BC Hydro vs FortisBC: Understanding Your Utility Rebate Options
Beyond the CleanBC provincial rebates, your local utility company offers additional rebates that can stack on top. But here's the catch: you'll qualify for one or the other, depending on your current heating system and utility provider.
BC Hydro Heat Pump Rebate: Up to $4,000
Who Qualifies:
- BC Hydro customers
- Currently heating with electric baseboards, electric furnace, or electric boiler
- Switching to an eligible heat pump
Rebate Amounts:
| Current System | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Electric baseboard | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Electric furnace | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Electric boiler | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Key Requirements:
- Must be replacing electric heating (not gas)
- Heat pump must meet efficiency standards
- Installation by licensed contractor
- Primary residence only
FortisBC Heat Pump Rebate: $5,000
Who Qualifies:
- FortisBC natural gas customers
- Installing a dual-fuel hybrid system (heat pump + gas furnace)
- Keeping gas furnace as backup
Rebate Amount:
- $5,000 flat rebate for qualifying dual-fuel systems
Key Requirements:
- Must maintain natural gas connection
- Heat pump works as primary heating
- Gas furnace serves as backup for extreme cold
- Specific system configurations required
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BC Hydro | FortisBC |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Rebate | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Current Heating | Electric | Natural Gas |
| System Type | Heat pump only | Dual-fuel hybrid |
| Income Requirements | None | None |
| Stacks with CleanBC | Yes | Yes |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose BC Hydro Rebate If:
- You currently have electric baseboard heaters
- You have an electric furnace or boiler
- You want to go all-electric
- You don't have natural gas
Choose FortisBC Rebate If:
- You have a gas furnace you want to keep
- You want backup heating for extreme cold
- You're a FortisBC natural gas customer
- You prefer a hybrid approach
Can You Get Both?
No, you cannot receive both BC Hydro and FortisBC rebates. However, you CAN stack either utility rebate with:
- CleanBC base rebates ($6,000)
- CleanBC income-qualified rebates ($11,000)
- Oil-to-Heat Pump Canada rebate ($10,000 if applicable)
Real Savings Examples
Example 1: Electric Baseboard Replacement
- CleanBC Income-Qualified: $11,000
- BC Hydro: $4,000
- Total Rebates: $15,000
Example 2: Gas Furnace Hybrid
- CleanBC Base: $6,000
- FortisBC: $5,000
- Total Rebates: $11,000
Not Sure Which Applies to You?
Take our free quiz to instantly see which rebates you qualify for based on your current heating system and utility provider.