Federal and provincial politicians gathered in Victoria on Monday to announce a combined $254 million to help B.C. residents switch to more-energy-efficient home heating and cooling options, such as heat pumps.
. “And then you also get the health benefits of a new cooling system in your home.” A low-income family in 100 Mile House wanting to transition from heating oil to a heat pump could receive a total of $24,000, said Osbourne. A renter in Victoria looking to replace an old natural gas furnace, meanwhile, could receive up to $12,000.
Homeowners or residents must have utility accounts in their own name. Primary heating for the home must include natural gas, propane, oil, electricity, wood or other solid fuels. In a statement, the B.C. government said the program would create 9,000 jobs and eliminate 40,000 tonnes of carbon equivalent emissions by 2030 — roughly equal to removing about 12,000 passenger motor vehicles from the road.
“It will make their homes more comfortable. It will enable them to withstand heat waves, as well as cold winters,” he said.