Lower-income households in British Columbia may be eligible for no-cost home-energy improvements, thanks to federal and provincial funding.
The Province, BC Hydro and FortisBC are working together with Natural Resources Canada to help support families with lower incomes to save money on their utility costs.
“We are taking action to help people lower their utility bills by expanding our home energy-efficiency programming for lower-income families,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
“Switching to high-efficiency heat pumps is one of the fastest, most effective ways to lower building-sector emissions and at the same time reduce costs for people.”
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) through BC Hydro and FortisBC provides no-cost home-energy modifications to homeowners and tenants with lower incomes.
“We are committed to working with British Columbians in every region we serve to save energy, lower costs and build a stronger, more sustainable future together,” says Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro.
This includes upgrades such as heat pumps, dual-fuel systems, insulation and air sealing that help households save energy and reduce monthly utility costs.
The expansion of ECAP in B.C. represents a joint investment of $222 million.
Through the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CHHAP), Canada is providing $93.8 million alongside the Province’s contribution of $8 million.
“As it is now delivered across British Columbia, the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program will help Canadian families save money, while strengthening our energy systems and making Canada an energy superpower,” says Tim Hodgson, federal Minister of Natural Resources.
BC Hydro is contributing $100.5 million, and FortisBC is providing $20.1 million.
The ECAP is free for eligible income-qualified customers and provides home-energy assessments, energy coaching and energy-efficient upgrades.
Some income-qualified households may qualify for air-source heat pumps or dual-fuel systems.
“Home comfort and affordability is important for our customers. The Energy Conservation Assistance Program helps make this possible for income-qualified customers by lowering energy use and monthly bills through energy-saving upgrades, including dual-fuel systems,” says Roger Dall’Antonia, president and CEO, FortisBC.
To find out more about the Energy Conservation Assistance Program, visit BC Hydro and BCFortis websites to see if you qualify.
For more information about the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), click here.
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