Rural residents in the East Kootenay looking to introduce more energy efficient heating systems in their homes may be eligible for a rebate through a new program being offered by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

“The RDEK has been working to minimize the local impacts of climate change, to be leaders in energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, and to increase local workforce capacity for a low carbon transition,” explains RDEK Community Energy Manager Megan Lohmann. “To build on this commitment and provide support for existing homes, the RDEK has launched the Electoral Area Heat Pump Rebate Program, which will provide an incentive for homeowners in the electoral areas to switch from fuel-based heating to electric air source heat pumps.”

Twenty $750 rebates are available for heat pump retrofits completed through a participating contractor. This rebate is in addition to current Federal and Provincial rebates available for heat pump retrofits.

“It is important to note that this program is open to eligible residents in the RDEK’s Electoral Areas and does not apply to municipal residents. Anyone living in a municipality should reach out to their municipality to inquire about what kinds of programs may be available to them,” adds Lohmann.

In 2021, the RDEK committed to adopting the BC Energy Step Code and requires a level of energy efficiency in new construction above and beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code. To support homeowners and builders in meeting the Energy Step Code requirements, incentives are also available to hire an energy advisor and perform a mid-construction blower door test.

To learn more about the Heat Pump Rebate Program and RDEK Step Code requirements, please visit www.rdek.bc.ca and search “Step Code.”