BC Hydro, FortisBC and the Province Rebate Refresher and Update - Heat Pumps (North & Central/SE) (June '23))

North & Central/Southeast BC


This webinar was hosted by the HPSC on June 6, 2023, on behalf of the HPCN program partners: FortisBC, BC Hydro, and CleanBC.

This webinar is similar to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island webinar but includes some additional information specific to offers for northern residents. You are encouraged to watch the recording that best suits your service area. You may find it helpful to review both Q&A transcripts.

Recording

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0:00 - 2:24 - Introduction

2:25 - 3:42 - The HPSC and Rebate Programs

3:43 - 4:59 - Rebate Refresher and Update - Introduction

4:50 - 5:46 - Rebate Refresher and Update - Year in Review

5:47 - 25:31 - Understand the Rebates Available and Program Requirements

25:32 - 26:28 - Membership in the HPCN

26:29 - 26:58 - Where Customers Can Find Your Approved Listing

26:59 - 29:21 - Install to Best Practices Standard

29:22 - 32:50 - Important Info for Invoices and Contact Information

32:51 - 46:29 - Q&A

Slides

Click here to download the presentation slides.

Contact Information Mentioned in the Webinar

REBATE PROGRAM QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK:
Program Contractor Support Customer Support
CleanBC Income Qualified Program Web: betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/income-qualified

Email: IQPcontractorsupport@clearesult.com
Web: betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/income-qualified/

Email: IncomeQualified@betterhomesbc.ca

Phone: 1-833-856-0333
CleanBC Better Homes Web: betterhomesbc.ca

Email: betterhomesbc@gov.bc.ca

Web: betterhomesbc.ca

Email: ask@betterhomesbc.ca

Phone: 1-844-881-9790 (Energy Coaching Hotline, available Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)
BC Hydro

Web: bchydro.com/homerebates

Email: alliance@bchydro.com

Web: betterhomesbc.ca

Email: ask@betterhomesbc.ca

Phone: 1-844-881-9790 (Energy Coaching Hotline, available Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)

FortisBC

Web: fortisbc.com/homerebates

Email: qualityinstalls@fortisbc.com

Web: betterhomesbc.ca

Email: ask@betterhomesbc.ca

Phone: 1-844-881-9790 (Energy Coaching Hotline, available Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)

  • If you are not receiving emails about rebate program updates, please reach out to Alliance@bchydro.com to provide your email address to the distribution lists.

HOME PERFORMANCE CONTRACTOR NETWORK (HPCN) QUESTIONS:

Links Mentioned in the Webinar

Slide 6: List of rebate programs requiring HPCN membership

Slide 16: Qualified Heat Pump Product List

Slide 17: BC Hydro electricity consumption calculator

Slide 32: CleanBC Income Qualified Program

Slide 35: About the Home Performance Contractor Network

Slide 37: Contractor Directory

Slide 39: Best Practices Guide

Slide 44: Customer Application Form

Slide 46: Contractor Support Portal

Q&A Transcript

Question

Response

Is CleanBC more open to dual fuel equipment?

The CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program requires that heat pumps installed for eligible dual fuel ducted heat pump rebates must match the AHRI certificate reference number and must match the model numbers on the AHRI certificate, including the outdoor unit, indoor unit (coil) and furnace. We will not be changing our program to allow only outdoor units and indoor units to be eligible for rebates.

Will the province remove the 12% PST charge for gas appliances?

This is managed by the Ministry of Finance and feedback and questions should be directed to the contacts available at CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-877-388-4440. Details on the PST change that happened April 1, 2022 please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/taxes/sales-taxes/publications/notice-2022-003-provincial-sales-tax-on-fossil-fuel-combustion-systems-and-heat-pumps.pdf.

Homes that are over 1200 sq ft can't qualify with a multi zone mini split heat pump?

The mini-split requirement that the home must be 1,200 sq. ft. or less, is for single-head mini splits only.


Multi-head mini splits or multi-split are allowed. Additionally, if you are installing two mini-splits with two outdoor units this also meets the multi-split requirement and therefore does not affect the 1,200 sq. ft. requirement.

Would like some clarification on clients who have geothermal systems. Are they not eligible for anything?

Geothermal heat pumps are not eligible for rebates in the Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program.

When will we start to see rebates for gas absorption heat pumps and more dual fuel areas for rebates considering the capping of use already on the electrical grid last year during the coldest days?

FortisBC is currently conducting research on gas absorption heat pumps. They will provide updates on future rebates if they become available.


FortisBC also has some pilot projects underway for these - please contact FortisBC if you are interested in learning more.

If a ductless mini-split is install in northern BC and the it is only set to heat down to 2C. What is supposed to handle the heating load down to -27?

The 2oC set point referenced is for dual fuel heat pumps (a heat pump combined with a furnace). A non-dual fuel heat pump does not have any set point requirements and the heat pump can manage the heating load down to its heating capacity. Beyond that temperature the home would need electric resistance supplemental heating.

Is the electrical service upgrade rebate still available?


Yes, this rebate is still available for homes that are fuel-switching to a heat pump from natural gas, oil or propane. The rebate is $500 and details and requirements can be found at https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/electric-service-upgrade-rebate/.

With the goal of carbon emission reduction, will there be an incentive for consumers to replace gas water heaters with non heat pump water heaters.


Follow-up question: Don't heat pump water heaters work against your home heating system? Aren't they practical only in areas of high ambient heat?

No, the goal of the rebate program is to encourage the most energy efficient technologies which the rebate programs identify as heat pump water heaters.





Follow up answer: This will differ from home to home, often the hot water heating system is located in a non-conditioned space, but if needed a heat pump hot water heater can be installed with ducting to access and exhaust to the outside.

How can I confirm a customers IQP amount? I'm doing my first one, but having issues locating the tab to check amount.

Reach out to the CleanBC Income Qualified Program team directly to get that information at IQPcontractorsupport@clearesult.com.



[CleanBC Income Qualified Program]


What is the eligible income level?

Please visit this webpage and scroll down to Income Qualified Requirements at https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/income-qualified/

I have tried several times to call HPSC, but unsuccessfully. How to reach you out, guys?

We're sorry to hear you've had trouble reaching us. Our number is 604-755-3469. If you haven't been able to get through, please email us at info@homeperformance.ca.