The electrical upgrade rebate in BC is an add-on to the CleanBC Energy Savings Program. It pays up to $5,000, $3,500 or $1,500 toward a service upgrade depending on your income level, but only if you are switching from oil, propane or natural gas to a heat pump. You pre-register before the work, not after.
How much is the electrical service upgrade rebate?
| Income level | Maximum rebate for the electrical service upgrade |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | $5,000 |
| Level 2 | $3,500 |
| Level 3 | $1,500 |
These are caps, not flat payments. The program covers eligible upgrade costs up to the cap for your level. The amounts above are the ones listed on the Better Homes BC requirements page at the time of writing.
What are the requirements for this rebate?
The electrical add-on has stricter conditions than the heat pump rebate itself. All of these must be true:
- Fossil fuel switch. The home converts a primary space heating and/or water heating system from oil, propane or natural gas to a heat pump through the program. An already-electric home does not qualify for the electrical add-on.
- Utility does the wire. The new service wire must be installed by your electrical utility, BC Hydro or FortisBC.
- Size and timing. The upgrade is to 100, 200 or 400 amp service on an existing home, installed within six months of the heat pump installation.
- Registered contractor. All upgrades must be purchased, supplied and installed by a contractor registered with the program for electrical service upgrades.
- Pre-registration. You pre-register and confirm eligibility before installing. For applications received on or after July 6, 2026, the eligibility code is valid for upgrades completed within three months.
Eligible costs include utility connection fees, electrical panel upgrades, service mast alterations, conduit replacement and labour.
Who qualifies on income and home?
The program looks at the combined pre-tax annual income of all adults in the household (dependents are excluded), plus the property's assessed value. The maximum income for each level, by household size, was listed as follows on betterhomesbc.ca at the time of writing:
| Household size | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $51,100 | $63,900 | $102,100 |
| 2 people | $63,600 | $79,500 | $127,200 |
| 3 people | $78,200 | $97,700 | $156,300 |
| 4 people | $94,900 | $118,600 | $189,800 |
| 5 people | $107,600 | $134,500 | $215,200 |
| 6 people | $121,400 | $151,700 | $242,700 |
| 7 or more | $135,100 | $168,900 | $270,200 |
Level 3 rebates are only available for ground-oriented homes switching from natural gas, propane or oil space heating to an electric heat pump. The home itself must be a year-round primary residence at least 12 months old, and someone in the household must hold a residential electricity account with BC Hydro, FortisBC or a municipal utility. Accounts held by a strata corporation or a landlord are not eligible, and renters need a landlord consent form. The program's page showed no effective date on the income table, so check it again when you apply.
How do you apply, step by step?
Better Homes BC describes five steps:
- Read the eligibility requirements for your home type and heating system.
- Pre-register and get a code through the Energy Savings Program application portal. You only apply to the program once.
- Get quotes from registered contractors for the heat pump and, if you need it, the electrical service upgrade.
- Install the upgrade. The contractor does the work under the required permits.
- The contractor receives the rebate and you pay the rest.
Because the contractor receives the rebate, the quote you are given should already show the rebate deducted. Ask to see that line before you sign.
What do people get wrong?
- Starting before registering. Work done before pre-registration is not covered.
- Assuming electric homes qualify. The electrical add-on is for fossil-fuel conversions.
- Letting the six months lapse. The service upgrade must be installed within six months of the heat pump. If the utility's scheduling is slow, ask early.
- Forgetting the utility. The new wire is BC Hydro's or FortisBC's job, and their scheduling is separate from your electrician's.
- Counting on a stale amount. Rebates in this program changed on July 6, 2026, and Better Homes BC noted on its page that the site was not being updated during the provincial election period. Confirm current terms at betterhomesbc.ca.
Do you even need the upgrade?
Not always. Before you chase the rebate, find out whether your service has room. Our guide on heat pump panel upgrades in BC explains the load calculation, and the post on whether 60 amp service is enough covers the older homes that most often need a bigger service. If you are weighing cost, see the panel upgrade cost guide for Victoria. Permits and licensing are covered in Technical Safety BC electrical permits.
Next step
If a heat pump is coming and you suspect your service needs work, ask for an electrical assessment first so the heat pump quote and the rebate application line up. Our panel upgrades page explains how we approach it, and you can request a quote through the contact page. Confirm rebate eligibility with Better Homes BC; we cannot approve it for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the BC electrical service upgrade rebate in 2026?
Up to $5,000 for Income Level 1, $3,500 for Level 2 and $1,500 for Level 3, covering eligible upgrade costs up to those caps. Amounts are listed on the Better Homes BC Energy Savings Program requirements page.
Do I have to switch to a heat pump to get it?
Yes. Only homes converting a primary space heating and/or water heating system from oil, propane or natural gas to a heat pump qualify for the electrical service upgrade add-on.
Who installs the new service wire?
Your electrical utility, BC Hydro or FortisBC, must install the new wire. A registered contractor handles the rest of the eligible upgrade on your side.
Can I apply after the work is done?
No. Participants must pre-register and confirm eligibility before installing upgrades. For applications received on or after July 6, 2026, the eligibility code is valid for upgrades completed within three months.
Do renters and strata owners qualify?
Renters can apply with a landlord consent form. Utility accounts held by a strata corporation or a landlord are not eligible, so confirm your situation with Better Homes BC.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026. Rebates, codes and prices change; confirm with the program or Technical Safety BC before you rely on them.