Free home energy evaluation and upgrades

ECAP offers income-qualified households a free home energy evaluation from an energy evaluator. Customers may also get free installation of one or more energy-efficiency upgrades.

Energy evaluator

An energy evaluator reviews your home’s energy use and explains how to improve efficiency. If you’re eligible, the evaluator recommends and provides free installation of approved energy-efficiency upgrades. Some installations may take more than one visit and certain items may be provided for self-installation.

Customers may receive the following upgrades or offers:

• carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
• connected thermostats
• dual fuel heating systems
• draftproofing
• insulation
• ventilation (or bathroom fans)
• electric air source heat pumps
  • ductless or central heat pumps
• air conditioners
  • FortisBC will continue to fund a limited number of air conditioners for electricity customers who: apply to ECAP, include a recommendation letter from their regional health authority's Home Care Program or Mental Health and Substance Use Program, and do not receive additional ECAP upgrades, such as dual fuel heating systems and heat pumps.
  • If you’re a BC Hydro electricity customer and would like to apply for an air conditioner, visit BC Hydro.

This program is open to homeowners and renters 19 years and older. Before applying, review the eligibility requirements for your utility account, housing type and household income.

For homeowners, the home in your application must be your primary residence. Other factors—such as your home’s current assessed value—may also be considered for homeowners. Some exclusions and conditions apply.

To be eligible for ECAP:

1. You must have at least one of the following:
   • a residential gas account with FortisBC
   • a residential electricity account with FortisBC or BC Hydro
   • a residential municipal electricity account of New Westminster, Grand Forks, Summerland, Penticton or Nelson Hydro
2. You must live on a permanent year-round basis in one of the following housing types:
   • detached (single family) house
   • duplex/triplex/quadruplex
   • rowhouse
   • townhouse
   • manufactured/mobile home
   • apartment/condominium
     • Offers for apartments and condominiums are available to BC Hydro electricity account holders. To apply, contact BC Hydro directly.
3. Your combined household income must be below the maximum shown for your household size. (To apply, proof of income is required.)

Household size	Maximum household income
1 person	$51,100
2 person	$63,600
3 person	$78,200
4 person	$94,900
5 person	$107,600
6 person	$121,400
7+ person	$135,100

Customers are directed to apply to FortisBC or BC Hydro for ECAP energy-efficiency upgrades based on their primary heating fuel/source. “Primary” or “primarily” refers to the fuel/source or heating system that provides the majority of the space heating in your home, including all finished living spaces.

Here’s how to apply:

Energy Conservation Assistance Program terms and conditions

Submit a copy of one of the following for each member of your household over 18 years of age. Ensure all personal details are blacked out, except your name, the effective date and income or benefit amount, where applicable.

• Notice of Assessment (NOA): submit a copy of your NOA from the Canada Revenue Agency for a current income tax return. Black out all information except for your name, effective date and income (line 15000 on NOA).
• Social Assistance: submit your monthly cheque stub, or a printed copy of your Confirmation of Assistance if registered for My Self Serve.
• Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER): submit either your SAFER cheque stub, acknowledgment letter or benefit change letter from BC Housing.
• Rental Assistance Program: submit your Rental Assistance Program acknowledgment or benefit change letter from BC Housing.
• National Child Benefit Supplement: submit your benefit notice from Canada Revenue Agency.
• Other income: if applicable, provide documentation of foreign, rental and/or other income.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): submit your GIS notice.

How to get your Notice of Assessment

• If you have your most current NOA, send us a copy with your application.
• If you do not have your NOA, use Canada Revenue Agency’s My Account service to view and print a copy of your information.
• You can also call them to request your NOA at 1-800-959-8281. Agents are available Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Different program partners support different parts of the ECAP journey. Who you contact depends on whether you need help applying, scheduling or rescheduling an energy evaluation, asking about upgrades or warranties or participating in quality assurance. If you have questions, call 1-855-909-2331 or email [email protected].