Free product installation and energy coaching

On June 28, the Government of B.C. announced its providing $10 million in funding to expand our Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) to include portable air conditioners to support vulnerable customers.

Income-qualified customers and individuals who meet the Ministry of Health's criteria as medically heat vulnerable and have received a recommendation letter from their home health clinician or community health nurse can apply online.

You can share this info sheet [PDF, 493 KB] with your landlord to give them the details they need.

1. When will I receive my AC unit after applying?

Once you're approved, our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home. During the visit, an energy coach will assess your home to determine if it's suitable for an AC. Installation requires access to an operable window, as well as a safe power supply. In some instances, a follow-up visit may be required to install the AC unit.

2. Am I eligible if I have an AC unit in my home already?

No, you're not eligible if you have a functioning AC unit in your home. If you have a unit that's completely non-functioning, you may be eligible for a new one. Your old unit will be removed and recycled properly.

3. Can I apply if I've participated in the Energy Conservation Assistance Program or received an Energy Saving Kit in the past?

Yes, if you still meet the income qualification, you can apply for the AC offer.

4. Is the portable AC offer available in FortisBC electric territory (including New Westminster, City of Nelson and City of Penticton)?

Yes, residents living in New Westminster are eligible. Residents in FortisBC electric territory, City of Nelson and City of Penticton can apply here.

5. Who's eligible for the free portable air conditioner offer?

The portable air conditioner offer is available to:

1. Households who meet the income qualification of our Energy Conservation Assistance Program, and/or
2. People who meet the Ministry of Health's criteria as medically heat vulnerable, and have received a recommendation letter from their home health clinician or community health nurse to participate in this offer.

This criteria is determined by the Government of B.C.If you don't qualify for this offer, see our rebates for air conditioners (limited-time offer) and heat pumps.

6. What if I don't have a BC Hydro account under my name?

If you live in an apartment or condo and don't have a BC Hydro account, you can fill out a paper application [PDF, 305 KB] and mail it to us with a signed landlord consent form [PDF, 2.3 MB].

Share this info sheet [PDF, 493 KB] with your landlord to give them the details they need.

If you live in non-profit housing, you can apply online as an individual.

Non-profit housing providers: We're working on an offer to help non-profit housing providers cool their buildings with portable air conditioners for emergency cooling situations. If you're a non-profit housing provider and you'd like to receive more information as it becomes available, please fill out this form.

7. Can I apply for a portable AC unit if I live in a condo or apartment?

Yes. However, you'd be eligible for the AC unit only. You won't receive the other products or upgrades that are available as part of the Energy Conservation Assistance Program.

8. Can I apply for a portable AC unit if I rent my home?

Yes. However, renters/tenants will need to get their landlord's permission to participate. See more information for renters.

9. What kind of air conditioner will I get?

This offer is for one portable air conditioning unit, which is on wheels and is suitable for cooling one area or room of a home. Portable units are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window and are plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet. Learn more about types of air conditioners.

We're offering portable ACs to provide targeted cooling for extreme heat relief and safety. They're not intended or designed as a whole-home cooling solution

In addition to the products and upgrades above, if your home type is a manufactured/mobile home you could also be eligible for:

• Heat pump*
• Underbelly insulation

*Available if you're currently electrically heated and living in climate zones 4 and 5. View the climate zone map.

To apply for this offer, complete the application linked below and select manufactured/mobile home as your housing type.

Your household income must not exceed the amounts listed below. Income is based on the previous year and includes the combined income of all household members aged 18 and older.

• Single-family detached home
• Townhome
• Rowhome
• Duplex
• Manufactured home / mobile home

Live in an apartment or condo and meet the income qualification? You can apply for the air conditioner offer through ECAP. You can also apply for a free energy saving kit.

Do you rent your home? You can still apply for this program if the BC Hydro or City of New Westminster utility account is in your name.

Have your landlord complete a landlord consent form [PDF, 902 KB] and submit the form along with the rest of your application.

Submit a copy of one of the following documents for each member of your household aged 18 or older. Documents must be dated within the last year.

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). To get your NOA, please contact the CRA at 1 800 959 8281. Ensure that all information on the NOA is blacked out except for your name, effective date, and line 150.
• Verification of income or disability assistance, e.g. your monthly report (cheque stub), or a printed copy of your Confirmation of Assistance if you're registered for My Self Serve.
• A Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) cheque stub, acknowledgement letter or benefit change letter from BC Housing.
• A Rental Assistance Program acknowledgment letter or benefit change letter from BC Housing.
• National Child Benefit Supplement notice from Canada Revenue Agency.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) notice.

The following documents are not accepted as proof of income:

• Income Tax Summary
• T1 General
• T4
• BC Home Assessment