The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) top-up incentive for the Oil to Heat Pump Incentive Program will now be available to all homeowners in the CVRD, including Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and electoral areas.

鈥淗omeowners in the Comox Valley Regional District have the opportunity to make their homes more comfortable, save money on heating bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,鈥� said Vince Van Tongeren, policy and sustainability analyst for the CVRD. 鈥淢aking the top-up incentive accessible for all CVRD homeowners will help eliminate the risk of oil tank spills, and encourage healthier and more sustainable communities.鈥�

The Oil to Heat Pump Program from the Province of BC provides rebates of up to $1,700 for upgrading from oil heating to an air source heat pump. In addition, the CVRD has a limited number of $400 top-up incentives for Comox Valley homeowners who qualify and complete the Oil to Heat Pump Program, for a total rebate of up to $2,100. Previously, these top-ups were only available for rural areas (Electoral Area A, B or C), but now the CVRD has extended the offer to all CVRD homeowners.

A typical heat pump upgrade will provide savings of 40 to 75 per cent on heating bills each year. Air source heat pumps can provide homeowners with affordable heating and cooling all year round and increase the comfort of their homes. Upgrading to a heat pump can dramatically shrink a home鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the risks of an oil tank spill. Participating homeowners will also have access to additional rebates for other energy saving upgrades offered by BC Hydro鈥檚 Home Renovation Rebate Program.

The Oil to Heat Pump incentives and CVRD top-up rebates will be available until March 31, 2018. To learn more about the Oil to Heat Pump incentives and to register, visit: www.oiltoheatpump.ca