New rebate for home heating available to Central Saanich homeowners

The District of Central Saanich has partnered with the provincial government’s Clean BC Better Homes program to offer Central Saanich residents up to $3,700 in rebates when they switch from a fossil fuel heat source (oil, propane, or natural gas) to an electric heat pump. The first 28 Central Saanich homes to participate in 2020 are eligible for the municipality’s portion of the incentive of $350.

“The local top up will hopefully make the initial cost of a heat pump more affordable and encourage residents to make the switch,” says Mayor Ryan Windsor who notes electric heat pumps are the most efficient way to reduce a home’s GHG output. “Heat pumps have many benefits, such as keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. They will also significantly reduce a home’s carbon footprint if it’s currently being heated by a fossil fuel source.”

“Our CleanBC plan is making life more affordable and providing rebates to British Columbians to help with the upfront costs of cleaner options,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “Switching to an energy-efficient heat pump is an easy and effective way for households to reduce climate pollution as we build a cleaner, better future.”

To meet the community’s climate targets that align with the UN’s recommendation to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, home energy use must transition away from fossil fuel sources toward renewable energy and other low carbon solutions swiftly. Energy used to heat and power buildings is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Central Saanich and the Capital Region.