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BC Better Homes is the provincial hub for all CleanBC home energy rebate programs in British Columbia. It runs two main programs for individual homeowners: the Home Renovation Rebate (HRR) for any income level, and the Energy Savings Program (ESP) for income-qualified households. Both are active in 2026.
The Two Programs at a Glance
| Program | Who | Pre-Register? | Max Rebate |
|---|
| Home Renovation Rebate | Any BC homeowner | No | Up to $16,000 |
| Energy Savings Program | Income-qualified | Yes — before work | Up to $19,000 |
What Upgrades Are Covered?
Both programs cover a wide range of home energy upgrades. The rebate amounts differ between programs:
| Upgrade | HRR Amount | ESP Amount |
|---|
| Heat pump (gas/propane home) | Up to $8,000 | Up to $19,000 |
| Heat pump (electric home) | Up to $5,500 | Up to $9,500 |
| Heat pump water heater | Up to $1,000 | Up to $3,500 |
| Insulation | Up to $3,500 | Up to $5,500 |
| Windows and doors | Up to $2,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| EV charger | Up to $350 | Up to $350 |
Home Renovation Rebate (HRR) — Step by Step
- Check eligibility — must have a BC Hydro, FortisBC, or municipal utility residential account
- Get quotes from a registered program contractor — this is mandatory, self-installation does not qualify
- Complete the upgrade
- Pay your final invoice in full
- Apply at betterhomesbc.ca within 6 months of invoice date
- Processing takes up to 90 days
Energy Savings Program (ESP) — Step by Step
- Pre-register first at betterhomesbc.ca before any work begins
- Submit income verification for all household members over 18
- Receive your eligibility code (valid 6 months from approval)
- Find a registered ESP contractor and get quotes
- Complete the upgrade
- Your contractor submits the rebate on your behalf — you pay the reduced amount upfront
Key difference: With ESP, the contractor claims the rebate on your behalf at point of installation. You never wait for a cheque — you just pay less upfront. With HRR, you pay full cost then receive a rebate payment.
Home Eligibility Rules
- Must be a year-round primary residence (vacation homes not eligible)
- Home must be at least 12 months old
- Must have a BC Hydro, FortisBC, or eligible municipal utility account
- Multi-unit buildings (apartments) not eligible for individual rebates — separate MURB programs exist
Can You Stack Both Programs?
No — the HRR and ESP cannot be combined for the same upgrade. However, you can access multiple upgrade types across programs. Ask a BC Better Homes energy coach for help optimizing your rebate strategy.
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