Cutting energy waste in our homes and workplaces is one of the quickest ways to lower community greenhouse gas emissions and reach North Cowichan’s –80 % target by 2050. The programs below make upgrades easier and more affordable.
Support, rebates & zero interest financing for single-family homes
- BC Home Energy Planner – online tool to spot your best upgrades.
- Talk to an Energy Coach – free expert advice by phone or email.
- Canada Greener Homes Loan – $40 000 interest free for up to 10 years (EnerGuide evaluation required before work starts). Application deadline: October 1, 2025.
- Solar photovoltaic panels – $1000 per installed kW.
- Battery energy storage systems – $500 per installed kWh.
- GST/HST new home rebate – for new or substantially renovated primary residences.
Extra support for income qualified households
- CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program – enhanced rebates for low and middle-income homes.
- Energy Conservation Assistance Program – free energy saving kit, in-home coaching and upgrades (BC Hydro + FortisBC).
- Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program – coming soon; no cost retrofits for eligible homeowners and tenants.
Programs for multifamily & commercial buildings
- Strata Energy Advisor– custom roadmaps for strata councils.
- Building Benchmark BC – track and compare your building’s energy and GHG data.
- Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program – studies and equipment funding, including solar, batteries and EV charging.
- BC Retrofit Accelerator – technical and financial help for large commercial and residential properties.
- Clean buildings tax credit – 5 % refundable credit for cutting Energy Use Intensity.
- CleanBC Social Housing Incentives – studies, project support and GHGreduction grants.
- FCM’s Sustainable Affordable Housing Program – planning and retrofit funding for nonprofit housing.
Why choose a heat pump?
- Uses up to three times less energy than a gas furnace.
- Provides efficient heating and cooling.
- Runs on B.C.’s low-carbon electricity.
- If switching from oil can cut annual energy bills by 40-75%; gas homes see similar or lower costs (see MakeTheSwitch).