British Columbians wanting to switch from fossil fuel-based heating to cleaner, more energy-efficient heat pumps now have access to low-interest financing as part of CleanBC.

Depending on the type and efficiency of heat pump chosen by homeowners, the loans will have interest rates as low as 0% over a five-year repayment period and are being offered as an alternative to CleanBC home-heating retrofit rebates.

“Through CleanBC, we’re supporting clean technologies like heat pumps that will reduce climate pollution and help families save on energy costs,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “This innovative financing program will help British Columbians make the switch to clean energy and ensure their homes are as efficient, comfortable and affordable as possible.”

The Province’s CleanBC program aims to reduce the environmental impact of existing buildings and to waste less energy. By using more clean energy and using it more efficiently in buildings, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced and air quality improved.

Canadian firm Financeit will manage the low-interest loan process, which conforms to all Canadian finance and privacy requirements. Specially trained contractors will guide homeowners through the online loan approval process on site or remotely – in most cases providing on-the-spot loan approvals for upgrades to change from fossil fuel home-heating systems to electric heat pumps.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quotes:

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

“We’re continuing to explore and develop new ways to help people improve their homes and reduce carbon emissions by switching to energy-efficient electric heat pumps. Access to low-interest loans will provide another avenue for people looking to transition their homes from fossil fuels to clean energy in a more affordable way.”

Heathe Thompson, director of operations, Combined Comfort Systems –

“There is no doubt that this program is a huge help for homeowners who want to make the change from burning fossil fuels to heat their homes to the environmentally friendly alternatives that are now available. We already have a job on the board where, without the program, as with the majority of homeowners, the cost of the retrofit is simply too large of a number. The look of relief that I see when I tell the homeowner that there’s a government-backed financing program is unmistakable.”

Quick Facts:

• $4.1 million has been allocated to support the Low-Interest Financing Program through 2021-22.

Learn More:

To learn more about the new low-interest financing program, visit: https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/financing/

The CleanBC plan helps to reduce pollution and powers the province’s future with renewable energy: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/