Photo Credit: CPAC
Home heating

Local MP applauds new heat pump rebate

May 14, 2024 | 5:40 PM

BRITISH COLUMBIA— Local MP Taylor Bachrach (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) is welcoming the news that the feds and the Province are boosting heat pump rebates in B.C., just months after his motion in the House of Commons called for the move.

“These changes to the heat pump rebates are very much in line with what I’ve pushed for in Parliament,” said Bachrach. “Heat pumps can save Canadians thousands of dollars per year, but for lower income Canadians the upfront cost can be a big challenge. The bigger rebate is going to help get more heat pumps installed so British Columbians can heat their homes more cleanly and affordably.”

Dependent on Northern B.C. homeowners income, people could see a rebate as high as $19,000.

“Cold-climate heat pumps tend to cost more, which is why it’s good to see the B.C. government create a special top-up for our northern region,” said Bachrach.

However, Bachrach notes that this extra money for heat pumps does not make up for the Liberals cutting the Greener Homes Program in the 2024 budget.

“The impacts of climate change are accelerating, Canadians are struggling with the cost of living, and the Liberals still aren’t on track to meet their emissions target,” said Bachrach. “Given this, it makes no sense to put the brakes on energy efficiency investments like the Greener Homes Program.”

Bachrach continues saying that the Conservatives spread disinformation in Parliament concerning heat pumps.

“Sadly, by parroting old tropes about heat pumps not working in northern climates, Conservatives continue to try to undermine energy affordability at every step,” said Bachrach. “We’ll keep working to help Canadians shift to cleaner, more affordable home heating.”

BC hydro says that modern heat pumps can be designed to work in temperatures as cold as -30°C. Heat pumps can reduce your greenhouse gas emission by about two tonnes per year, compared to a gas furnace.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com