New intake for popular Retrofit Assist program
By City of Rossland
As demand and interest grows for more comfortable and efficient homes, Rossland opens a third intake of the popular Retrofit Assist program.
Retrofit Assist is open again to provide free support to homeowners so they can access rebates and make smart choices about which upgrades will make their home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Since 2022, over 100 Rossland residents have applied to access Retrofit Assist’s free expert one-on-one support.
Homeowners have added insulation and sealed leaks so the air they pay to heat doesn’t escape, they’ve installed heat pumps so their heating is more efficient and they get air conditioning in the summer, and they’ve undertaken bigger upgrades like replacing windows and doors and installing solar panels. In each case, homeowners have received customized guidance from the Retrofit Assist team so they can confidently prioritize the energy upgrades that make the most sense for them, and ensure they are ready to access rebates and incentives.
Now, almost two years since the program started accepting applications from Rossland residents, interest in the program has never been higher – in 2023, the program reached capacity in just a few months.
Rossland residents can now access additional financial assistance for upgrades through updated rebates:
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FortisBC Dual Fuel Heat Pump Rebate: Homeowners can receive up to $10,000 towards the cost of a dual fuel heating upgrade comprised of a NEW high efficiency gas furnace and heat pump.
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CleanBC Energy Savings Program: This program is a replacement for the former Income Qualified Program. While still covering building envelope upgrades such as insulation and windows and doors, this means-tested rebate program has been expanded to include a third middle-income tier which focuses on heat pump upgrades. Depending on your household income and primary heat source, you can receive up to $19,500 towards a heat pump installation and up to $5,000 towards an electric service upgrade (if required).
“Retrofit Assist is a program we are proud of. It helps people stay comfortable in their homes all year round and helps them become more energy efficient to boot, in many ways it future-proofs homeowners in Rossland by making sure they are protected against potential energy price increases. It’s also exciting to see how these changes contribute to our collective efforts to reduce GHG emissions,” says Mayor of Rossland, Andy Morel. “The demand is clearly there for a service like this so we are happy to continue its availability to our community. People should register their interest quickly as the previous intakes have filled up fast!”
Since Retrofit Assist includes access to a dedicated, registered Energy Advisor who completes both pre and post retrofit energy assessments, participants can also see the impact of their energy upgrades – on average, homes become 30% more energy efficient. This means heated and cooled air stays inside saving money and making spaces less drafty.
Amanda Evans, Retrofit Assist Program Manager said, “When a homeowner is considering spending $10,000 or more on energy efficiency upgrades, investing in an Energy Advisor is crucial. Their expertise and guidance can help ensure that the energy efficiency upgrades that are chosen, maximizes the value of the money spent, and delivers the best possible results for long-term savings and comfort.”
The unique community-specific model that Retrofit Assist employs also supports local building contractors. The Retrofit Assist team maintains a list of local contractors and provides access to industry experts and training opportunities. The 1-on-1 support with homeowners helps them navigate rebate and loan programs and improves their understanding of their retrofit project. This means skilled contractors can focus on what they do best!
Homeowners who would like to apply to participate in the Retrofit Assist program are encouraged to review program details at retrofitassist.ca. Whether you’ve been planning a home renovation and are ready to incorporate energy improvements into your plans, your furnace is nearing its end of life, or you’ve thought about energy upgrades but didn’t know where to start, Retrofit Assist’s free concierge service can make the process easier. Retrofit Assist is a program administered by the Community Energy Association and is delivered with support from the City of Rossland and Fortis BC.
