I’m building a home with a natural gas appliance (eg. fireplace, cooktop, dryer, etc). Can I participate in the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

If your building permit was issued on or after April 1, 2022:

• You can participate in the heat pump pathway if you install gas appliances. However, you cannot participate in the Energy Step Code pathway, which requires homes to be all electric (i.e. use electric primary and secondary space and water heating systems and appliances). A wood or solid fuel heating system (wood or pellet stove, insert or furnace) may be used for back-up heating.

If your building permit was issued from April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2022:

• Yes, you can still participate in the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program, provided that all eligibility requirements are met. However, you will not be eligible for the All-Electric Bonus if you install gas appliances. This optional rebate is only available to builders who construct a home with no fossil fuel (e.g. natural gas, propane, oil) connection or use whatsoever.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.