Social housing retrofit support program
Program update
In advance of the launch of a new Social Housing Program, we’ll no longer be accepting applications to the Social Housing Retrofit Support Program as of May 23, 2025.
All projects under the existing program with a BC Hydro component will be honoured and will follow the same process that has been in place under the program to date. FortisBC will continue to offer the program for its gas and electric customers. Information about the new program will be posted on our website when it launches in June 2025.
If you have questions, please email our team.
Get funding for an energy study, implementation support and upgrades
Does your social housing organization operate a multi-unit residential building? We’re working with FortisBC to provide you with energy assessments and upgrades that can help you save energy, lower electricity costs and reduce your building’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The offer
We provide funding to identify and implement a variety of electric and natural gas energy conservation upgrades including:
- Up to $8,000 for an energy study (optional)
- Up to $11,000 for support to implement recommendations from the energy study (optional)
- Rebates on a variety of high-efficiency upgrades
Rebates available
You could qualify for a rebate on the replacement cost of:
- Commercial kitchen equipment
- Commercial refrigeration equipment
- Heat pumps and electric water heaters
- LED lighting and controls
- Variable speed drives
To find out if your existing equipment is eligible for a rebate, use our rebate calculator [XLSM, 370 KB].
Eligibility
- You must be a registered charity that assists low-income persons, or a housing provider that is a:
- Local government,
- Housing society registered under the Societies Act,
- Housing co-op registered under the Cooperative Association Act, or
- Governing body of an Indigenous band provided the housing is primarily for low-income households.
- You must be a commercial customer of BC Hydro and/or FortisBC (natural gas or electricity) or a municipal utility.
- The building where energy conservation upgrades will be implemented must be an existing multi-unit residential building with a minimum of nine units.
- Spaces being retrofitted should be common areas. Recreational spaces can qualify.
Read the terms and conditions [PDF, 231 KB] for a complete list of requirements.
How to apply
You should apply through BC Hydro if your project includes upgrades to electrical equipment only and if your building is in our service area, including New Westminster.
Contact your Key Account Manager to request an application.
If you’re not sure who to talk to, contact our business help desk at 1 866 522 4713 or send us an email.
If your project includes upgrades to natural gas equipment, apply via FortisBC instead.
Resources
Program partnership
This program is offered in partnership with FortisBC.
Related programs
Free programs based on income
We offer free energy-saving kits, energy coaching and energy-efficient upgrades to our lower income customers.
Solar and battery rebates for social housing
Eligible social housing providers can apply for combined rebates of up to $150,000 on grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems.
CleanBC's Social Housing Incentive Program (SHIP)
Program includes energy study funding, project implementation support, and incentives for retrofits that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Incentives for electrical load analyses and electrical system upgrades also available.