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 Penticton. 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, or FortisBC's income-qualified rebate of up to $12,000. The limit is up to $13,000 if you're switching from gas, oil or propane at Income Level 1.
Penticton is in the South Okanagan, with hot summers and fairly mild winters for the Interior. Penticton runs its own electric utility. Penticton electric customers use FortisBC's rebate programs, not BC Hydro's.
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 |
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.
The FortisBC route in Penticton
Because Penticton is on FortisBC electricity, income-qualified homes with electric heat can also use FortisBC's rebate: up to $12,000 for a central ducted system, $9,000 for mini- or multi-split, or $5,000 partial. The income limits match CleanBC Level 1.
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 Penticton
- City of Penticton Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): up to $10,000 over 10 years, repaid on your city electric bill at prime plus 0.5%. It covers upgrades that match FortisBC's rebates (heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors, air sealing). The city says the program is being redesigned, so confirm the terms first.
- Penticton electric customers qualify for FortisBC's electric rebates, including the heat pump rebate.
My tip for Penticton: Penticton's own loan can cover the part rebates don't. Pair it with FortisBC's rebate and you may not need to pay much up front.
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. In your area, FortisBC's own income-qualified rebate is another option.
Who gives heat pump rebates in Penticton?
FortisBC. Penticton's city electric utility customers are eligible for FortisBC's heat pump rebate (up to $4,000, or up to $12,000 if income-qualified), not BC Hydro's.
Ready to check your home in Penticton?
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Compare top-rated Penticton 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 · FortisBC income-qualified heat pump rebate.
