The only thing better than going green and reducing your environmental footprint is saving money at the same time and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) invites you to learn more about several ways you can do just that.
Home Energy Rebates
Increase the energy efficiency of your home, reduce your household’s eco-footprint and save money on heating and cooling costs.
The CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs, administered by BC Hydro, FortisBC and the Province of BC, helps British Columbians find rebates for home renovations that save energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient buildings are a key part of a cleaner future and they make life more comfortable and affordable. Homeowners in all areas of the Comox Valley are eligible for up to $3,000 for space heating rebates! There are also rebates available for water heating, insulation, windows, and doors. The Better Homes BC Rebate Chart summarizes all rebates currently available through the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs.
Starting April 1, 2022 Comox Valley residents will now be eligible for the CleanBC Better Homes Municipal Top-Up Rebates. Switch from a fossil fuel (oil, natural gas, or propane) home heating system to an electric air-source heat pump and access:
- $350 for electric heat pump
- $500 for electrical panel upgrade (if required)
- Use the CleanBC Rebate Search Tool to find all the rebates that apply to you.
Program details, including specifics on how to apply for funding, are available at the CleanBC Better Homes website:
Have a program-qualified Energy Advisory help you plan upgrades to make your home more efficient and comfortable.
The CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program offers $300 for completing both a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation. As of September 28, 2018, the CVRD is a partner in the provincial CleanBC Better Homes program, and Comox Valley residents who complete EnerGuide home evaluations on or after this date are eligible for an additional $150 rebate. See Municipal Offers for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of an EnerGuide home evaluation?
An EnerGuide home evaluation is the first step in a smart home energy renovation. An evaluation will help you make informed decisions about which upgrades would work best for your home, how to prioritize them and which will save you the most on energy costs.
Solutions for your home
- Lower your energy use and your energy bills
- Improve indoor air quality and comfort
- Lower your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Explore solutions for drafts, mold, stuffiness, and outside noise
Prioritized upgrade options
- Speak with a professional energy advisor about the best options for your home to meet your specific goals to improve your home. Tell your energy advisor your goals and let them help you identify upgrade options for accessing rebates, reducing energy bills, improving home comfort, reducing your carbon footprint, improving home resale value, insulating your home from outside noise, or addressing other home issues related to energy efficiency.
Receive money for your upgrades
- Understand the rebate program criteria and options
- Become eligible for financing like low-interest loans and reduced mortgage premiums
- Get connected to other grants and incentives programs
- Access the Home Energy Improvement Bonus through the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program
If you plan to apply for rebates, carefully read the terms and conditions for each rebate. Some rebates require a pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation before installing upgrades and a post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation after your upgrades have been completed.
What rebates are available for upgrades to my homes energy efficiency?
Information on rebates available can be found at the CleanBC Better Homes program's website.
Where can I find contact information for local energy advisors?
To find an energy advisor and schedule an energy evaluation, use CleanBC's list of program-qualified energy advisors. Select your Town or City from the drop-down list and the contact information of nearby energy advisors will be displayed.
For convenience, here also is a list of energy advisors that work on existing homes in the Comox Valley:
Darrell Eason, Focused Energy Assessments, 250-650-4661
Bruce Gray, Zero Energy Advisors, 250-740-5791
Chris Wiebe, Verdatech Energy Management & Consulting, 250-714-2274
This list is for reference only and is not intended as an endorsement by the CVRD. If your company provides energy assessments for existing homes and is not listed here, please contact 250-334-6091.
Receive 25 to 100 per cent rebate on building permit fee for achieving Step 3 or higher of the BC Energy Step Code. The BC Energy Step Code is a voluntary provincial standard that aims to create more energy efficient buildings. There are five steps for houses, and each step represents different energy efficiency requirements. Steps 1 to 3 can be achieved using construction techniques and products readily understood and available in today’s market. Homes built to Steps 4 and 5 are more ambitious. For more information on the BC Energy Step Code click here.
Step Description Rebate 3 20% More Energy Efficient than BC Building Code;Comparable to Energy Star or Built Green 25% 4 40% More Energy Efficient than BC Building Code; Comparable to R-2000 50% 5 Net Zero Energy Ready 100% The application form, along with the board policy on this rebate program available here. Applicants should complete and submit a Pre-Construction Report at time of building permit application and include the completed As-Built Report with your rebate application at the end of the construction project.
The Wood Smoke Reduction Program provides opportunities to save money by offering rebates to replace old wood stoves with a cleaner heating option such as a heat pump or a gas, propane or pellet stove. As of March 2021, the rebate amounts are as follows (while funding lasts):
• $1,000 for exchanging a wood stove manufactured prior to 2016 with a new gas, propane or pellet stove• $1,000 for exchanging a wood stove manufactured prior to 2016 with an electric air-source heat pump. $2,500 top up for heat pump exchanges in West Courtenay (lands west of the Courtenay River) and Cumberland.Multiple incentives are available for increasing your home energy efficiency. Significant changes include a 40 per cent increase to the incentives paid for improving insulation, and the addition of a $150 incentive for obtaining an EnerGuide Home Evaluation with a Qualified Energy Advisor.
BC Hydro offers a separate program to help offset energy costs for low-income households and families.
Water Incentives
$300 rebate for the purchase of a qualifying smart irrigation controller. The installation of smart control, to an irrigation system, helps residents use water more efficiently.
Billing adjustment for homeowners that have experienced a water leak resulting in above average consumption of water. Once the leak is located and repaired, the homeowner can complete a leak rebate application and submit it to the CVRD for review and calculation.
All properties in the CVRD with farm status, as classified by BC Assessment, are eligible for a water rebate. Water consumption over the minimum amount will be charged at the first tier rate. Once farm status has been verified the rebate will automatically be applied to all invoices issued within the application year. Applications must be submitted annually to continue to receive the rebate.
To apply, please provide your name, address and phone number to the CVRD by:
Email: utilities@comoxvalleyrd.ca
Phone: 250-334-6033
Mail: Comox Valley Regional District, 770 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 0G8
Building and Construction Rebates
Better Buildings provides funding and capital incentives to encourage energy efficient design, construction and renovation of commercial buildings. Energy-efficient buildings are a key part of a cleaner future and they make life more comfortable and affordable.
Program details, including specifics on how to apply for funding, are available at the CleanBC Better Buildings website:
ecoENERGY Audit and Retrofit Programs – a comprehensive list of energy-efficiency related financial incentives for British Columbians.
Recreation Incentives
Looking for financial assistance programs for recreation activities? Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.