Quick quiz: how a heat pump works
Ten questions on the machine itself. Tap an answer to see why.
Short answer: In Kelowna, heat pump rebates come from FortisBC, not BC Hydro. If you heat with electric baseboards or an electric furnace, FortisBC pays up to $4,000 for a whole-home heat pump or $1,500 for a partial one. Income-qualified homes can get up to $12,000. If you heat with gas, only income-qualified homes get CleanBC money now.
Kelowna is in the Okanagan, with hot summers and cold, grey inversion winters. Kelowna is FortisBC country for both electricity and gas. That means BC Hydro's rebates and Peak Saver do not apply here. FortisBC runs its own heat pump, insulation and window rebates instead.
Which heat pump rebate fits your home in Kelowna?
| Your home now | Who pays | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Electric baseboards or electric furnace | FortisBC | Up to $4,000 whole home, $1,500 partial |
| Electric heat, income-qualified | FortisBC | Up to $12,000 central ducted, $9,000 mini/multi-split, $5,000 partial |
| Gas, income-qualified | CleanBC Energy Savings Program | Up to $13,000 (Level 1), $7,000 (Level 2), $3,500 (Level 3) for a central or 3-head system |
How FortisBC's heat pump rebate works
FortisBC's rebate is for replacing electric heat. For the $4,000 whole-home amount, the heat pump must be NEEP cold-climate certified and sized from a heat load calculation. A single mini-split only counts for homes of 1,200 sq. ft. or less. FortisBC also pays a $300 bonus when you do a second eligible upgrade, like insulation.
Income-qualified? Check this first
If your household income is under the CleanBC limits, you may get most or all of the cost covered. For a family of four, Level 1 is up to $94,900, Level 2 up to $118,600 and Level 3 up to $189,800 (combined pre-tax income). See can you get a free heat pump in Kelowna for the full table.
What's different in Kelowna
- FortisBC is the electric utility in Kelowna, so BC Hydro programs (including Peak Saver and BC Hydro's heat pump rebate) are not available. Use FortisBC's matching programs.
My tip for Kelowna: Because the utility is FortisBC, apply through FortisBC's rebate portal, not BC Hydro's. Your contractor should know the FortisBC rules, including the cold-climate listing needed for the whole-home rebate.
What to do next
- Check your current heat. Electric, gas, oil or propane decides which rebate you can get.
- Check your income against the CleanBC table. If you qualify, pre-register before any work starts.
- Hire a qualified contractor. They do the heat load calculation and pick an eligible model.
- Ask about insulation too. Doing two upgrades can add a bonus, and a tighter home needs a smaller heat pump.
- Apply within six months of your final invoice.
Questions people ask
Does BC Hydro's heat pump rebate apply in Kelowna?
No. Kelowna homes use FortisBC's rebates. FortisBC pays up to $4,000 for replacing electric heat, or up to $12,000 if you are income-qualified.
Did CleanBC rebates change in 2026?
Yes. For invoices on or after July 6, 2026, the income-qualified maximums dropped. The top amount for a gas-to-heat-pump switch is now $13,000 at Level 1, and electric-to-heat-pump is $5,000 at Level 1 only.
Can Kelowna homeowners use BC Hydro rebates?
No. Kelowna's electricity comes from FortisBC, and FortisBC customers are not eligible for BC Hydro programs. FortisBC offers its own heat pump rebate (up to $4,000) and an income-qualified version (up to $12,000).
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Compare top-rated Kelowna installers →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: CleanBC Energy Savings Program rules (July 6, 2026) · FortisBC heat pump rebate · FortisBC income-qualified heat pump rebate.
