Air conditioning offer for FortisBC electricity customers
The Ministry of Health is offering an air conditioning (AC) program to address extreme heat emergencies, that can cause significant health challenges for heat vulnerable customers. The air conditioning program is designed to help people most at risk.
Who is eligible for the AC program?
- Low-income and heat vulnerable customers, who are referred through their home care clinician or community health nurse, may be eligible for the AC program.
- Customers must also have a residential electricity account with one of the following utilities: FortisBC, New Westminster, Grand Forks, Summerland, Penticton or Nelson Hydro.
Note: AC units are available on a first-come, first-served basis amongst qualified applicants subject to funding limitations.
Program application requirements
To ensure AC units are provided to those who need them most, the application process is income tested through the Energy Conservation Assistance Program.
- You must receive a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program and include this letter with your Energy Conservation Assistance Program application.
- You will need to provide proof of income for each member of your household, aged 18 or older.
Note: Your participation in the offer is not guaranteed. You must fill out the application and meet all eligibility requirements to be considered. Timelines to provide service to eligible customers will vary.
What is heat vulnerable? How do I qualify?
Medical eligibility for the AC program is based on vulnerability criteria developed by the Ministry of Health in consultation with the BC Centre for Disease Control and will operate on a referral basis through a home health clinician or community health nurse.
How do I apply for the AC installation?
Eligible customers can apply through our Energy Conservation Assistance Program. The AC unit is one of the products available through this program—participants who live in a single family home, duplex or townhouse may also receive energy-saving products such as water efficient showerheads, light bulbs, draftproofing and some may be eligible for fridge replacement and/or insulation upgrades (these additional upgrades are not available for condos and apartments). All products and services are provided at no cost.
How do I apply if I live in a condo or apartment?
Customers living in apartments or condos are eligible to apply through through the Energy Conservation Assistance Program but for an AC unit only. Customers renting in an apartment require consent from their landlord. Customers living in a condo need to either ensure AC units are permitted in their strata rules or receive approval from their strata council before applying to the program.
Can a past Energy Conservation Assistant Program participant apply?
Yes, if you previously participated in the Energy Conservation Assistance Program you can apply for the AC program if you still meet the income qualification requirements or are referred by a home care clinician or community health nurse.
Are renters eligible?
Renters are eligible for the Energy Conservation Assistance Program and the AC program if their utility account is in their name. Their landlord must complete a landlord consent form, which must be submitted along with the application.
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.
What’s the process for getting my AC unit after applying?
An energy coach will assess your home to determine if it’s compatible with an AC unit. There may be situations where not all customers that are approved will receive an AC unit. This will be determined by the energy coach based on the individual home characteristics. In some instances, a follow-up visit may be required to install the AC unit.
If I am in a building with a strata do I need to get permission for the installation of an AC unit if I meet the criteria? If so, how do I get permission?
Before applying, applicants must either ensure AC units are permitted in their strata bylaws or get approval from their strata council.
Are residents in non-profit housing complexes able to apply for AC unit installations through this program?
Yes, customers living in non-profit housing complexes may apply.
Is it possible to install an AC unit in a shared space for use by all residents in a multi-tenanted building?
The program is intended to provide AC units for single family detached dwellings, townhomes, rowhomes, duplexes, manufactured and mobile homes and apartments/condos. The program doesn’t include providing AC units in common areas at this time.
What kind of AC unit will I get?
The AC unit offer is for one portable AC unit. Window-mount options may be available depending on home characteristics. The offer does not include central, ducted AC units.
Who will install the AC unit if it needs installation?
The unit will be installed by a qualified professional.
Why am I only getting one AC unit?
Each eligible household may receive one portable AC unit, which will be installed by a qualified professional. The free AC unit is being provided as a safety device, which can be installed in a single room to ensure safety during extreme weather events, rather than sized to provide comfort in the whole home. Small AC units will also help keep energy bills lower than full-size units.