Rebates & Incentives
Living in Northern BC? You Get an Extra $3,000 on Top
March 17, 2026 · 4 min read · Red Seal Pro Team
If you live in Northern BC, you already know that heating costs hit harder up here. The good news is that the CleanBC Energy Savings Program gives Northern homeowners an extra bonus on top of the regular heat pump rebate.
It's called the Northern top-up, and it can add up to $3,000 to your total rebate.
What Is the Northern Top-Up?
The Northern top-up is an additional rebate stacked on top of your regular heat pump rebate. It's available because the province recognizes that Northern homes face harsher winters and higher heating costs.
Here's what the top-up looks like:
| Heat pump type | Top-up amount (Level 1 & 2) |
|---|---|
| Central ducted heat pump | $3,000 |
| Multi-split heat pump | $3,000 |
| 2 single-head mini-split heat pumps | $3,000 |
| Air-to-water heat pump | $3,000 |
| Combined space and water heat pump | $3,000 |
| Single-head mini-split heat pump | $1,500 |
The Northern top-up is only available for Level 1 and Level 2 participants. Level 3 does not receive a top-up.
The Numbers Add Up Fast
Here's an example for a gas-heated home in Prince George at Level 1, getting a central ducted heat pump:
- Central ducted heat pump: $16,000
- Northern top-up: $3,000
- Heat pump water heater: $3,500
- Electrical service upgrade: $5,000
- Insulation: $5,500
- Windows and doors: $9,500
- Ventilation: $1,600
- Health and safety: $800
- Total: $44,900
That could cover the full cost of a heat pump installation and then some.
Do I Live in the Northern Zone?
The Northern zone includes all homes located north of and including the District of 100 Mile House, which sits at latitude 51.628°N. You also need to be connected to BC Hydro electric service.
Cities that qualify include: Prince George, Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Williams Lake, Smithers, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, Houston, Fort Nelson, and more.
Cities that do NOT qualify (south of 100 Mile House): Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Cranbrook, Nelson, and similar southern interior cities.
Borderline areas: If you're near the cutoff, check your exact latitude. 100 Mile House itself IS included. Towns just south of it — like Lillooet at latitude 50.7°N — are likely not eligible for the top-up.
Two Requirements to Remember
- Location: Your home must be north of and including the District of 100 Mile House (latitude 51.628°N).
- BC Hydro: Your home must be connected to BC Hydro electric service. Homes on other utilities in the Northern zone should check with the program directly.
Northern BC Also Has Extra Options
One more thing worth knowing: after the province ended non-income-tested heat pump rebates for most of BC in April 2025, the Northern region was excluded from that change. This means some non-income-qualified heat pump rebates may still be available in the North through the CleanBC Better Homes program, even if your income is too high for the ESP program.
If you're in Northern BC and your income is above the ESP limits, it's still worth checking what's available through the CleanBC Better Homes program.
Get Your Rebate Estimate
Northern homeowners often qualify for the highest rebates in the entire program. Visit cleanbc.getredsealpro.com to check your eligibility, or email [email protected]. Share your address and we'll confirm whether you're in the Northern zone and look up your BC Assessment value for you.