CleanBC electrification offers are now combined with BC Hydro energy-efficiency incentives for social housing upgrades.
Up to $800,000 in equipment upgrades available
The Government of BC has renewed support for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the social, non-profit housing sector. Integrated Social Housing Energy Savings Program (SH-ESP) offers, which took effect February 19, 2026, combine CleanBC electrification and fuel switching offers with existing BC Hydro energy-efficiency incentives for social housing.
"With more than 80,000 affordable homes across B.C., the non-profit housing sector has a critical role to play in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions," said Jill Atkey, CEO of the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association. "This streamlined approach removes barriers and helps housing providers access the funding they need to upgrade aging buildings faster."
In tandem with the February 19 announcement, we sent an email to engineering consultants who are Alliance members, alerting them to the renewal of CleanBC funding.
Who's eligible, and how it helps
Eligible social housing providers, including non-profit organizations, co-operatives, local governments, provincial housing authorities and Indigenous housing providers, can now receive as much as $800,000 for equipment upgrades, including building electrical upgrades.
Under the SH-ESP, the Government of B.C.'s incentives focus on low-carbon electrification measures, including:
- Heat pump retrofits, including fuel-switching from gas or other fossil fuels
- Associated building electrical systems upgrades
The new incentives complement BC Hydro offers, which include incentives for switching from electric baseboards to an air-source heat pump. Housing providers can now receive:
- Up to $40,000 for feasibility studies
- Up to $800,000 for equipment upgrades, including electrical system upgrades
Other updates to CleanBC's Social Housing program
The SH-ESP is an update to the CleanBC Social Housing Incentive Program, which ended in September 2025. Notable updates include:
- The maximum project cap has increased to $400,000 from $300,000, excluding building electrical upgrades.
- 50% of funding can be provided up front, upon approval and the signing of an agreement.
- The application process has been streamlined, making it easier for stakeholders to apply.
The expanded program is designed to help implement upgrades across common areas and in suites.
"From a lived-experience equity lens, we know that improving the efficiency of social housing shapes the day-to-day affordability and comfort for some of B.C.’s most vulnerable residents," said Yasmin Abraham, president of Kambo Energy Group, a minority-owned-and-run social enterprise that advances energy justice to traditionally underserved communities across the continent. "By supporting social housing providers to improve the efficiency of their buildings and lower energy costs, the Social Housing Energy Savings Program creates space for those savings to support long-term affordability and housing stability for those who need it the most."