How much is the FortisBC rebate for Step Code 4?

FortisBC offers up to $15,000 per dwelling unit for Step 4 homes through the hybrid heat pump pathway under the New Home Program.

How much is the FortisBC rebate for Step Code 5?

FortisBC offers up to $20,000 per dwelling unit for Step 5 homes through the hybrid heat pump pathway under the New Home Program.

Who qualifies for FortisBC Step Code rebates?

Builders of new Part 9 residential homes in FortisBC's service territory who meet the required Step Code level and install qualifying heating systems are eligible. The home must be connected to FortisBC gas service.

Residential heat pump unit installed on the exterior of a modern home, a key component for FortisBC rebate eligibility

FortisBC New Home Program Rebates

Key takeaway: Step 4 homes qualify for up to $15,000 per dwelling unit. Step 5 up to $20,000. Duplexes and triplexes multiply. The hybrid heat pump pathway unlocks the highest tier.

Rebate Amounts

Step Level	Per-Unit Rebate	Depends On
Step 4	Up to $15,000	Mechanical system, climate zone
Step 5	Up to $20,000	Mechanical system, climate zone

Rebates are per dwelling unit. A duplex at Step 5 = up to $40,000 total. A triplex = over $60,000.

Additional rebates on top of whole-home performance:

IDP (Integrated Design Process): Up to $7,000 for consulting fees
Mid-construction blower door test: Covers pre-drywall testing cost
Energy advisor: Supports EA hiring costs

Mechanical System Eligibility

Rebate tiers are tied to your heating system:

Dual-fuel (hybrid): Heat pump + gas furnace. Heat pump handles heating above ~5C, gas furnace below. Paired with electric water heating. Highest rebate tier. Popular in the Okanagan.

All-electric: Heat pump with electric water heating. Available in FortisBC electricity service areas (Penticton, Summerland, Grand Forks).

Gas combination: Gas boiler + heat pump in hydronic configuration. Electric water heating required.

Hydronic radiant floors are NOT eligible. Confirm with FortisBC before proceeding.

How to Apply

Hire a program-qualified energy advisor before construction
Build to Step 4 or 5 with eligible mechanical system
Complete the as-built evaluation including final blower door test
Submit through FortisBC’s portal: Declaration form, as-built compliance report, EnerGuide N report, HVAC commissioning sheet, load calculations

Deadline: Within 6 months of completion or program deadline (check FortisBC.com).

Multiplexes: Where Rebates Add Up

The per-unit structure makes multiplexes extremely attractive. On a triplex at Step 5, the combined FortisBC and CleanBC rebates can fully offset the incremental cost of compliance.

Other Rebates to Stack

CleanBC New Construction: Federal and provincial incentives that stack with FortisBC
BC Hydro incentives: For homes in BC Hydro service areas
Municipal incentives: Kelowna offers $325 for mid-construction testing (max 3 per builder)

On a Step 5 home, $25,000+ in combined rebates is realistic.

The Airtightness Connection

You cannot access Step 4 or 5 rebates without meeting airtightness requirements. If your blower door test comes back at 1.8 ACH50 instead of 1.5, you drop to Step 3 rebates. The difference between 1.5 and 1.8 ACH50 can be worth $15,000 in lost rebates on a single home.

This is why investing in reliable air sealing is a financial decision, not just a construction quality decision. Use our rebate calculator to estimate your numbers.