- If you don't qualify, check the regular rebates in our heat pump guide.
Questions people ask
Is the heat pump really free?
It can be. CleanBC pays 100% of eligible costs up to the limit, and ECAP installs upgrades at no charge. If your system costs more than the limit, you pay the difference.
Can I get the income-qualified rebate if I already have electric heat?
Only at Income Level 1, up to $5,000. The Level 2 electric stream was discontinued in July 2026. BC Hydro's regular rebate (up to $4,000) is open to any income.
Does the northern top-up apply in Fort St. John?
Yes, if you qualify for the CleanBC Energy Savings Program at Income Level 1 or 2, are switching from fossil fuel, and are connected to BC Hydro. It adds $3,000 for ducted, multi-split or two single-head systems, or $1,500 for one single-head mini-split.
Ready to check your home in Fort St. John?
Compare top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews. Free for homeowners, and we'll tell you honestly if the math doesn't work for your home.
Compare top-rated Fort St. John installers →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: CleanBC Energy Savings Program rules (July 6, 2026) · ECAP: free home energy evaluation and upgrades · BC Hydro programs based on income.
