COQUITLAM, B.C., Feb.9, 2023 – There’s never been a better time to convert to an energy-efficient heat pump in Coquitlam.
The City is launching new rebate top-ups for eligible Coquitlam households who swap their natural gas, propane or oil heating systems to an electric heat pump. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, the rebates can provide qualifying homeowners up to $1,200 in additional rebates, depending on the scope of their home retrofit.
These top-ups are in addition to the heat pump and electric service upgrade rebates currently available through CleanBC Better Homes. See www.coquitlam.ca/energyupgrades for details.
Why Switch to a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient way to heat or cool a home in B.C. They can replace both a heater and air conditioner, and are more climate-friendly than systems that use fossil fuels and release greenhouse gases into the environment.
Various rebates and financial supports are also available in addition to the City’s new top-up and the provincial CleanBC rebates. Homeowners who make the switch and complete EnerGuide home evaluations may also qualify for the federal Canada Greener Homes grants and interest-free financing through the Canada Greener Homes Loan.
Increasing the Incentive to Switch
Coquitlam’s new top-up rebates provides local homeowners an extra incentive in addition to CleanBC rebates to upgrade to an electric heat pump. To qualify, installation invoices must be dated on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
Rebate amounts are based on the home upgrade that is completed, and homeowners may qualify for one or all of the following:
- $350 Electric Heat Pump Top-up – for eligible participants switching from a fossil fuel space heating system to an electric heat pump.
- $350 Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Top-up – for eligible participants switching from a fossil fuel water heater system to an electric heat pump water heater.
- $500 Electrical Service Upgrade Top-up – for eligible participants upgrading their electrical service to 100, 200 or 400 amp service and switch from a fossil fuel (oil, natural gas, or propane) space or water heating system to an electric air source heat pump or heat pump water heater.
Additional requirements and terms and conditions apply, visit betterhomesbc.ca for details.
The top-up program is funded through the City’s allocations from the provincial Local Government Climate Action Program. Go to coquitlam.ca/energyupgrades for details on the various rebates and how to apply, to learn more about heat pumps (including an informative webinar), and for other ideas and resources for saving energy.
A Commitment to the Environment
Coquitlam’s commitment to addressing climate change dates back many years, including signing the BC Climate Action Charter in 2007. Recent actions have included:
- Adopting a comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan with new climate targets to support the City and community in becoming more sustainable and resilient;
- Committing to reduce corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent from 2007 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050;
- Adopting regulations to prohibit unnecessary vehicle idling;
- A wide variety of activities to reduce greenhouse gases and conserve energy at the City, from building energy-use monitoring and programmable thermostats to a growing fleet of electric, hybrid and compact vehicles; and
- Promoting community energy conservation through a growing electric vehicle charging network, rebate programs and education.
For more information on the City’s work in this area, visit www.coquitlam.ca/climateaction.
Media Contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager, Environment
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca